Easy Ways To Simplify Your Holiday To-Do List

Trying to get everything done on your holiday list can be tough for even the most organized among us. From decking the halls and buying and wrapping the gifts to cooking and cleaning for guests, it is easy to overlook something or someone on your list.

Before you run around to a million stores, take time to get organized.

*Plan Your Menu: Don’t just add the big items to your shopping list. While no one forgets the ham or turkey, it is easy to overlook essentials like vanilla, nutmeg, flour, butter, chicken stock and spices. You don’t want to run to the store because you have forgotten the cinnamon for the cookies already in the oven.

*Shop Smart: Spend the time to decide what you would like for someone, and stick to that plan. The worst gifts are those that look like they were the thing the gifter saw.

Opt for personalized gifts whenever possible. Personal photos can now be added to traditional items like calendars, journals, stationery and other inexpensive gifts.

*Remember The Extras: Stock up on tape, wrapping paper, batteries, ribbons, bows, greeting cards and even the Thank You cards. Nothing is worse than remembering the gifts but forgetting the batteries or not having enough wrapping paper to finish wrapping them.

*Fishing Touches: Have gifts sent to your home and wrap them with festive paper.

Buy one style of paper and coordinating ribbon in bolk for a signature, yet affordable look. Remember the gift tags, so you can tag each gift as it is wrapped.

A little planning ready does go a long way. The faster you get through the errands, the sooner you can celebrate.