Christmas is right around the corner and I feel like I’m losing my mind with everything going on! I decided to write down how I try and stay organized to avoid falling behind with all of our commitments. I hope some of these tips help you get organized before the real celebrations begin!
Wrap in shifts – don’t plan on doing it all in one night!
I was a little bit too eager last year with the wrapping. I literally wrapped things as they arrived at my house. The only problem, I forgot what all the items were as we got closer to Christmas. This year, I found a happy medium that works for us. I printed off the list of toys from my carts & kept it in my planner, didn’t start wrapping until December and I wrap in a few different shifts. Everything is wrapped first – then if I want to go back and decorate with bows, etc, I can. Wrapping everything in one night was stressful & honestly, it hurt my back LOL. This is much better!! PRO TIP: Take a sharpie and write a name or initials on the bottom of the present – you can tag it later if you want!
Make a family wish list – take a look at local events as a family – schedule when you are going to do each activity.
This is extremely helpful! If you have a family calendar – put it on there! It’s also helpful to put the events in your phone calendar and share them digitally with your spouse. It’s amazing how quickly holiday activities can stack up and then it seems like we are rushing to check things off a list instead of really enjoying them! This has also helped me to say ‘no’ to some things if the calendar is just getting too full. We’ve learned to pick our favorites and really do them right.
Clean and declutter – donate old toys and decor BEFORE you bring more into your home.
Make room for incoming toys & gifts. I like to ask Roux to pick some things that he would live to give to other kids. Loren and I do the same without things and also any household items that aren’t being used anymore. Then, I do another playroom sweep to see if there is anything else that can be donated. This has always been a great opportunity to teach about generosity & helping others. The best part is Roux picking things on his own – I don’t have to convince him or force anything. My only advice is to let this be a process over a couple of weeks. As you are going through your decor – start thinking about how you can store it in a more organized way after the holidays are over – take the time to order the extra storage bin or ornament box now – you’ll be glad you did in a few weeks!
Take note of your gift wrapping supplies & set up a wrapping station.
I actually bought most of my items this year on Amazon and online shopping. I’ve realized over time – I like more of a subtle color theme. As I was revamping my supply, I made sure to purchase more neutral items, so that I can reuse them year after year, or continue to use them while supplies last, no matter what color theme I go with each year. I created a wrapping station upstairs, hidden away from little eyes so I can stay organized. After bedtime, I can hop up there and get a little wrapping done each week.
Make a list of what you need to make – if you’re hosting, ask guests to bring dessert or appetizers.
I like to keep the menu pretty simple for Christmas. We just enjoyed a FEAST for Thanksgiving, and Christmas is really about being super present and available for my family. What we usually do is make a nice big meal for Christmas Eve with plans to have leftovers for lunch on Christmas Day. My in-laws are vegan, and I like to make something we can all love. For the last few years – I’ve made a veggie lasagna + salad + simple bread. If my side of the family is joining us, I may also make a meat lasagna. The concept is the same, make a dish that serves many & is easy to have for lunch the next day. I know some like to enjoy a big dinner together on Christmas Day – but we prefer Christmas Eve for this season of our life.
My mother-in-law and I usually tackle a simple breakfast for Christmas morning together: usually, my make-ahead Blueberry Croissant Puff paired with her Frittata + fresh fruit. A few days before Christmas, I make the gingerbread dough & the sugar cookie dough. We usually make those cookies the week of Christmas and have a big batch to snack on during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In the past, I’ve invited family & extended family over for Christmas Dinner and we’ve done simple foods like Christmas TACO NIGHT or Homemade Broccoli Cheddar soup & salads! As long as I have a leftovers lunch plan, I’m happy to make a quick meal for Christmas night!
Make a gift list – check it twice! You don’t want to overbuy or forget someone special. Keep a handwritten or digital list you check regularly to be sure you’re buying the right amount of gift.
Don’t be afraid TO ASK FOR A LIST for family members you want to buy for as well! It doesn’t have to be EXACT items if you want to keep it a surprise – but ask them to give you some ideas. We all want the gifts we give to be ones that are actually enjoyed!
Stock up on a few simple + timeless gifts.
As you are Christmas shopping, keep an eye out for simple gifts you can keep at home to give to others throughout the season. When you’re invited to a Christmas party, you’ll have a small gift for the hostess! You’ll have something nice to gift your child’s preschool teacher or Sunday school volunteer! It’s really nice to have a few inexpensive things on hand [like candles] so you can be generous in this season! Another thought: when you’re baking treats – bake a little extra and bag them up as a homemade gift to offer someone.
If you’re still looking for some gift ideas, check out my Gift Guide.
Set deadlines.
Just say NO to shopping the week before Christmas. Unless it’s really something you enjoy – it’s unnecessary stress! I also find that last-minute shopping makes me feel pressured to buy more than I need to – or buy something that I don’t really even like that much LOL. The urgency of it all makes us do weird things and feel unorganized than we really are!
Create some simple wellness goals.
We aren’t looking to create strict rules around the holidays when it comes to your workouts or your nutrition. But, it can be quite simple to incorporate healthy habits while fully enjoying the season. For example, I set goals like 5 early morning workouts a week. My rule of thumb: the workout only needs to be 20 minutes long. As far as nutrition: I keep it really basic. My goals are 4 salads a week & at LEAST 70 ounces of water daily. Simple & doable. I want to FEEL GOOD during the holidays and afterward. All the extra sugar is FINE for a season – but if I stop moving my body & throw vegetables out completely – I know I’ll feel terrible and sluggish. This helps me to enjoy the season & also treat my body well. Then, if you want to, you can really get after it for the New Year! Fill out this form if you are interested in having an accountability community during the holidays.
Set up your tablescape 1-2 weeks before Christmas.
Maybe one of my favorite holiday hacks – set up your holiday tablescape ahead of time. In most cases, this does not have to be done on the DAY OF your gathering. Not only does it LOOK pretty all set up – but you’ll be happy to have one less thing on your to-do list!
I hope that something on this list helps make your busy holiday season a bit easier! I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating with friends and family!
