As Passover approaches, the anticipation of celebrating this meaningful holiday can sometimes be overshadowed by the stress of preparation. From cleaning and cooking to planning and organizing, there's no denying that Passover can bring about its fair share of challenges. However, with the right mindset and strategies in place, you can minimize stress and enjoy a more relaxed and organized holiday month. I am here to help you explore some practical tips and strategies to help you tackle Passover preparations with ease and confidence.
1 . Make a "Master List"
Before diving into Passover preparations, take some time to assess your needs and priorities. Make a list of tasks that need to be completed, such as cleaning, meal planning, grocery shopping and cooking. By identifying your specific needs upfront, you can create a clear roadmap for tackling each task efficiently.
For this master list, I like to first begin with a cleaning list since this is the first part of the preparation. My master list will generally include all parts of the house and everything that needs to be cleaned in that specific area. Side note: I tend to close as many kitchen cabinets as possible and add additional storage solutions during Pessach such as plastic drawers and shelves. These don't need to be in your kitchen area if this is not a place where you have space. Think outside the box. One year, I had my shelves in my bedroom!
Here's an example of a full house master list. Your list can be different depending on the different rooms you have in your house, but it ultimately follows the same method.
Keep in mind that Pessach cleaning is not Spring cleaning. If you are running low on time (or energy) save this for after Pessach!
2. Create a Schedule
Once you've identified your tasks and made your master list, define when in your month you will focus on cleaning. Some tasks can get done in advance, while other need to get done last minute.
Ex: Cleaning behind furniture in your daughter's room can get done in advance, while cleaning and kosherizing your kitchen dairy side need to be done last minute.
Next, create a realistic schedule that outlines when, and by who each task will be completed. If you have housekeeping help, plan what that person will do and what you will do every day. Don't forget, D-E-L-E-G-A-T-E. Especially if you work full time. Have your kids chip into an evening task and a few Sunday tasks. Your children are very much part of your family as much as you, so have them contribute to the preparations.
Ex: Let your kids take care of the car. After all, they are smaller than you and can get into all the small areas of that car to get rid of the crumbs! This can be a perfect Sunday task. Don't forget to assign the tasks according to each child strengths and age.
Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, and allocate specific time slots for completing them. DO NOT OVERWHELM YOURSELF. Overplanning will only induce stress and anxiety. Not completing full lists can leave you feeling unaccomplished. It is better to underplan and add tasks on the moment than overplanning and not completing your list.
Here I share my cleaning schedule for this month. It's split by who will do the task as well as the list per person. I also include major events or appointments that can interfere with the daily list so that I can plan accordingly and not overwhelm my days.
If you would like to use the same template as me, I've included an empty one down below.
3. Menu Plan and Grocery Shopping
Once you have your cleaning under control, you can jump into food.
You will be using the days that your set aside for cooking in your schedule. That should include grocery shopping.
Menu plan: Start by splitting down the meals you will need to cook for and include in each one what you will want to serve. Typically, I like to serve salads, then a fish course, a chicken, a meat (or 2 depending on guests), a vegetable and a starch. I plan a dessert as well. This is the time that you can look for new recipes you'd like to try, or gather recipes you already tried and enjoyed.
Grocery lists: Split your lists by type of foods for an easier shopping experience. With typical ingredients throughout the year, you would be able to split this by store, but remember that on Pessach, some ingredients differ and might not be found where you are used to find them. My major categories usually include produce, dairy, meats/fish, pantry. I will include in there anything that I will need, even beyond just the menu.
Cooking plan: Plan when you will need to make each dish. this helps you know when it would be best to purchase each item, as you might need to shop multiple times. I usually start cooking the types of foods that freeze the best. Desserts, cooked salads, meats and chickens typically freeze beautifully. Therefore this is what I first focus on.
Grocery shop: I know that every year our grocery stores will bring in new interesting items, but if you would like your time to be well spent, do not waste time in grocery stores. Be in and out. Tell yourself that the less time you spend in there, the less you'll end up spending and the more efficient you will be with your time.
Here is an example of a menu I had done a few years ago. I did include which guests were going to be present for each meal so I can plan accordingly.
And this is an example of a typical Pessach master grocery list.
4. Cooking and last minute preps:
With your cooking plan in place and your groceries mostly done, all you are left to do is "ride the wave" until Pessach. Follow the schedule put into place but no stress if you aren't able to complete the list every day. Move over some items that you did not have time to make as you need.
Most importantly, try to finish your days with putting away that food completely. Try not to leave the packing for the next day. I know that after a full day/night of cooking, you will be exhausted, but getting those dishes out of the way packed in the freezer will help you start the next day with that day's tasks only.
Lastly, the day before Pessach and Erev Pessach should be reserved for last minute cleaning and kosherizing needs, as well as dishes that cannot be frozen. I usually end up with cleaning high traffic areas, getting rid of last minute garbage and preparing my fish, starch and vegetable dishes. Also, getting that seder plate ready to go and your beautiful table setting!
That's it, you're done!
With careful planning, delegation, and organization, you can navigate Pessach preparations with confidence and ease. Taking the time to organize yourself will actually save you time! By adopting these tips and strategies, you'll not only reduce stress but also create a more enjoyable and meaningful holiday experience for you and your family. Remember to take breaks, and focus on the meaningful aspects of celebrating Pessach with family and friends.
Wishing you a happy and stress-free Pessach season!
XO, Guila
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