Since we are working almost 150 hours a year more than we did during the 1970’s, time is perhaps our most valuable commodity. And during this time of the year it seems there is even more we would like to be able to do. The extra activities of the holidays need not be stressful.

“Use your calendar, or palm pilot, to schedule your holiday events”, states Chris McKenry. The Los Angeles professional organizer goes on to say… “By incorporating all holiday activities with your regular schedule you will not have an excuse to over-commit yourself. Once you've recorded the information from invitations, discard them.”

You like the idea of entertaining, but feel overwhelmed? A little organizing in the kitchen will help you not only enjoy your guests, but also enjoy your time in the kitchen. Share the chores of preparing meals with family and friends. This is the perfect time to start teaching children the basics of cooking. More importantly, instill in them at an early age organizing skills by letting them help with the clean up and with putting things away.

Keep your pantry stocked and well organized. All baking items such as flour, sugar and spices should be kept in the same area. Use air tight modular containers to help keep foods fresh and bugs out. Keep all like items together in a convenient place in the kitchen. Pots, pans, and bake ware should be close to the oven and stove.

If you do not cook, plan your party with take-out foods from your favorite restaurant. By transferring the items ahead of time into your own china and serving pieces, no one will ever know that you were not working all day.

Set up a gift center in your home for year round use. Wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, tape, scissors, name tags and cards should be kept together. Containers are available for closet storage or just make use of an extra drawer.

For putting away your decorations, use the leftover rolls from your wrapping paper to wrap your tree lights. For small fragile ornaments, make use of your egg cartons. Never use newspaper to wrap decorations. The ink can transfer onto your ornaments permanently! Instead, use acid-free tissue paper. It costs an estimated $10 per square foot just to store our stuff at home so as you put decorations away, notice what you did not use this year and decide if it is worth keeping.

As with any thing, do not allow yourself become overwhelmed. Plan what is reasonable and resolve to keep clutter out of your life for the New Year.