Get Organized for Thanksgiving Today!
Kim Wolinski, MSW
"Dr. DeClutter" www.drdeclutter.com
Are you ready yet?
It's right around the corner. If you're not at least half-prepared, you probably should be wholey-scared!
What does Thanksgiving mean to you? It's meant to be a time of remembrance, warmth, peace, family and thanks, not a holiday of stress and chaos. I want to help you out this year and offer you a plate of easy ways to stay organized for a more enjoyable, less-stressed Thanksgiving Day.
PREPARE FOR EVERYTHING
Get lists, to do's and to done's going now, not at the last minute. Do yourself a great service, make a list of the things you want to do to make the day a special one and reference your list so you don't forget them.
TRAVEL
If you're traveling in the next week or so and haven't been making your list and checking it six times, catch up now! PREPARE. 1) Make your travel plans; 2) make your packing list. Keep it close and check items off as you're putting them into your luggage. Big tip here... take this list with you and use it to repack when you're ready to return home. And, unless you love spending a lot of time in airports, on the road, in line, etc. it's helpful to travel a few days before Thanksgiving and return a few days after the Thanksgiving rush. Recheck all schedules and tickets before leaving home.
NIX PERFECTIONISM AND STARRY EYED IDEALISM
One option... leave cooking and cleaning behind! You heard me... let go. Here's the bottom-line: 1) Busy? Kids gone? Too many this year? Tired? Not-well? (as opposed to sick!) Tired of doing it all and getting no help? Instead of making the whole turkey, ham or other dinner, and making yourself nuts, make reservations instead. That's right, let go of have to's and shoulds and go out for Thanksgiving dinner. Come back to the house for a great pumpkin pie and fun desserts, coffee and hot chocolate. Keep it simple and fun. Or, order in. You can get the whole deal from a lot of restaurants and grocery stores now, including organic grocery stores!
ANYONE FOR TURKEY?
Okay, you're going to do it. If you already have your turkey, it's in the freezer waiting. If not, determine how much room you have in your freezer and refrigerator, and how many people you will be serving. Now, order your turkey. Not enough freezer room? Ask a neighbor or relative who has the storage space to help you out. Don't wait to the last minute to defrost that bird! And, rather than defrosting a frozen turkey in water on the big day, defrost it a few days ahead in your refrigerator instead. This saves tons of time and stress.
MARTHA STEWART INVITATIONS READY?
Don't stress yourself over perfectly appointed and hand-made invitations. Pick up the phone and call! You also get the RSVP almost immediately, and don't have to call them anyway when you did send the invitations and they still haven't sent the confirmation back or called!
CHECK YOUR SUPPLIES AND INVENTORY
Get out your guest list, count and check your supply of chairs, tables, dishes, glasses, pots, pans, serving plates and utensils. Not enough? Call ahead to buy, rent or borrow anything you don't have.
PLAN YOUR MEAL
Paper and pencil out -- plan your meal from appetizers to dessert in writing first. Make a list of all ingredients and items needed. Go shopping with your list checking items off as you put them in your cart.
GET AHEAD: COOK AHEAD, BAKE AND CREATE AHEAD
This is not your grandmother's Thanksgiving! Don't get stuck in the kitchen on Thanksgiving while family and friends are playing and having fun without you... again. Think freezer. They're a good thing! Make any meals that you can well ahead of time, and freeze them. When needed just defrost, heat and serve.
THE NIGHT BEFORE THANKSGIVING... AND ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE...
There are things you can do the night before Thanksgiving to set yourself up for a less-stressed event. Set the table. Get the good silverware out of storage. Lay out your wardrobe--and your kids' wardrobes. Check your list. You're going to love yourself for this!
WHAT DO YOU WANT THIS HOLIDAY TO BE?
I started off this article with... What does Thanksgiving mean to you? It's meant to be a time of remembrance, warmth, peace, family and thanks, not a holiday of stress and chaos.
Before dinner and football... how do you and your family share thanks and gratitude? Whether it's a family tradition, ritual or surprise, some people prefer to stop and say "grace." Others prefer to simply have a moment of silence. Still others like to make time to read a Thanksgiving Story or a poem. Again, ask for input and make a list of what you and others would like from this special day and make sure to share it. It's a great way to create, continue and instill a wonderful family tradition.
READY FOR NEXT YEAR!
Too early? What this means is to take the time after Thanksgiving to go back over your prepared lists and plans and see what you can alter for next year that will make it even easier, better and more stress-free for YOU! The sooner you do this the better off you'll be year after year.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Kim
©2004 Kim Wolinski, MSW “Dr. DeClutter”Stress, Change and Organizational Skills Expert
It's NEVER too early, or late, to stop another stressful holiday season from stressing you out! My 43-page content packed and idea-rich ebook, Keep the Holidays Simple will give you the permission and plans to make the changes that will help you stay centered, honor your needs and enjoy everyone, no matter what! Order and/or read more at http://www.redecisionsinstitute.com/id19.html
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posted by Kim Wolinski, MSW -- "Dr. DeClutter" @ 3:39 PM
