(Family Features) As the classic song goes, the holidays really are “the most wonderful time of the year.” Between the cozy scent and warmth of the fireplace, festive holiday parties and catching up with loved ones – the merriment of the season is endless.

Preparing for the holidays, however, can be a different story. From crowded malls to impressing house guests, this holiday survival guide can help you get more out of the season while maneuvering the process with impressive ease. 

Master the Mall. Don’t let the fear of large crowds, retail prices and packed stores stop you from completing your holiday shopping list. If you want to avoid long lines, try visiting the mall when it first opens in the morning and plan which stores to visit first. However, if you are only available during prime shopping hours, the holiday lights and decorations can make the trek to the mall worth your time.

Go Digital. Embrace technology as your shopping companion and download an app to uncover unbeatable sales to ensure you please your little elves without breaking the bank. Beyond shopping apps, download others that are great on-the-go, like the Clorox myStain App, which shows you how to tackle stains – at home or while out and about – so you can keep your festive clothing as bright as the holiday itself.

Prepare for Anything. Every savvy holiday host knows to expect the unexpected. Plan a few activities for out-of-town guests so your house never feels too cramped. Create a master schedule of everyone’s travel plans so you always know who will be home at any given time. Make a list of what you want your main holiday meal to look like, and give yourself extra time to prep and adjust ahead of time if anyone requires special accommodations. By making sure all of your ducks are in a row before the festivities begin, you will be able to get the most out of the holidays with minimal stress.

Don’t Stress the Mess. Holiday parties are a great occasion to break out a vibrant red lipstick or festive cocktail, but can also lead to smudges and spills on your clothes. Holiday stains know no bounds, but with Clorox 2 Stain Remover & Color Booster, holiday messes are no match. When paired with your favorite detergent, you can pretreat to remove four times more stains than using detergent alone.

These four simple steps can help you accomplish everything on your list so you can enjoy a stress and stain-free holiday season. For more tips and tricks to get more out of the holidays, visit clorox.com.

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