11 Holiday Shortcuts – Tips from a DMV Personal Assistant

Sure, you may love the holidays, but are you someone who dislikes wrapping presents, dreads stringing lights, and cringes at the thought of crowded malls? Rest assured, there are ways to make life easier during those weeks leading up to Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve. Potomac Concierge’s staff of personal assistants have assembled some of their favorite holiday shortcuts to make this season brighter.

1. Give Experiences

There’s no need to brave the cold and fight your way through over-crowded shopping malls looking for presents. Give experiences and special moments like acting lessons, cooking classes, weekend getaways, or a day at the spa for an overworked mom.

2. Use Gift Bags

If you choose to buy tangible gifts, there’s no need to spend hours wrapping and dealing with ribbons. Use gift bags or opt in to the gift-wrapping services offered at many stores.

3. Avoid Post Office Line-Ups

There is very little you cannot purchase online and have shipped (and wrapped) directly to the recipient.

4. Simplify Decorations

Your house doesn’t need to be decorated to the nines to celebrate the season. For example, forget the wreath and instead tie a wide red ribbon on the front door for an instant festive welcome.

5. Buy Pre-Cooked

Have someone else cook your turkey, ham, or lamb. Many markets offer the service this time of year, allowing you to concentrate on the easier side dishes.

6. Make Store-Bought Food Taste Homemade

Instead of laboring over gravy at the last minute, scrape up the savory brown bits at the bottom of the roasting pan and add them to gravy from a jar. You can even make the canned cranberry sauce more appealing by adding some cloves and orange peel.

7. Drop Most Dreaded Task

If just the thought of writing holiday cards tires you, try an online card with your season’s greeting. Want something that feels more personal? Our assistants can help! From addressing envelopes to waiting in line at the post office, you can rely on Potomac Concierge.

8. Get Assembly Help

When available, allow a store’s staff to put together the “some assembly required” gifts you’ve purchased, even if you must pay a fee.

9. Use Dishwasher-Safe Dishes

Hand washing delicate glassware or china for a dozen people is perhaps best left for an event that’s not in the middle of the most hectic season. Stick with your best dishwasher-safe glasses and dinner plates to make life easier.

10. Re-Think Christmas Tree Options

Downsize your tree this year. A smaller one is still festive but easier to handle. You may also want to consider getting a pre-lit tree, which is pre-wired and strung with lights.

11. Hire Professional Help

Why not reduce your workload to almost zero? Our experienced personal assistants at Potomac Concierge can take over your holiday to-do list and more to ensure everything gets done to your liking. Just some of the tasks we will take on include generating gift ideas, wrapping, shopping, decorating, arranging outdoor lights, researching catering companies, and last-minute errands.

You don’t have to hate the weeks and days leading up to the holidays. Contact Potomac Concierge online now or give us a call at (240) 200-4824. Our creative personal assistants love holiday prep.