Essential Christmas hacks to save time and stress

Essential Christmas Hacks to Save Time and Stress

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William Sanders resident Suellen loves Christmas and the joy of having family close by. To make the holiday season easier, she shares her favourite tips and hacks. From decorating with lights and faux snow to prepping meals ahead of time and using reusable gift bags, Suellen’s ideas help bring festive cheer without the stress. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly options or simple ways to enhance your celebrations, these tips will make your Christmas brighter and more enjoyable.

Keep your tree fresh
Love the look of a real tree but not sure how to keep it from wilting? To keep your Christmas tree fresh– consider cutting the tree’s base again when you bring it home, to improve water uptake. Keep it in a stand with plenty of water, topping up daily. Avoid placing it near heat pumps, heaters or direct sunlight, as these dry it out faster.
Organise Secret Santa for gift-giving
When you’ve got a big family, gift-giving can quickly get overwhelming - that’s where Suellen’s idea of a Secret Santa comes in handy. Instead of buying for everyone, her family picks one person to shop for, keeping things simple and stress-free. They set a budget that’s affordable for everyone but still enables thoughtful gift giving. It’s a fun way to make gift exchanges meaningful without the pressure of finding something for the whole family.
Hang your Christmas tree lights vertically
If you’re stuck for ideas on decorating the Christmas tree, consider hanging your lights vertically for a stylish and efficient way to decorate your tree. Begin at the top, draping lights downward in straight rows, spacing them evenly around the tree. Tuck the strands slightly into the branches for depth and a warm glow. This technique uses fewer lights than wrapping horizontally, saving time and effort. Plus, it makes removing the lights after the holidays is much easier, making it a practical and elegant solution for your tree décor.

@_kateharley
Christmas Tree Hack #lifehack #christmas #christmashack #tree
♬ original sound - Kate Harley

Prep food ahead of time
Consider prepping your vegetables, sauces, and other condiments a day before to ease your cooking load on Christmas day. Chop veggies, and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Make gravy, cranberry sauce, or salad dressings ahead of time too! Pre-cook ingredients like bacon or sautéed mushrooms for easy additions to dishes. Preparing these items in advance helps reduce stress, saves time, and ensures that you can focus on the main dishes when the big day arrives. You can also use a slow cooker to cook some of the meat to save time on the day and pull it straight out and onto the plates.
Wrap presents in reusable gift bags
If mountains of leftover wrapping paper gives you the shudders, reusable gift bags could be the way for you to go! They come in various sizes, colours, and festive designs, making them perfect for any occasion. Simply fill the bag with your gift, add a ribbon or gift tag, and you're done. After Christmas, the recipient can reuse the bag for storage, gifting, or even repurpose it for future events. This eco-friendly option saves time and reduces waste, helping you celebrate the holidays while being mindful of the environment. Suellen also recommends using the same styled bags for all the decorations with the same ribbons for a more put-together look.
Use talcum powder or flour for snow
Talcum powder can be used as a creative and cost-effective way to mimic snow for holiday decorations. Lightly sprinkle it on tree branches, windowsills, or table centrepieces to create a frosty, wintery effect. For added realism, mix it with a bit of glitter for a shimmering touch. Just be cautious not to use too much, as it can create a mess, and keep it away from areas that could be accidentally touched or inhaled.
String Christmas lights on the inside of your windows
For more Christmas cheer you could string Christmas lights around your windows on the inside to create a cosy, festive glow that’s visible both indoors and outdoors. Use clear hooks or adhesive clips to secure the lights neatly along the frame without causing damage. This simple touch makes your home feel really cosy, and the neighbours will (hopefully) love it too!

@lovelivedream82
Skip the ladder and chill this Christmas! Hang your lights indoors for a cozy vibe that brings the holiday magic home. Use Velcro command strips for easy setup and get that festive glow without the cold hassle! Have you tried this hack yet? It’s my third year posting it but it’s too good not to share! ✨🎄 #christmasdecor #homedecor #holidaydecor #christmaslights #festivedecor #seasonaldecor #cozyhome #merryandbright #decoratewithlove #deckthehalls #happyholidays #xmasvibes #tistheseason #joyfuldecor #christmasiscoming #sparkleandshine #wintervibes #treedecor #ornamentsgalore #holidaycheer #christmasmagic #decemberdecor #traditionaldecor #modernchristmas #scandichristmas #rusticvibes #welovechristmas #itsthemostwonderfultime #holidayhome #holidayseason Credit 🎥 @carcabaroad
♬ original sound - Lovelivedream
Replace the big Christmas Tree with lots of smaller ones!
Instead of one big tree, consider decorating with lots of smaller ones. Scatter a mix of mini Christmas trees around your home - in the hallway, on a mantelpiece, or even on your dining table. It’s an easy way to spread festive cheer to every corner without the hassle of setting up a giant tree. Plus, smaller trees let you play with different themes or colour schemes, adding a creative twist to your holiday décor.
Cookies on demand
Hungry kids always asking for snacks? Save your sanity with this hack: prep cookie dough in advance, freeze it in scooped portions, and bake fresh cookies on demand. No mess, no fuss—and no sneaky hands in the cookie jar! 🍪