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In this blog post, I’m going to share some extreme things I do on Purim to keep the mess minimal, the stress nonexistent, and the happiness at its maximum!
And yes, we host a ridiculous amount of guests and have a full-day Purim seuda! I'll share my super easy meal planning in another post!
Lately, I've been bombarded with questions from students and women in my community as Purim approaches. They're feeling super stressed and apprehensive about it all.
But here's the thing: I think we might be missing something crucial here.
Every Jewish holiday is supposed to be a joyous occasion, right?
That's the essence of it. But sometimes, with all the hustle and bustle, we forget that.
When we overcomplicate things, turning them into stressful situations, we inadvertently teach our children that these beautiful holidays are just that—stressful events.
Is that really the message we want to convey?
WARNING! THIS ARTICLE MAY NOT BE FOR YOU!
Of course, there are plenty of women out there who thrive on the busyness and enjoy all the extra frills attached to these holidays, and that's perfectly fine.
You do you, and I'll do me.
Let's still be friends, deal?
So, here we go!
I'd like to share a few insights into how I've simplified my preparation process to make things easier and more enjoyable.
The Night Before: The first key to success is the night before.
We set up the children’s costumes, makeup, and everything they might need in a basket by each child's bed for the next day. This ensures that even if I might not be home (in shul) when they wake up, they can get ready themselves.
Neitz Megillah: Every year, we're blessed with a large Purim event that lasts all day from early morning. Therefore, I ensure to kickstart my day by waking up for sunrise Megillah reading. Starting the day with Davening and hearing the Megillah sets the tone for me spiritually on this special and holy day.
Matanat L'evyonim: I give mine in shul.
Mishloach Manot: Right after I come home from shul, I give an elderly neighbor Mishloach Manot, so I know that I have fulfilled my mitzvah.
I Don't Leave my Home all Day: This is important! I do this so I can enjoy the partying but also so I control the mess. And besides, I don't like running around anyway! When I say I don’t leave, I literally mean it. I take charge of what’s going on, prepare food, and make sure to dispose of packaging, ribbons, etc., properly to avoid an overwhelming mess at the end of the day.
Healthy Breakfast: Then comes a hearty early morning family seuda. I prepare a nourishing meal, which also serves as my seuda for the day. With intention, I fulfill my obligation of a seuda, so I don't need to worry about forgetting it in all the busyness.
Kids Stuff Coming In: As for Mishloach Manot for my kids, I set up a large table with big baskets labeled with each child's name. This ensures everyone knows where to collect their goodies, minimizing confusion and lost items.
Mishloach Manot Coming In: I unwrap everything as soon as it comes in, and throw out the packaging… And anything that can be eaten right now, I put on our tables to serve the guests.😂😝
(P.S. If you feel like you are drowning in Purim stuff, you should read my article about the ONE IN ONE OUT RULE? CLICK HERE TO READ IT.)
No Leftover Mishloach Manot: I am very careful not to have any leftovers at the end of Purim. I don’t want the junk in my home, and I don’t want to be stuck with the bits and pieces of leftover food only to have to throw it in the garbage later.
What My Kids Give Their Friends: We keep this super simple too! Store-bought and we try to keep to the color of their costumes or have to do with the theme—but we buy everything from one store only without going crazy.
My Mishloach Manot: And as for our Mishloach Manot, I keep it simple too! A couple of pre-packaged items popped into a bag, and we're good to go.
Shopping for Stuff: I devote one afternoon to purchasing everything we need.
I only go to one supermarket for all the Mishloach Manot, and I include all the things for my menu there. If the store does not have that item, I make do with whatever the store has.
Shopping for Costumes: The same thing—we go to one large store that has many costumes, and by the time we leave, the children have to have all their costumes and everything they might need along with it.
Teachers' Mishloach Manot: When it comes to teachers' Mishloach Manot, I opt for cold hard cash. I know they appreciate it, and it's something practical that anyone in Chinuch can use. No need for more trinkets or fancy gifts that they probably don't even want.
A Cleaner: At the end of the day, when everyone is tired and may not be up to helping out, I make sure to have a cleaner come over to deep clean any remaining mess.
Ultimately, I want my children to associate this holiday with happiness, not stress. I don't want them to remember me stressing out either.
That's the essence of it all!
As for meal planning for the over 100 people who walk through our door—well, that's a story for another blog post! Stay tuned for that. 😊
Happy Purim!
-Ellie
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