The hustle and bustle of Christmas is too evident to ignore, and as the lady of the house, you're probably swamped with all the tasks you need to accomplish to make the holidays special. Before you panic, remember that patience and multi-tasking prowess are all you need to get on your way to achieving your ho-ho-ho's. Here, the lowdown on taking Christmas-related chores head-on.
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Task 1: Decorate your home.
Decorating your home is no easy feat. First you need to think of your theme for this year and check which of your old trinkets can work with it. You also need to test your Christmas lights for duds, as well as bring out those red-and-green linens. You may need a good solid week to decorate if you want to go all out. However, you don't need to do this monumental task alone. Invite your husband and kids to help out, and turn it into a great bonding opportunity.
Task 2: Arrange your family's schedule. 
(Screencap from Modern Family courtesy of ABC)
By mid-December, you and your hubby will surely find your schedules packed with Christmas parties and reunions. Make sure to sit down and lay out all your activities so you can insert other tasks in between. More importantly, you'll need to decide on which side of the family you'll be spending the holidays with. Make sure to arrange this a good week or two prior to the 24th so your parents and in-laws can properly prepare.
Task 3: Go Christmas shopping.
This is probably one of the most stressful things you'll do this season. In order to lessen your headaches, create your gift list prior to braving the crowds. Group people with similar gifts together, so you can easily get their presents from one place; head to malls or bazaars in time for opening, so you get first dibs on items and be done by mid-afternoon.
Task 4: Attend the kids' Christmas programs. 
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Take time to attend your children’s Christmas parties at school or with their play group. Showing your support for them—even if they just play a sheep or a donkey in the nativity story—will make them feel more loved and appreciated.
Task 5: Write Christmas cards.
There will always be something nice and nostalgic about sending out Christmas cards. Write personal, heart-felt greetings on every card, especially for those that you'll be sending to friends and family abroad. Remember to give ample time for mailing or shipping.
Task 6: Wrap presents.
Wrapping presents doesn’t have to be a chore—just pick the strategy that works best for you. You can go the traditional route, and use the wrapper-and-bow combo, or go for the quick tissue-and-paper bag trick. If you have time, go all-out crafty, it’s a great way to add a personal touch to your presents.
Task 7: Bake. 
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Give your family a fun, cookie-batter-licking experience by baking a batch of yummy Christmas goodies. The great thing about baking is that you can also turn your pastries into presents for those people on your list who already have everything.
Task 8: Shop for your noche buena spread.
Feeling intimidated by the amount of work required to prepare a noche buena feast? Don’t be. Weeks before Christmas, head to the grocery and buy the ingredients that have longer shelf lives. This way, you can start preparing before prices go up. Buy your perishables a couple of days before the 24th, just make sure you store them properly.
Task 9: Relax
Amidst all the tiring tasks that the holidays bring, always find time to center yourself. Don't be afraid to rest and relax once in a while, especially if you're doing so with your family. After all, you’re trying to accomplish all of these Christmas tasks because of one goal: for them to be happy.
