Purim falling on a Friday can make the already busy holiday even more hectic, with the added challenge of preparing for both Purim and Shabbos. Between the Megillah reading, mishloach manos exchanges, the seudah, and the regular Shabbos prep, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with a little advanced planning and a few strategic tips, you can make Purim on a Friday much more manageable. 

We recently asked our WhatsApp group and Instagram followers for their top tips to manage such a hectic day. Here’s what YOU had to say!

1. Megillah at a Vasikin Minyan
Starting the Megillah reading at a vasikin minyan is a total game changer. It allows you to get the mitzvah done early, leaving you more time to manage other preparations for the day without feeling rushed.

2. Double Cook Everything in Advance
Make sure to double cook everything the week leading up to Purim, and finish up by next Thursday. Don’t leave anything for Friday! Also, let go of expectations for your husband and kids and for Shabbos itself. The meal might go smoothly, or it might not. You might have extra guests or miss some family members—just go with the flow and things will fall into place!

3. Shower in the Morning

I plan on having my kids take “backup showers” on Friday morning just in case there’s no time closer to when Shabbos starts.

4. Get Your Cleaning Help to Assist with Meal Prep
On Erev Purim, having cleaning help is a lifesaver—especially if it’s Thursday or Friday. Make sure to make time-consuming tasks like dips, challah, kugels, and desserts on the day your cleaning lady is there so she can clean up those more time-consuming messes.

5. Extra Help on Erev Yom Tov and Shabbos
If you’re hosting a big Erev Purim or Erev Yom Tov meal, I recommend starting cleaning help later so she can stay into the zman. It’s incredibly helpful to have that extra set of hands to clean up the kitchen mess, or keep your preparations running smoothly.

6. Crockpot Shabbos
For Shabbos lunch next week, make a crockpot pulled meat dish with sides like a simple salad that can be prepped on Shabbos itself. It’s a great way to make Shabbos easier and less stressful.

7. Incorporate Shabbos Cooking into Your Mishloach Manos
A great way to streamline your Purim prep is by incorporating some of your Shabbos cooking into your mishloach manos. This way, you’re killing two birds with one stone, saving time while still fulfilling both mitzvot.

8. Coordinate a Specific Time for Kids’ Mishloach Manos Exchange
Have your kids’ class organize a specific time to meet for exchanging mishloach manos. The men can go to Megillah reading early in the morning, and the women can go when the men return. Have an intimate family seudah to cover the mitzvah of the meal, then hop around to other houses for brachos and more Purim celebrations.

9. Host a Seuda Leading into Shabbat Dinner
You can also combine your Purim seuda with your Shabbat dinner. Have the majority of the meal, then break for candle lighting and davening. Afterward, finish with Kiddush, hamotzei, dessert, and bentching. 

With these tips in your arsenal, you can turn Purim on a Friday from a chaotic day into one that flows smoothly, allowing you to focus on the joy of the holiday rather than the overwhelm. By prepping ahead, making smart use of your time, and adjusting expectations, you’ll be able to celebrate Purim in the best way possible—without the stress of last-minute rushing. Here’s to a festive and meaningful Purim, followed by a peaceful and restful Shabbos!