What’s your best holiday timesaving tip?

Several of my mom's friends and relatives get together for an old-fashioned "cookie swap." Every person makes four dozen of the same cookie or treat, and they are laid out on a table. Then we go around the table taking one cookie from each tray until they are gone. One day of baking, one recipe, one set of ingredients — but everyone walks away with a large assortment.

This tip comes from Real Simple reader Paula Tripiciano Kelly, Bloomington, Indiana.