It’s the most wonderful time of the year, isn’t it? That’s what the song says, but often it’s just too easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are 10 tips (including a few products) to help keep your holidays frazzle-free, whether you’re celebrating at home or on the go.
- Make a list. Write down what you need to get done, whether it’s for a trip or a party. Everyone is more excited this time of year—which could make for more distractions.
- Check it twice. Determine what you can do in advance (like baking) and what you can ask others to help you with. Don’t try to do it all yourself!
- Make it tasty. Planning a party at home? Try flavorful, healthy recipes. Make your own bubbly drinks with recipes from The Artisan Soda Workshop ($15, www.andrealynnfoodwriter.com) or make a dish with seasonal ingredients from Cooking Season by Season ($35, www.dk.com).
- Don’t ditch the diet. If you know you’re going to indulge at dinner, try to eat lighter at lunch. Be sure to drink plenty of water to prevent energy slumps. Make it more interesting with the Aqua Zinger ($16 www.zinganything.com) to make your own naturally-flavored water.
- Stay on budget. Enlist the kids to help you deck the halls with homemade decorations like cut-out snowflakes and colorful paper chains.
- Pack smart. If you’re traveling, pack shampoo and other toiletries in Brincatti bottles ($10, www.brincatti.com), which are easy to refill and clean out when you’re done. If you travel with toddlers, bring the Travel-Tot Kit ($35, www.travel-tot.com) to child-proof your destinations.
- Reach out. Share what you have and teach your children the importance of giving by donating time or gifts to families or charities in need. Find ideas at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/giving-back.
- Streamline your routine. Cut down on your primping time with double-duty products like Stila Convertible Color ($25, www.beautybrands.com), a compact for lips and cheeks.
- Take a time out. Decompress a little and focus on self-improvement with a book like Fit Soul, Fit Body ($15, www.benbellabooks.com), which may also help you to get a jump on your healthy resolutions for 2013.
- Make memories. Start traditions that focus on time together. Pile in the car in your pajamas to see the lights, frost cookies together or make ornaments for friends.