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" Between preparations and entertaining, the holidays can get crazy. Keep things merry, not manic, with these stress-relieving, time-saving tips and tricks.   1. Get a head start. Anything you can do before the season kicks in will save you time later. Getting linens ironed and silver polished early eliminates one step of prep for formal dinner parties later on. Keep bread and cookie dough or heat-and-serve hors d&amp;#039;oeuvres in the freezer to make impromptu gatherings a breeze.   2. Set a budget. Deciding how much you will spend up front can free you up to be indulgent, creative and inventive. If your budget is tight, maybe this is the year to shorten your list so you can spend more on close family and friends. Doing so will save you time as well as money.   3. Simplify. Try a tabletop tree or place seasonal greens in a pretty pitcher instead of using a floor-to-ceiling pine, especially if you spend Christmas Day elsewhere. Instead of elaborate outdoor decorations, tie a big red bow on the front door. Hang a single silver ball in each window.   4. Stay home. Don&amp;#039;t get overwhelmed with social obligations. Decide early which events to attend and which ones to decline.   5. Be efficient. Ask about free gift wrapping when you make purchases. If the store doesn&amp;#039;t offer it, wrap presents as soon as you get them home to avoid a huge last minute project. Or shop online: Most Internet retailers offer gift wrap\u2014and it saves you trips to the post office.   6. Set deadlines. Create a timeline for holiday tasks and preparations so you don&amp;#039;t have to do everything at once: Pick a weekend for outdoor decorating; trim indoors the next. Use the calendar option on your computer for regular reminders, and follow a similar timetable each year.   7. Use shorthand. Send cards with a preprinted message to save time, but handwrite signatures for a personal touch. Or use postcards: There&amp;#039;s less room for long messages, and you&amp;#039;ll save money on postage, too.   8. Hire help. Spring for a cleaning service to tackle your main rooms. You can use the time saved for other holiday tasks. If you can&amp;#039;t afford the splurge, focus your efforts on the rooms company sees: the foyer, living room and dining room.   9. Reinvent tradition. Stay at home for the holidays and visit family and friends at another, less hectic time of year. Or escape the stress of the season and let someone else handle the details: Celebrate with extended family at an inn or resort. Eat out on Christmas Eve and end the evening with cookies under the tree to give yourself a break before the big day.   10. Accept help. Delegate chores like silver polishing and vacuuming to teens. Ask guests to bring side dishes for a buffet dinner. Trade errands with neighbors.   11. Create a signature drink. Fewer beverage options equal less work when entertaining. Offer beer, wine and a festive punch rather than a full bar.   12. Give in to charitable impulses. Honor loved ones with donations to their favorite charities rather than by buying presents. The amount given isn&amp;#039;t as important as the thought behind the gift.   13. Take care of yourself. Give yourself a holiday from the holiday with a manicure, pedicure or massage.   14. Make lists. Even Santa does it. A list keeps you on track, and there&amp;#039;s immense pleasure in crossing things off.   15. Make a resolution. To make next year&amp;#039;s holidays the most stress-free ever, take notes on what worked this year (and what didn&amp;#039;t). Save successful menus and easy recipes, and keep lists of cards sent and received, as well as gifts given and received.   16. Start a tradition. Designate one night a week during the holidays as family time. Read special holiday books to children, serve hot chocolate in front of a fireplace or watch a holiday classic together. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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