12 clever holiday hacks to get you through to January

Later bedtimes, tons of new toys and massive doses of sugar can trigger less-than-lovely behaviour. Early childhood consultant Julie Romanowski offers these tips.

1. Get your kids to fall asleep on Christmas Eve
Let them know what will be happening and validate their excitement. It’s a legitimate feeling—and it’s been building for weeks. Don’t ruin it by getting angry with them. Avoid empty threats. There’s no need to say “there are no gifts tomorrow.” Use a firm but friendly approach. They will test you or try to bargain. You need to be solid. Going to bed is non-negotiable.
2. Ward off a tantrum
When you’re in the thick of things, it can be very difficult. Acknowledge what the child is experiencing (whether they’re tired, hungry, overstimulated) but then follow through with whatever the boundary is. Maybe say, “I know it’s fun to run around with your cousins, but safety comes first.” If they’re in a full-blown tantrum, take them to a quiet room until they calm down.

Get more tips: 6 ways to keep your kid’s behaviour in check during the holidays

Award-winning photographer and dad Roberto Caruso (he shoots almost all our covers!) knows a thing or two about getting great shots with your phone.

1. In the snow
Get right up close to your kid, and fill the frame with his expression while he’s playing. If there is too much white snow filling up the shot, the camera might compensate, and your kid’s face will be shadowed. Try using HDR mode: The camera takes three photographs with a bright, medium and dark exposure and then merges them to produce one shot. This works well outside or anytime you are looking for that extra contrast.
2. At the holiday concert
At the start, get up as close as you can (details are lost when you zoom in digitally), grab a few photos and then head back to your seat to enjoy the show. Don’t join the parent paparazzi—iPads blocking people’s views is not cool.
3. On Christmas morning 
When the kids first see the tree with presents, take a time-lapse video composed of multiple photographs taken seconds apart. Most smartphones have this feature, or there are many time-lapse apps you can download. You’ll get the best shots near a window or in a bright area of the room (you want the light behind you), so keep that in mind when setting up your tree. 

Get more tips: How to take perfect holiday photos

1. Take a piece of paper and fold down one corner to make a right triangle. (Thin paper works best.) Trim off excess.
2. Fold in half and then open up to the original triangle. Using that crease as a guide, fold your triangle into thirds.
3. Fold this shape in half.
4. The fun begins: Cut a shape from the bottom of the triangle. This will be the snowflake’s outside edge.
5. Cut some notches, triangles and random shapes from the two sides. Then carefully unfold your snowflake.
6. Make a few more—they look fantastic strung in rows on fishing line.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Unless, of course, you have a toddler. 

1. Sip your wine
Let your turkey sit at room temperature for 20 minutes so the meat stays juicy. Place the bird on a large cutting board. Cut and remove string.
2. Start with the legs
Hold the turkey steady with your hand—a carving fork doesn’t provide the same grip. To remove drumsticks, place a chef’s knife against the thigh and cut down to the leg’s second joint. Twist the knife to sever the drumstick. Slice the thigh meat parallel to the thigh bone and transfer meat to the platter. Repeat with other leg.
3. Next, cut the wings
Insert the knifepoint at the first wing joint, and then twist to separate the wing. Repeat on the other side.
4. Spoon out the good stuff
Slice open the neck cavity. Scoop out the stuffing with a long-handled spoon and place in a serving bowl.
5. Slice the white meat
Cut from the neck end to the tail end of the breast, right beside the breastbone. Then angle the knife and run it alongside the rib cage. Slice the meat crosswise so there is a piece of skin with each slice.

1. Place big ornaments in plastic cups, and set in a cardboard box or storage bin. Put small ornaments in egg cartons and layer them on top of the cups. Then write a quick inventory, noting anything that needs replacing next year.
2. Shoving your lights into a box is a fast way to pack up. But to avoid having to untangle that rat’s nest next December, try the hanger trick. Attach one end of the light strand to the lower right corner of the hanger with some duct tape. Tightly wind the strand around the hanger, moving across as you go. Then hang it up.
3. Place all of your seasonal wrapping paper in a clear garment bag. That way, you’ll know exactly what you have before you buy next year, and your gift wrap won’t be all crumpled and ripped.

Read more: 52 ways to trim your holiday budget How to throw a holiday party for kids 16 cute toy advent calendars for kids