Happy Halloween. The holidays are here. Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and the countdown to crazy is here. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share 1o ways to prepare for the holidays. These are great ways to keep yourself organized and ready for the upcoming madness.
10 Ways To Prepare For The Holidays
Invest In Organization
A great planner can help you organize your day to day routine and plan for the busy holiday schedule. I’m an organizing junky from my Erin Condren Planner, to my weekly chalkboard that helps me organize meals and all of our schedules. Making sure that you have a plan in place to help you stay on top of things is key.
Plan Ahead
If there are holiday activities you know you want to do, make sure that you put them into your calendar. We try to setup our schedules so that we can travel, and then be a part of all of our favorite activities. Going to Disneyland for the holidays, celebrating our anniversary, visit with family, check out all the Christmas light displays, and visit December Nights at Balboa Park. You can see some of my other favorite San Diego Holiday activities here and here.
Write Lists
Another great way to prepare for the holidays is to write lists. The reminder app on your iPhone is amazing. I have so many lists. I keep a to-do, a party list, grocery list, and gift lists. You name it, I have it. Start your Christmas lists early. I like to write down toys the girls mention so that I’m not searching for ideas at the holidays.
Get Your Decorations Up Early
I know some people may not agree with this one. But, if you get your decorations up early than you have nothing to worry about. You can focus on the holidays and the memories that you want to create with your family.
Get Outside
Don’t let yourself get stuck inside for the holidays. Even if you live in the snow, get outside. Enjoy the white winter wonderland. Get fresh air and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Even if it’s just a few minutes a day. Make time for the beautiful outdoors.
Host A Party
Start a fun tradition. Host a cookie party, or a gingerbread house party. It doesn’t have to be something extravagant. It can be small and with just close friends. Make a tradition that your kids will love and make it a part of your holiday routine. Maybe it’s even as simple as a hot cocoa bar with friends or family. Just take the time to enjoy those close to you.
Set Aside Time For Self Care
We can all get caught up in our holiday schedules and forget to make time for ourselves. Schedule time for your self care. Put it in your calendar, and stick to it. Try to give yourself at least two hours a week outside of exercise. Time to just read, take a bath, get a massage, or give yourself a facial.
Give Back
Teaching children the importance of giving back is a big deal in our house. So, we make food and toy donations at the holidays. Whatever is within your time and spending budget. Do something to spread the holiday cheer.
Schedule Time To Wrap Gifts
No one likes the stress of wrapping presents at the last minute. Some of us schedule our gift wrapping for Christmas Eve and that’s ok. Just make sure that you have set aside the time to wrap gifts. I like to wrap as I buy and I do it once or twice a week so that the gifts slowly make there way under the tree. If that’s too much just make sure that you can sit down and enjoy the time, stress free.
Have Fun
Most important to prepare for the holidays is have fun! This is a time of family and joy. If the damn elf on the shelf stresses you out don’t do it. Tell your kids frankie (or whatever your elf’s name is) went on vacation. Tell them he is sick and a friendly neighbor elf is reporting back to Santa. ENJOY Your Holiday season. Life is short.
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