Let's get started. Grab a timer — the most important part of Crisis Cleaning 101. We can do anything for 15 minutes, and that is how this works. After you get dressed to your lace-up shoes, start in your kitchen. When the timer goes off, move to the living room, then to the bathroom. After three 15-minute sessions it is time to sit down and rest for 15 minutes. You cannot let your perfectionism take over. You have to rest or you will crash and burn. Then you can do three more 15 minute sessions of crisis cleaning.

Remember this is surface cleaning and not the time to dig deeply or clean out a closet. For more details on keeping your home looking nice, go to my Web site, www.FlyLady.net or my book, "Sink Reflections." We teach you to FLY (Finally Love Yourself) by using BabyStep routines.

Now is the time to play and be creative. You can decorate your home in BabySteps, 15 minutes at a time. There are many fun things to do with family and friends: Attend holiday plays and musicals, bake cookies and share with neighbors or adopt a family for the holidays. Ask your family what they want to do, and put it on the calendar. Start today!

Remember, you set the tone for your home. "If momma ain't happy; ain't nobody happy!" Take care of yourself and you will find the holiday stress will disappear. Pace yourself and practice being kind to you! Are you ready to cruise through the holidays to your destination of peace?

If you don't think there is enough time to cruise through the holiday, don't despair; re-read this article, choose what is most important for you and your family, and dump the rest. You are never behind. Just jump in where you are. Take those BabySteps and use your timer. Always remember: Holidays celebrated imperfectly still bless your family!

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Marla Cilley, a k a FlyLady, is the author of "Sink Reflections" (Bantam Books Trade Paperback). For more information, visit her Web site, www.FlyLady.net. Check out the Holiday Cruising Section and download your free copy of the Holiday Control Journal.