Mary Dykstra’s quick top 10 list for being organized for the holidays …..

1) The value of gift giving – the perfect fit in most cases? Gift cards & services. If you give items, ask what they want to maximize the value to the recipient vs. giving gifts that will end up in the donation box. I see & hear the horror stories from my clients all the time.

2) It helps to have an extra gift or 2 wrapped for the unexpected guest.

3) Holiday meals – ask for help in food prep & keep it simple – remember, the season is not about the stuff – it’s about the relationships.

4) Plan your holiday meals in advance so you can be prepared. Next, set up your pantry for success – purge old outdated foods, assess what ingredients and supplies you will need for holiday meals so you aren’t running to the store on Christmas Eve.

5) Plan for ‘lite’ snacks for hungry bodies when you will not be eating at the prescribed time – fresh fruit, raw veggie tray, crackers & cheese (keep sugar content low until dessert!)

6) Tell the chronically late guests an earlier start time so you can actually eat together.

7) If you are opening your home to small children, make sure it is safe for them to wander & make sure all chemicals and medicines are out of reach.

Don’t forget to plan a cleared space for coats & boots when your guests arrive! Work on that coat closet (great time to make a bag of donations for outdated things!)

9) Create some great memories this season – Pull out the boxes of photographs & childhood memorabilia – family sharing. It’s a great time to come around the table or tree and pull out all those pictures. Purge the fuzzy ones & create albums for members to take home with them. This creates (for most families) warm shared time and builds lasting memories.

10) Get your tax credit & help others: Donations for year end, New Year’s resolutions and tax relief – it’s a great time to purge & get a tax deduction (use Itsdeductible by TurboTax (the donation software is free to use).