Organized Chaos - Getting ready for holidays
The holidays are often described as joyful, but for many, they feel overwhelming, busy, and stressful. Mention the pressure to be "perfect."
Cleaning, cooking, decorating, and creating that “Holiday Magic” can be overwhelming. While there is no such thing as “perfect” there are definitely ways to help organize your time and tasks during the holiday to help not get overwhelmed and remain focused!
Command Center
Setting up your area to keep everything organized and together is imperitave to preserving your inner peace and saving time with running around trying to find things.
Dedicate one box or drawer to all holiday-related paperwork and supplies (address labels, stamps, wrapping paper, tape, receipts, holiday card list). We like these storage containers because the wrapping paper does not get wrinkled and torn. Everything is in one spot and easy to put away.
This tree keeper is really cool because it stands up (but is on the pricey side)
This wrapping paper storage bag is more budget friendly and still has all of the separate compartments!
Even with helping Santa store those gifts - work smarter not harder. Storage buckets in the garage can be filled and everything stays in one place - instead of hiding things in your closet and forgetting it until 3 months after Christmas (not that I’ve ever done that).
Calendars
Shared calendar’s are so helpful in managing our busy schedules with our families. The holiday’s are full of kids parties, concerts, family events, community events, and more. Sometimes it’s hard to keep track when everybody has a different device in their hand and some of our family (like my husband) do not check their calendars. Having a command center where you can organize everything in one spot can help keep everybody on the same page. Also, having a visual representation of commitments allows you to not overbook yourself and giving yourself much needed hot chocolate breaks.
You can go the old school route with calendars like this Personalized Acrylic Wall Calendar.
Or something more modern with the new wave of digital calendar’s like this Skylight calendar that automatically syncs your grocery list, schedules, and even allows you to assign tasks to others in one location.
Gifts!
Sharing your affection and thoughts for others during the holiday’s is a great way to fill your bucket. However picking the “perfect” gift can be stressful and exhausting.
Spreadsheets can be your friend - you can set a budget and monitor the stage of shipping, wrapping, etc. Something like this:
Holiday Gift Spreadsheet
Expectations
Let go of the need for perfection. The goal is connection and enjoyment, not magazine-worthy décor. Lowering the bar is an act of kindness to yourself and allows you to actually enjoy this time of year with family and friends.
You don't have to do it all. Ask for help! Assign tasks (e.g., Uncle Joe brings the drinks, Cousin Sarah handles appetizers). Don't try to host a five-course meal while single-handedly decorating. It’s also absolutely fine to cater or get premade food to help with your mental and physical load.
Remember: Organizing isn't just about efficiency; it's about creating boundaries and protecting your time.