My motto as a seasoned Professional Organizer is especially true right now:
“If you do anything more than once in life, organize it and simplify it. That’s especially true for the holidays that come year after year like clockwork.”
With all year to prepare, you’d think we’d all be ready ahead of time for the holidays. But we’re generally stressed in ways that could be avoided. Here’s how you begin smooth sailing through today through Christmas.
1) List Names on Your Master Gift List
List everyone you plan to give gifts to in Priority Order. Pull out your Gift List from last year and copy them in the same order. Need a chart? Download it in our Holiday Calendar and Planning Hub
2) Organize Your Holiday Gift Wrapping Center
It could be a box under your bed, a drawer in a dresser, or a section of a closet. List what you need to replenish such as rolls of wrapping paper (same size), gift bags, tissue paper, gift tags, bows or ribbons. Use what you have first to simplify wrapping clutter.
3) Plan Your Dates
Check that all holiday dates affecting you are marked plus reminders in My Personal Holiday Plan of dates you might overlook. Now add school or work vacation dates, social events, and when decorations go up and come down.
In October and November, I make make a double portion of soup, casserole, lasagna or other meal. I freeze one for those busy December days. It really helps when unexpected guests drop in or extra events pop up in the days leading up to Christmas.
Great idea, Laural! Double up & freeze items in November to make December easier.