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Cleaning Up Those Last Minute Odds And Ends

Christmas

We are in the last days before Christmas and soon the house will be full of family and friends and we still have cards lying on the desk, wrapping paper shoved in the corner, ribbon pieces all over the floor and the ham and turkey are in the fridge waiting to be cooked. Right now, it looks as though Christmas is going to have to be rescheduled to a date sometime next week, because there isn't anyway that you are going to make it happen in only three short days.

It makes a person wonder, with all of the lists that you made all of the planning that you did; how did things get so out of control, so fast! If you are anything like me, it really isn't too hard to do. There are so many extra's to take care of at this time of year that it is hard to keep up. However, even this can be organized properly and your house will look fresh and clean, in about an hour to get everything under control and the food will be ready for heating and serving on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Just how is this going to be accomplished? Easy, go back to your little checklist and you can, get organized and your home will be clutter free in no time.

Checklist for last minute clean-up, clutter removal and meal preparation;

Christmas Cards
Put the remaining Christmas cards in a shoe box and put with your crafts or in the kids box (to send 'thank you' cards with.
If the envelopes aren't going to be used, add them to your envelope storage area to use later.

Ribbons, bows and wrapping paper
Although you will want to keep these handy for last minute retrieval, you don't want these out in the open. If you don't have a wrapping paper organizer already, you may want to purchase on at this time. The upright type works best for me. A matter of fact, I have two of them; one for Christmas wrapping and bows and one for during the year for Birthday, Anniversary etc.
Put the bows in the top part of the container and include your present tags in this area.
Add your wrapping paper and the left over bags to the bottom part.

Cooking the Turkey and Ham
An organized person always plan's ahead and so meal preparation is added to this category. Very seldom do we put a whole turkey and ham on the table and cut the meat and serve it at the table. So, why not make it easy on yourself; and cook and carve your meats ahead of time. This way, there isn't anymore work than to put the meat in a Nesco or slow cooker, heat and put on platters at the time the guests arrive. This will save you time by not having to wait until the last minute to wash the pans, cut the meat and take the bones out of it, another mess in your oven and extra fuss when preparing the rest of the meal.
Jan Hayner has tips and hints on cleaning, organizing and clutter control on her website Organizing Your Life THE EASY WAY She looks for ways for you to work smarter-not harder and gives you checklists and guides to help you. Get her new booklet '101 Home Hints'.



By: Jan Hayner

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