Time-Saving Tips for the Holidays

If you’re not already impressed, read that sentence again. You should be! A working mom and wife with six kids, I have devised a real plan to avoid all heck breaking loose (again) this year. Seriously, some years have been more successful than others, but with six kids, I’ve got time and space to improve my methods (sorry, Daniella, my first-born, test-child).

Make a list and check it twice! With lots to do, many to buy for and regular life to do, you need to keep track with a list that you actually bring with you and refer to while doing your errands. Being so busy, include your regular to-do items and special add-ons for this month. Do this first thing in the morning or the night before while watching tv.

Make a plan, Stan. You’ve made your awesome list, but you are nothing without a plan. Make a round-trip run once (or twice) weekly to avoid running back and forth backtracking all over town every day, wasting gas and time. If parts of your errands are time-dependent, check the clock, plan accordingly and stick to your plan. Leave a little wiggle-time for traffic so you can be home in time for the bus.

Check the calendar. Time is running short with just under two weeks until the big day. The last thing you need is a surprise monkey wrench, like an unexpected or forgotten appointment or work-related event to interfere with your already busy schedule. It is okay to say no to some invitations too, rather than overwhelm yourself with parties and events. Pick and choose, if possible, for maximum enjoyment (and think of the kids).

Get help! Take help where you can get it, or pay for it. Live-in help is one of the best ways to save yourself time. He or she can help manage the kids when you can’t, jump in at the odd times you need, get them to do chores and homework. Regulated programs like the Au Pair Program provide cultural exchange and childcare for all your kids, no matter their ages, for one price!

Delegate, delegate, delegate. If that doesn’t work, or nobody volunteers to help, do what I do; tell your family they’ve been volun-told! Your kids are just waiting to help, chomping at the bit actually. Remind them that the holidays are coming and Santa is watching, or just threaten to get them nothing unless they chip in and help. Many hands make light work, according to my mother-in-law, so if everyone chips in, you’ll be enjoying yourselves sooner than later.

You need your time. You need your sanity. Take a breath and as my sister-in-law says, “Get ‘er done!” There is much to do and not nearly enough time. Remember, you can’t do it all. It’s not even that fun to do it all. Make sure to schedule in some RELAX time or ADULT fun after the kids go to bed or when they’ve got other plans. What are you waiting for? Time is ticking, get going and enjoy this holiday season as much as me!