The holidays are here, and while our Arizona mornings might not come with snow, for our family a holiday morning starts with a little fun on the golf course. Around here, we don’t go for 18 holes— It’s more about playing a quick 9 (or 6 if the kiddos are over it), sipping mimosas, and soaking in the fresh air together.  There’s nothing better than loading the littles onto the cart, playing best ball, and kicking off the day with a mix of holiday laughter, exercise, and a fresh mental attitude. But let’s be real—Mom’s gotta be on her game to pull it all together. From organizing the morning outing to coming home and whipping up a fabulous meal, it takes some serious planning and a few clever hacks to make it all happen.

Lucky for you, we’ve got just the tips to help you breeze through your holiday cooking. Forget the chaos—this year, let’s cook smarter, not harder! With these hacks, you’ll be the queen (or king) of holiday cheer, leaving plenty of time for eggnog, carols, and a round of golf or snowball competition. And the cherry on top? You can snag most of the must-haves for these tips at Kitchen Switchen, your ultimate stop for re-commerce kitchenware magic. Let’s do this!

1. Plan Ahead (and Channel Your Inner CEO of Cooking)

Start by creating a master plan. (Yes, we mean lists, lists, and more lists!) Jot down your menu, ingredients, and prep tasks like you’re drafting a holiday battle strategy. Bonus points if you color-code it. Get your Christmas morning how to guide on Kitchen Switchen.

Now here’s where it gets fun: batch-prep like a boss. Dice those veggies, whip up sauces, and measure your dry ingredients days in advance. Store them in airtight glass storage containers or canning jars (find some eco-friendly ones at Kitchen Switchen!) to keep them fresh and ready to go. Feeling extra savvy? Label everything because “mystery containers” are not the vibe this holiday season.

2. Freezer Power = Stress-Free Hour

Your freezer is basically the holiday MVP, and it’s time to treat it like one. Think casseroles, soups, and desserts—they’re all freezer-friendly. Bake-ahead stuffing in muffins tins, and bam it goes in the freezer.  Pop back into the muffin pan to warm them up and always fun way to serve your stuffing. Even your cookie dough? Roll it into logs, wrap it up tight, and freeze until you’re ready for a slice-and-bake extravaganza.

Pro tip: Even mashed potatoes and stuffing can survive (and thrive!) in the freezer. Use freezer-safe containers from Kitchen Switchen for easy reheating. Seriously, the extra 30 minutes of sanity you’ll save on the big day is priceless.

3. Embrace the Magic of Slow Cookers and Instant Pots. Don’t forget the warmers! Life savers!

Why stress over the stove when your Instant Pot or slow cooker can do all the heavy lifting? Think side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes or honey-glazed carrots, or even a main dish like tender turkey breast or juicy pork roast.

Set it and forget it, babe. You can even snag refurbished kitchen gadgets at Kitchen Switchen to save some cash while saving time. Who doesn’t love a double win?

We love our warmers.  Pop in pre-made mashed potatoes, stuffing, meat, vegetables and desserts into the warmers.  45 minutes to enjoy some family time then your meal is warm and ready to serve!

4. Get Everyone on Team "Help Me"

Say it with us: Delegate. The holidays aren’t the time to play kitchen hero. Rope in your family or guests for the fun. Put your bestie on cocktail duty, let the kiddos wash veggies, or ask Uncle Joe to assemble appetizers. At our house, Emma oversees the charcuterie board and beverages. Brittney is the mashed potato queen.

By helping, it creates more connection and memories in the kitchen. Better yet, turn it into a “potluck, but make it chic.” Everyone brings a dish, and you’re left with less cooking and a whole lot of variety on the table.

5. Simplify the Menu (But Keep It Delicious)

Why go overboard when simple can still be scrumptious? Stick to your greatest hits and sprinkle in a few shortcuts. Think pre-cooked turkey or turkey breasts instead of a full bird. Need sides? Dress up store-bought mashed potatoes with fresh herbs or garlic butter for a quick upgrade.

Bonus hack: Browse Kitchen Switchen for time-saving tools and charming serving dishes to give your table that polished (but effortless) look. When the holidays are over, start your own store at Kitchen Switchen.  Share your table setting and recommerce a fresh look for next year.

6. Clean as You Go (Seriously, Do It)

Mountains of dirty dishes are so last season. Clean as you go, and you’ll thank yourself later. Scrub pots and pans as soon as you’re done with them and use a large mixing bowl for scraps to keep your counter clutter-free.

Grab some handy organizational tools from Kitchen Switchen to keep everything in its place. Less mess, more zen.

7. Don’t Skip You Time

The secret ingredient to a fabulous holiday feast? A chef who isn’t stressed to the max. Take a breather, pour yourself a glass of wine, or sneak a cookie from your secret stash.

Even better, prep your downtime with some cozy vibes. Whether it’s a quick chat with family or a few deep breaths, a calm cook equals a flawless holiday.

Final Thought: Make This Holiday One to Remember

This year, turn your kitchen into a place of joy, not chaos. With a little prep, some smart tools (hello, Kitchen Switchen!), and these time-saving tips, you’ll breeze through holiday cooking like a pro. So, crank up the holiday tunes, grab those storage containers, and start prepping for the best (and least stressful) season yet.

Happy Holidays from Kitchen Switchen—where we make magic happen, one refurbished kitchen tool at a time!