With two big holidays back-to-back, it’s important to start out with a plan to stay organized and stress-free (as much as womanly possible!). After all, the goal is to have fun, enjoy time with your family and friends and treasure every holiday moment.
I’m a big list maker. You’ll same time, money and frustration if you start with a game plan and set your priorities. Invest in a new notebook, one that will fit in your handbag. Or set up notes on your phone. The point is to write everything down and cross off as completed.
Decide ahead of time what’s important to you and your family. Which traditions you need to preserve, what you can skip and maybe start something new.
For example, I design and make my own Christmas cards and wrapping paper. I love to do it. On the other hand, since I’m not much of a cook, I gave up baking cookies years ago.
Gift Giving
- Create a page for each person you need to buy gifts for.
- Set a budget.
- Write down their sizes, preferences, ideas and what you’ve already purchased.
- Keep an envelope for receipts.
- If you need to ship packages, shop for those gifts first.
- Don’t forget to shop at Goodwill and support its mission.
Set up a Wrapping Station
- Make a list of what you need: paper, tape, boxes ribbon, packing material.
- If you don’t have a room to devote to wrapping, keep everything together in a bin for easy access.
- Take advantage of in store gift wrap services or wrap as you bring gifts home.
Cooking
Plan menus.
- Think about short-cuts. Frozen food aisle, party platters from the deli.
- Do you make cookies? Write out your list, check your panty and make a shopping list.
- Do the same for each party and dinner.
- Pot Luck parties? Write down what you’re bringing and add to your shopping list.
Baking and Cooking
- Schedule time to bake—write it on your calendar.
- Once you have it scheduled, enlist help.
- Do the same for dinners and parties. Decide what you can make ahead of time and freeze and schedule a time to do it.
Party planning
- Get the dates and time on your calendar as soon as possible.
- Send out invitations to parties 3-4 weeks in advance. Everyone’s calendars fill up fast.
- Shopping list: invitations, cards, stamps.
- Plan menu, shop, remember the short-cuts!
Having Fun
Don’t forget school parties and concerts. Write them on the calendar.
- Will you need to bring treats? Costumes or props?
- Get tickets for holiday concerts or shows.
- Make restaurant reservations.
Cleaning
Plan a deep clean late in November. (If you host Thanksgiving, you might want to do this before).
- Clean a couple of rooms each week or weekend.
- Enlist help professional or the family.
- Remember your priorities. Concentrate on the public rooms in your house.
Decorating
- Purchase a tree, wreath, garlands. Pick a date and write it on the calendar. (See a pattern here?)
- Plan your outdoor decorations for the first warm weekend. You don’t have to turn on the lights, but they sure are easier to hang when it’s nice out.
- Pick a day or weekend to decorate inside.
- Enlist help from family or host a tree decorating party.
- Since I do a lot of decorating, I put out my collections one weekend and do the tree another.
The morale of the story:
- Plan, Plan, Plan
- Start early
- Enlist help
- Enjoy the season
