Staying organized during the hectic holiday season can be the ultimate testament to a person's ability to multi-task. Perhaps no time of year presents a bigger challenge than the holiday season, when the list of obligations increases but the amount of time in the day unfortunately remains the same.

But staying organized can be a great way to save time and some of your sanity this holiday season. To do just that, consider the following tips.

1. Create a holiday calendar. This calendar will be solely devoted to the holidays. Fill it with all your parties, shopping lists and anything else pertaining to the holidays. That way you'll have it all in one place.

2. Try to shop early. By shopping before the holidays, you won’t have the frantic pace of doing it between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Spreading out your spending over the year can help with your budget, too.

3. When you do get your gifts, wrap them right away. Put a tag on the outside so you don’t forget what’s in the package. Remember to ask stores if they have free wrapping services, or pretty boxes to use. Also remember that malls have gift-wrapping services that benefit charitable organizations.

4. Plan your driving route before heading out to multiple shopping destinations. If you’re already out on other errands, check to see if any stores you need are on the way. Organize a family shopping day so everyone goes out on the same day.

5. Create a meal plan. Map out what meals and goodies you'll be making this season. Write a list of ingredients you'll need to have ready in the pantry and bring the list with you to the market.

6 Write a list of chores. Organize your home by creating a list of what needs to be decorated, what rooms need cleaning, etc.

7. Rely on gift lists. Don't risk having to visit the toy store more than necessary just because you forgot one or two items. Make gift lists for every person on your list. On each list, write down what the recipient wants, gift ideas, clothing sizes, favorite colors, hobbies or anything else related to that person.

8. Plan for next year by buying this year. Decorations, cards and wrapping paper are discounted starting the day after Christmas.

9. Make a holiday binder. Don't just stuff all those mile-long gift lists and other organizational items into a drawer. File them away in a holiday binder. Pack the binder away with the holiday decorations each year so you'll have it ready come next season.