It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Grab a cup of Christmas cheer and avoid the last minute holiday rush with these simple tips to stay organized this holiday season.
Make a List and Check it Twice
Making a list will help you prioritize, determine what to do next and offer relief from inner stress making your tasks feel more manageable.
Keep your gift list on your phone and leave the barrage of sticky notes behind so you will always have it with you.
Spread out your to-do’s over the next couple of weeks so you don’t get overwhelmed. Doing just one or two simple things each day will help you stay ahead and keep you calm.
Make a list of specific tasks that need to be done. For example:
A list of gifts you will be buying for each person
Meals you will be making, including any baked goods
Write Christmas cards, shop for gift wrapping supplies, etc.
Keep a Holiday Calendar
Keep track of holiday concerts, school events, work and neighborhood parties and local events
Stay on schedule with this Holiday Calendar with shipping deadlines.
Start Meal Planning and Preparation
Set aside 15 minutes – to create dinner menus for each of the special meals you’ll be serving over the holidays. Then, make your grocery lists at the same time to ensure you won’t forget anything.
Set the table for the holidays now. You will get to enjoy how beautiful it looks over the next two weeks and it will be one less thing to do before company arrives.
Make meals ahead of time and freeze them. Things like quiche, lasagna, casseroles, soups and desserts keep well and will be time well spent now so you can relax and enjoy fun family time when everyone is home.
Make Holiday Preparations a Fun Group Activity
You don’t have to take on all the responsibility yourself. Start a new tradition and invite friends or family over and create your own holiday workshop. The more the merrier!
Set aside an afternoon or evening for a gift wrapping party. Brew some apple cider and play Christmas music to get everyone in the holiday spirit!
Host a Christmas cookie making event. Have everyone bring the ingredients for each different recipe, then be like Santa and finish it all in one night! Everyone goes home with plenty of cookies too!
Get all of your family elves together to send out your Christmas cards. Assign stations for addressing envelopes, licking envelopes, adding stamps and address labels. You will be done before you can say, Jolly Ol’ St. Nick!
Gift Ideas
It’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Save time and find one great gift idea and then spread the joy by giving the same gift to multiple people. One size fits all and no one has to know! These ideas make ideal gifts for anyone on your list.
Candles
Serving trays
Monogrammed insulated drink holders
Monogrammed Gifts
Find a unique vase and fill it with flowers, plants or succulents
There is a mobile phone case to please every person on your list
A gorgeous looking planner – who doesn’t like the gift of organization?
Still need more ideas?
Olive oil/vinegar Set
Serving utensils
Cookbook
Stemless wine glasses
Bottle of wine & a wine opener
Scarves or gloves
Game or jigsaw puzzle
Magazine subscription for their favorite hobby or interest
Gift Cards: movies, restaurants, cooking classes, arts & craft classes, spa/massage, bed & breakfast, concert or plays, sports event, art museum, bookstores or local zoo
Consider group activities in lieu of presents
Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season!
Kay