But before I dive into this month’s blog, I have to address
those who read my post last month and are expecting Part II on chronic
disorganization (CD): with the last shopping weekend before Christmas less than
24 hours away, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to point out some of the things
we should be prepared for in the days ahead.
Part II on CD will follow next month.
So, this is the last weekend that those celebrating
Christmas will be able to swarm to the malls. While you may be motivated to
brave the crowds to ensure you’ve got the perfect gift for everyone on your
list, I can’t pass up the opportunity to draw your attention to a few minor
details that may make the following week a bit easier on you.
Holiday meal planning. If you’re planning a big meal, you’ve likely
covered all the key components. Remember some of the less-significant parts of entertaining
as well. Do you have all the condiments you need? Napkins? Butter? Chairs?
Storage containers (so you can offer care packages of leftovers to some of your
guests)?
Regular meal planning. With the excitement of party-going, road
trips and making merry, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that you will occasionally
be home. When you are, you might not
have the time or desire to prepare a full meal. Package and freeze any leftovers.
They’ll come in handy at this hectic
time of year, when chaos subsides and you suddenly find yourself needing to feed
yourself and your family.
Frozen veggies. Even if this is not something you regularly buy,
it doesn’t hurt to have some on hand now.
As I said above, you just don’t know when you’ll find yourself at home.
Instead of stocking up on fresh produce that can spoil while you’re out socializing,
why not rely on the frozen variety that offers the benefit of an almost
indefinite shelf life and the easiest prep imaginable.
What happens behind closed doors. Get your mind out of the
gutter! I’m referring to your daily “personal
grooming”. When you’re getting ready to head out to that family dinner at 3
p.m. on December 24, you don’t want to discover that you’ve run out of shampoo,
toilet paper, deodorant, or anything of the sort.
Dry cleaning. Be aware of closures. Dry cleaning businesses are
often family-run. They will often close
for an extended period of time between Christmas and the new year. If there is
something you need to wear over the holiday season, be sure that you’ll be able
to get hold of it well in advance of when it’s needed.
Tis the season to get sick. While this is a time to focus on
joy and merriment, the reality is, a lot of people get sick over the holiday
season. It could be a flu, cough, or
mild cold. Check your over-the-counter meds to ensure you have everything you
need – just in case. Also, try to have clear liquids on hand, such as broth and
juice.
Prescriptions. If you or
a loved-one take daily medication, check the quantity currently on hand. There’s still time to get refills before the
drug stores go to reduced hours and you hit the party circuit.
Tape. Despite your best efforts, you still may end up wrapping
gifts on Christmas Eve. Make sure you’ve
got enough tape on hand. Nothing is
worse than settling down at 10 p.m. to wrap your gifts and realize there’s no
way to get the job done.
Hopefully these tips will save you some frustration over the
holidays. Wishing you all a Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year.
