The holidays are a time for celebrating with loved ones, and that often includes a lot of food.

No matter how much planning goes into a holiday meal, there’s always the chance that you’ll end up with more leftovers than you know what to do with. Leftovers are great because they allow you to keep enjoying your favorite dishes without having to cook again, but they can go bad quickly if not stored properly.

Fortunately, there are some tricks you can use to keep your holiday leftovers fresh so you can enjoy them for days to come.

1. Store Your Leftovers Properly

The first step in keeping your holiday leftovers fresh is to store them properly. This means putting them in airtight containers and refrigerating or freezing them as soon as possible.

If you leave your leftovers sitting out at room temperature for too long, bacteria will start to grow, and your food will spoil. Make sure you put your leftovers away within two hours of cooking them to minimize the risk of bacterial growth.

2. Label Your Leftovers

It’s easy to forget what’s in each container when you have a lot of leftovers to store. Labeling your containers will help you remember what’s inside, so you don’t have to open them all up to find what you’re looking for.

Be sure to write the date you stored the leftovers on the label as well, so you can keep track of how long they’ve been in the fridge or freezer.

3. Use the Right Containers

The container you use to store your leftovers can make a big difference in how long they stay fresh.

If you’re storing something in the fridge, make sure it’s in an airtight container that’s not too big for the amount of food you’re storing. If there’s too much air in the container, your food will spoil more quickly. If you’re freezing your leftovers, use a container that’s freezer safe and leave some room for expansion as the food freezes and expands.

4. Reheat Your Leftovers Safely

If you’re planning to reheat your leftovers, it’s important to do it safely. Make sure you heat them to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any bacteria that may have grown.

If you’re using the microwave to reheat your food, be sure to stir it occasionally to make sure it heats evenly. If you’re using the stove, use a low heat setting and stir frequently. And if you’re reheating leftovers in the oven, make sure you cover them with foil to prevent them from drying out.

5. Freeze Your Leftovers

If you know you won’t be able to eat your leftovers within a few days, consider freezing them instead. Freezing your leftovers will stop bacterial growth, so your food will stay fresh for a longer period of time.

Just be sure to use a freezer-safe container, and label it with the date you stored it so you know how long it’s been in the freezer.

6. Use Leftovers in New Dishes

If you’re tired of eating the same leftovers over and over again, get creative and use them in new dishes. For example, you can use leftover turkey to make a turkey pot pie or use leftover mashed potatoes to make potato pancakes.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to using leftovers in new dishes.

If you don’t think you’ll be able to eat all of your leftovers before they go bad, consider sharing them with friends or family. Not only will you be helping to reduce food waste, but you’ll also be spreading holiday cheer.

Just be sure to package them up properly so they stay fresh during transportation.

8. Don’t Keep Leftovers Too Long

While it’s great to be able to enjoy your favorite holiday dishes for a few days after the celebration, you need to be careful not to keep your leftovers too long.

Most leftovers will only stay fresh in the fridge for three to four days and in the freezer for two to three months. If you’re not sure whether something is still good to eat, it’s better to be safe than sorry and throw it out.

9. Plan Ahead for Your Leftovers

If you know you’re going to have a lot of leftovers after your holiday meal, plan ahead for how you’re going to store and use them.

Make sure you have enough containers and freezer space available, and think about what dishes you can make with your leftovers. With a little bit of planning, you can minimize waste and enjoy your holiday leftovers for days to come.

10. Use Your Senses

Finally, when it comes to determining whether your leftovers are still good to eat, use your senses. If something smells bad, has a strange texture, or looks discolored, it’s likely not safe to eat.

Trust your instincts and err on the side of caution when it comes to leftover food.