Six Holiday Time Savers

Always feeling rushed during the holidays? Open up more hours in your day by using these six time savers. They'll help you cut out the junk that slows you down between October and January.

1- Purchase online.
Forget about running to the mall for all of your Christmas gifts. Rest your legs and shop online. You can order almost anything on the Internet these days without getting out of your easy chair.

2- Use gift-wrapping.
Are you all thumbs in regards to gift-wrapping? Don't frustrate yourself the night before St. Nick arrives by trying to cover several boxes with colorful paper. Use the services of a gift wrapper. You will find this holiday time saver at the back of most stores.

3- Let your relatives help.
Subdue the control freak in you and gain valuable time by allowing your relatives to help cook holiday meals. You can still host the event at your house, but with a lot less pressure. Only tackle the part of the dinner that's most important to you like the turkey. Allow your other family members handle the sides and beverages. Then, ask a few them to help you clean up, so you don't stay up all night scrubbing your kitchen.

4- Shop during off hours.
Avoid going to the mall or Albertson's at noon on a Saturday. All you'll end up doing is stand in long lines with a bunch of weary people. Patronize the stores you enjoy during off hours. This holiday time saver will get you in-and-out without a lot of fuss. You may have to get out of bed earlier than you're used to, but the ease you feel while walking around in an almost empty spot will be worth your sacrifice.

5- Share duties with a friend.
Be smart and share some of your holiday duties with a friend. If this person has to run to Safeway to pick up groceries, give him your list. In exchange, you get this person's Christmas tree and dry-cleaning. By sharing duties, you'll cut out a few of your chores and gain some much needed rest and relaxation.

6- Cut back on your activities.
You don't have to see every Thanksgiving play at your church or attend all of your relative's parties. Cut back on a few of your holiday festivities. The time you save will help you appreciate the end of the year better and be less stressed out.

Use the prior six tips and get through the holiday season without feeling frazzled. You owe it to yourself to at least have one year without a lot of hustle and bustle in the name of a big turkey and suited up man.