3 Tips for Tackling the Chaos of Christmas
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Gallo Family Vineyards for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
3 Tips for Tackling the Chaos of Christmas
The holidays are filled with joy, wonder and let’s face it: craziness! Here are some tips for tackling the chaos of Christmas.
I love the holidays. I literally look forward to it all year. As soon as Thanksgiving is over and that full tummy glow has worn off, I start thinking about Christmas. Ok, I actually start worrying about Christmas and how I’m going to get everything done before December 25th! No matter how much you make “your lists” and check them twice (and by list I mean decorating, baking, gift buying) it seems like life always throws you a curveball and you have to roll with it. Here are my tips.
3 Tips for Tackling the Chaos of Christmas
1. Make Cooking Baking Simple: Every year, I dig out a traditional sugar cookie baking recipe which is a family favorite. Then I stress out and drive myself nuts making dozens of cookies. Last year on Christmas Eve, I tore my kitchen upside down looking for that treasured recipe so I could bring cookies to our family get together at my parent’s home. I found that darn recipe but there was an issue– the dough had to chill overnight. Doh!
I started imaging disappointed family members asking me where the Christmas cookies were. Then I remembered a magical invention called refrigerated cookie dough– available in my grocery store. Phew!
I easily made a few dozen batches with the pre-made cookie dough. And you know what? No one even noticed the difference. I don’t know what that says about my recipe but the good news was, it was not a big deal! This year I am going to give myself a break again and just plan on using that “store bought” dough.
By the way, if you haven’t had dinner and those cookies smell TOO GOOD coming out of the oven, it’s OK to eat them for dinner.
2. Don’t Spend a Ton of Time on Decorating: In the past, I have put myself in “crazy zone” trying to decorate my home for the holidays. In additional to the tree and ornaments, there is a mantle, bathroom, shelves, kitchen counters and more to decorate. But when you stop to think about it– does the number of decorations you have up make your Christmas better? Nope. It’s the people you spend the holidays with and the memories you make together that are special.
Make it easy on yourself! Shop your home for large glass containers. Then find that box of ornaments that you have (we all have one)! Fill the glass containers up with the lights and voila, instant festive holiday decor.
3. Give them a Gift They Actually Want: Do you run around to the mall, big box stores and boutiques, trying to score that perfect gift? Cut yourself some slack and ditch the gifts for gift cards. That way you’ll save yourself hours of time and stress AND still give family and friends something that they’ll love and enjoy.
There are so many options from clothing stores to electronics, restaurants, even malls sometimes offer gift cards you can buy and give. Everyone wins!
Enjoy the Holidays
This holiday season keep your sanity and when things go wrong, take a deep breath, pour yourself a glass of Gallo Family Vineyard Wines Chardonnay, and toast Christmas and it’s true meaning. Here’s where to buy these delicious wines. And don’t forgot to follow Gallo Family Vineyards Facebook!
