Home organization 101: Holiday list making

10 time savers
1 Job share
Enlist help from loved ones; share every task, from the gift list to household chores. Hire household help, if you can.

2 Be prepared
After Halloween, buy and wrap some generic gifts -- ornaments, chocolate, wine, candles, fancy soap (use Post-it Notes to identify) -- for when someone unexpectedly drops by with a present or you're rushing to an engagement.

3 Kitchen's closed
Cook double quantities of dinners once a week in November and freeze half. You'll have four frozen dinners for December.

4 Shop smart
If you can, go early midweek -- there will be fewer lineups and better parking.

5 On time & online
Whenever possible, buy items through company websites.

6 Shop less
Cut back on gifts -- there are other ways to show love and affection. A heartfelt letter with a small token can be just as meaningful.

7 Group effort
Have a decorate-the-house party. Put on music and serve yummy food.

8 Dream teen
Know a teen who needs to make some money? Pay them to help you bake, or babysit while you shop or wrap presents.

9 Gifts that give twice
Instead of presents, make a donation to charity on behalf of like-minded friends and family.

10 Going places
Have directions ready and try to avoid any rush-hour driving.

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