Your beautiful, tinsel-adorned Christmas tree is up, but it, like your holiday lights and decorations, is at the mercy of your sharp-toothed and clawed kittens. The majority of your gifts are most likely already elegantly wrapped and snuggled under the tree. And you’ve probably already seen the majority of the holiday films on your list. You’re almost there.
But, like with each other year, work and life interfere. To be honest, I believe that everyone’s work attendance for the entire month of December should be considered voluntary, but oh well. As a result, there are still some last-minute preparations to do for the perfect Christmas Eve and Day celebrations.
Let’s take a break from our customary running around like headless chickens this year to finish our shopping list and last preparations. Don’t be Arnold from Jingle All the Way. Fortunately, Alexa enjoys the holidays as much as we do, which can help alleviate tension. Here are several amazing and useful ways Alexa is assisting me in crossing items off my last-minute vacation to-do list.
Avoid crowds when doing your Christmas grocery shopping
During the holiday season, grocery stores are extremely crowded and hectic. You’re not the only one scrambling for last-minute groceries for that delectable Christmas feast. I haven’t even finished my food shopping yet, believe it or not!
Fortunately, Alexa will prevent me (and you) from serving a bad Christmas dinner while also avoiding huge lineups at the grocery store. You’re probably aware that you can get goods from Amazon using Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods. This year, however, I’m also utilizing two new Alexa capabilities that will make things even easier.
Handwritten shopping lists can now be scanned, converted, and added to an Alexa Shopping List using the Alexa app. Yes, it’s a minor convenience, but it will save you time and irritation. Speaking for myself, I dislike typing a list on my phone when I already have one on paper.
Smart holiday home decor is the way to go
This year, I’ve automated the majority of my holiday decorations, which means I’ve pretty well decked out my one-bedroom apartment with some of the greatest smart lights, including many of the smart Christmas lights that were released this year. And, without being overly dramatic, they are life-changing.
I no longer have to bend down to plug or unplug my string lights. No more squeezing myself out of my warm, bundled-up-on-the-couch posture to turn things off. I simply ask Alexa to turn off all of my Christmas lights, or I use the Alexa app on my phone to do so.
If you haven’t already purchased any of the smart Christmas lights, you may do so now on Amazon and have them delivered right before Christmas, allowing you to swiftly redecorate before the festivities. I recommend purchasing the Govee Christmas String Lights, the Nanoleaf Smart Holiday String Lights, and the Govee Curtain Lights, all of which are Alexa-compatible.
You can get your own private carolers for free
Do you enjoy Christmas music and carols as much as I do? While it’s beautiful to hear someone play a song or two on the piano and have everyone sing along, it’s not sustainable if you want holiday tunes all day (and night?). Don’t worry if you already have too much on your to-do list without adding “create a Christmas playlist” to it. This year, Alexa is your personal Christmas elf.
I asked Alexa to build a holiday playlist for me by asking, “Alexa, create a holiday party playlist,” and it was completed in seconds. Then I simply ask it to play that playlist whenever I want. It beats spending 30 minutes or so putting one together yourself, and the song selections are excellent. My selections range from golden oldies to Christmas favorites like Wham’s Last Christmas to newer songs by lesser-known performers.
If the party has already begun and you need some festive sounds quickly, you may just say, “Alexa, play holiday music.”
… as well as your own sous chef for your Christmas party
Still looking for the right foods to make for your Christmas dinner? I’m sure I am! To be honest, I’m not sure what I’m going to make yet – after all, it’s just me and my family, so whipping up a delicious supper at the last minute won’t be too terrible. Plus, Alexa is constantly acting as sous chef, and I rely on her to come up with a rapid plan.
If you need assistance, simply ask Alexa to “show me side dish recipes,” “Alexa, show me holiday dessert recipes,” or “Alexa, show me hot chocolate recipes.” Then you may ask it to add the ingredients to your shopping list and place your purchase from Fresh or Whole Foods (see above). You can also rely on Alexa, as usual to assist you with conversions and ingredient substitutions.
With Alexa around, holiday dinners are a breeze. If you believe you’ll be rushed for time, it’s a good idea to invest in one of the best air fryers available, and ask Alexa for some air fryer holiday dish ideas while you’re at it.
