It’s That Time of Year again. You know, when you’re trying to buy and wrap gifts, manage your work schedule, keep up with your children’s events, find clean socks and something in the pantry for dinner, and prepare for company. But the house is a mess, and you’re overwhelmed. What to do?

This topic came up at a meeting recently, and someone mentioned FlyLady, a website devoted to household management strategies. A quick search also resulted in Get Organized Now, which also looks promising.

And if for some reason you have extra time, visit the “to go to” page of Not Martha, a weblog that focuses on the creative side of the good life — but apparently with less attitude than Ms. Stewart. The links on the “go to” page cover the gamut of food, craft suppliers, personal care products, and miscellaneous items of interest.

Reducing clutter and breaking household jobs into smaller tasks can help keep life manageable. But also remember that when you look back in your old age, it won’t matter how spotless your home was.