Here's another guest blog from Leslie Lehr.

I used to hate the holidays, because of all the extra work. The downside of being a Work-at-Home Mom multiplied along with the chores that needed to be done. Then I realized that this is the one time of year where we have a huge advantage. Okay, huge is overstating it. But this is the ideal time to take advantage of both the flexible hours of being at home plus the excuse that we work so no one can expect too much of us.

Here are some tips that I've learned the hard way over the last eighteen years. Which is not to say that I am able to follow them. But one can try..

1. Simplify your shopping. Make a list of everyone you need to shop for. Decide on a theme: everyone gets clothes, or everyone gets books, or everyone gets housewares. Pick another theme for teachers, business associates, and hairdressers. For instance, Godiva chocolates, Barnes & Noble, or Starbucks gift cards - often available at the same location. Then do all your shopping, as soon as possible, when the stores are empty on a weekday. (Make up the work at night or on a weekend.) When you need an extra gift, pick up gift cards on your usual route. Ship out of state gifts ASAP - or order them all online from somewhere like Amazon who carries books, music, even toys - to get free shipping.

2. Simplify your cards. Buy them now. Address them tonight. Buy holiday stamps and personalized labels by mail. But wait to mail them until the last minute, cutting down on the flow of cards sent in response to yours.

3. Simplify your decorating. Schedule it! Do it all in one day! Make your kids help!

4. Simplify your baking. Schedule it! Do it all in one day! Make your kids help! I'm talking about cookies, here, a family activity that also makes great gifts for the mail carrier and many of those you see day to day.

Now if someone could just tell me how to make the holiday dinner easier, please let me know.