No one wants to hear this but we all need to. December is quickly approaching! Stress incoming!
Right now, the thought of the holiday season may seem in the far distant, but this is the perfect time to get ahead.
By taking a few strategic steps now, you can create a smoother and more enjoyable Christmas season.
Here are three major things you can do right now to set yourself up for a calm and organized holiday.
Start Holiday Gift Planning Now
One of the biggest sources of holiday stress is gift shopping.
The longer you wait, the more overwhelming it becomes. This is the perfect time to plan, make lists, and even start shopping to avoid scrambling in December.
Create a gift list. Use a note-taking app like Evernote or the Notes App to start listing everyone you need to buy for. Categorize by family, friends, and anyone else you buy for.
Set a budget. Apps like YNAB (You Need a Budget) or Mint can help you set and track a holiday budget.
Start shopping early. Take advantage of October sales or sign up for sale alerts through apps like Honey or Rakuten. Consider buying a couple of gifts each week to spread out the cost and avoid last-minute purchases.
Spend about 30 minutes to an hour this week creating your list and budget. Set aside a small amount of time each weekend in October to knock out some shopping.
Prep Your Home for Guests
December often means hosting family and friends. Prepping your home now will make December feel much more manageable.
Declutter and organize. Focus on key areas like guest rooms, entryways, and common spaces.
Deep clean key areas. Schedule some deep cleaning tasks in advance (bathrooms, kitchen, etc.). I always love cleaning areas before I decorate them!
Stock up on guest essentials. Pick up extra bedding, towels, and toiletries now. Store them in easily accessible baskets or bins so you’re ready for last-minute guests.
Set aside one to two hours each week to declutter or clean a specific area of your home.
Plan Your Holiday Schedule
The holidays fill up fast with events, gatherings, and to-do lists.
By organizing your calendar now, you can avoid double-booking and free up time for self-care when December rolls around.
Map out key dates. Use a digital calendar (like Google Calendar) to plot out important dates: school functions, work deadlines, and any holiday events you’re already aware of.
Block time for holiday tasks. Reserve time in your schedule for tasks like holiday baking, shopping trips, and decorating so that these don’t get crammed into an already full month.
Create a “no-stress” zone. Block off a few days in December for yourself and your family to relax and enjoy the season. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a low-key weekend, having downtime planned ahead is key to staying calm during the busy season.
Spend about 30 minutes this week mapping out your holiday season and setting calendar reminders for big tasks. You can adjust as the season approaches, but you’ll have a solid plan to work from.
By taking these steps now, you can head into December with more time, less stress, and room to enjoy the holiday season.
A little planning and preparation today can make all the difference for a calm, joyful holiday season! Happy planning! As always, reach out if you need encouragement or to take advantage of Calmly Curated‘s Christmas offerings.
Simply Tamed 