The best part of this holiday is making it simple and stress free. How do you do that? You begin with having a good list. A list of cleaning tasks, a list of menus for meal planning, a list for grocery shopping, and a list of ways to make it easy and relaxing.
Create a notebook to gather your notes and lists. Write out our menus and what ingredients you need to complete the recipe. Keep the list in your iPhone or take the notebook to the market.
Secondly, begin with the end in mind. Think of what you would like to do the day of the sedar. Schedule your "to do" list accordingly and work backwards with your tasks, cooking and cleaning schedule. Make recipes in bulk and storage in clear plastic throw- away containers. Use zipper lock plastic bags for space saving storage in the refrigerator. De-stress by using paper and plastic plates so you don't have to slave away in the kitchen. Involve your family in the preparations: cleaning, food preparation and divide up the responsibilities. Reward your kids with presents, money or praise. Make the holiday fun loving and don't forget to reward yourself with flowers or something new. Whatever mood you set in your home is everlasting and your family will remember if always.