The Simple Trick That Makes Holiday Chores Fly By

Can we talk about the holidays for a minute?

Between the baking, the wrapping, the extra grocery runs, and getting the house ready for company, the to-do list grows faster than I can check things off. And so much of it lands on us, doesn’t it?

Here’s the good news: one simple trick has made those chores go by so much faster for me. (And no, it doesn’t involve hiring help.)

The Trick That Makes Every Chore Fly By

My secret? I almost never do a chore in silence anymore.

When I’m driving, doing the dishes, folding laundry, or cleaning the house, I’ve got an audiobook playing. Those chores went from time I had to get through to time that feels like mine.

And here’s the rule that makes it really work: pick a book you can’t wait to get back to, and only let yourself listen while you’re doing a chore.

Why does it work? Because the chore becomes the only time you get to find out what happens next. Suddenly “one more chapter” turns into “one more load of laundry,” and you don’t mind one bit.

This trick is especially handy for holiday chores:

• Wrapping presents. Your hands are busy with tape and ribbon, but your ears are free.
• Holiday baking. Pop your phone on a counter away from the flour and let the story keep you company while the cookies bake.
• Getting the house ready for guests. Pair a good book with a few smart shortcuts from 7 Ways You Make Cleaning Harder Than It Has to Be, and the guest bathroom practically cleans itself. (Okay, not quite. But it feels faster.)
• Driving to see family. A long drive goes by so much faster with a great story. Download your book before you leave so you’re not relying on spotty cell service, and run through these 10 things to do before a trip while you’re at it.

The best part? The chores still get done. You just enjoy them a whole lot more.

How To Try Audible For 99 Cents A Month

Trying audiobooks is easier than you might think. If you’re new to Audible, you can get 3 months of Audible Standard for $0.99 a month, plus a $20 Audible bonus. That’s under $3 for three whole months of listening, and the offer runs through December 28, 2026.

Here’s how it works:

1. Go to the Audible offer page on Amazon and click “Get this deal.” If you’ve tried Audible before, the page will show whether you qualify.
2. Sign in with your Amazon account. No new username or password to remember.
3. Pick your book. Standard gives you 1 audiobook a month from Audible’s whole collection. Choose one each month before your plan renews, because unused picks don’t roll over.
4. Watch your email for the $20 bonus. It shows up as a coupon in your account, and you’ll want to use it by January 31, 2027.
5. Download the free Audible app on your phone and start listening.

Two honest tips before you sign up:

• Set a reminder. After 3 months, the plan renews automatically at $8.99 a month. If you don’t want to keep it, put a reminder on your calendar a few days before your third month ends so you can cancel in time.
• Spend your $20 bonus on a book you’d want to keep. Your monthly Standard picks are only playable while you’re a member, so they lock if you cancel. An audiobook you buy outright, including with the bonus, is yours to keep.

If that sounds good, here’s the Audible deal on Amazon. No pressure at all. It’s just a nice way to try it for the price of a cup of coffee.

My Favorite Listens To Get You Started

Not sure what to pick first? Here are 12 of my all-time favorites. (Believe me, narrowing it down to 12 was hard!) These are the books that have kept me company through a whole lot of dishes and laundry, and in every one of them, the narrator makes the story even better.

1. Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection by Arthur Conan Doyle

This timeless collection is made even more special by Stephen Fry’s masterful storytelling. His charming, intelligent narration brings Holmes and Watson to life. (I love anything he narrates!)

2. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

This audiobook, narrated by Ray Porter, is outstanding from start to finish. I was completely mesmerized by the humor, the suspense, the scientific discoveries, and the unforgettable characters. It’s one of the best audiobooks you’ll ever experience!

3. The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

Jim Dale is the best narrator for this series, and his incredible range of voices brings every character to life. It’s an audiobook series worth revisiting again and again.

4. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Dumas’s unforgettable characters and powerful tale of revenge and redemption are masterfully told by Bill Homewood. It’s a long listen, but every one of its many hours is worthwhile.

5. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

This wonderfully atmospheric audiobook is filled with richly drawn characters and captivating Victorian gothic storytelling. It keeps you guessing until the very end!

Simon Prebble and Josephine Bailey narrate this one. (Prebble also narrates P.G. Wodehouse’s Jeeves and Wooster series, which always makes me laugh.)

6. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Rob Inglis’s rich narration and distinctive character voices immerse you in a Middle-earth full of friendship, courage, and adventure. He makes these books every bit as magical to listen to as they are to read.

7. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

This beautifully written, deeply moving audiobook offers a poignant look at a life shaped by choices and unspoken emotions. Narrated by Nicholas Guy Smith, it’s very different from my usual pick, but it’s a thoughtful and moving listen.

8. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

This is an unforgettable Western adventure filled with colorful characters, humor, and heartbreak. Will Patton’s narration makes you feel like you’re riding alongside the characters every step of the way.

9. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

This heartwarming, funny, and deeply touching audiobook will make you laugh one minute and reach for the tissues the next. J.K. Simmons brings Ove’s grumpy personality and tender heart to life with warmth and humor. It’s a beautiful reminder of the impact one person can have on the lives of others.

10. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

I stumbled on this audiobook completely by accident and couldn’t stop listening! It’s full of secrets, mystery, and gothic intrigue, and the dual narration by Bianca Amato and Jill Tanner is a perfect fit for a story about twin sisters and long-buried secrets.

11. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

This one will capture your heart. Through unexpected friendships and a particularly memorable octopus named Marcellus, the story explores love, loss, loneliness, and the surprising ways life brings people together. The narration by Marin Ireland and Michael Urie is fantastic, and Urie does the best voice for Marcellus!

12. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Davina Porter is my all-time favorite narrator! She turns this captivating series into a truly wonderful listening experience, drawing you completely into Claire and Jamie’s unforgettable journey through time.

If you love a story set in another time, you’ll find even more ideas in Looking for Your Next Great Read? Start with These.

Library Or Audible? When To Use Each

Don’t forget about your library card. Most public libraries lend audiobooks for free through the Libby app, and I walk you through it step by step in How to Borrow E-books from Your Library in 5 Easy Steps.

So which should you use? Here’s how I think about it.

Use your library when:

• You want to listen for free. All you need is a library card.
• You don’t mind waiting. Popular titles often have a hold list, so you may wait a few weeks for your turn.
• You’re trying something new. It’s a no-risk way to test a new author or genre.

Use Audible when:

• You don’t want to wait. New releases and bestsellers are ready to start right away.
• You want to listen at your own pace. Library loans come with a due date, so a long book can expire before you finish.
• Your library doesn’t carry it. Audible’s collection is huge, so it’s a good backup when the library comes up empty.

Honestly, the sweet spot is using both. Borrow from the library when a book is available, and save your Audible pick for the one you can’t wait to start.

Your Turn

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of a good story while you get through that to-do list. If you’d like to give it a try, the Audible deal is right here.

Now I want to hear from you. Which chore would you pair with a good book first? And if you already listen, what’s the best audiobook you’ve heard lately? Tell me in the comments, and I just might add it to my list.

NEW! Can you guess the 5-letter word related to today’s post?