Getting Ready for the Holiday Season
10/25/2023
Getting Ready for the Holiday Season
It is hard to believe that the holiday season is almost here! The next few months are going to fly by, and there are plenty of ways to get ahead of the rush. Below is a list of several things you can do to get ready for the holiday season.
- Create Lists
One of the best tools for staying on top of things is creating lists of all the things you need to accomplish. Apps that let you curate multiple lists at once are a great tool for list-making on the go. It is a good idea to create grocery, gift, or task lists that are helpful for you.
- Plan Your Menu
It can be overwhelming planning big holiday meals or what to bring to holiday get togethers, but planning can lessen stress. Start thinking about which entrees and desserts you would like to cook. Furthermore, it can be helpful to get a head count well in advance.
- Make Some “Me” Time
If you are the person in charge of most holiday planning, this can be an incredibly stressful time of year for you. Make sure you delegate any tasks you can and schedule some downtime for yourself. Getting a quick massage, reading a book, or taking a walk are all great ways to relax.
- Create Your Schedule
Scheduling can be very helpful when your obligations start to pile up. Avoid double booking by keeping track of events on your phone.
- Decorate
If you enjoy decorating your home, schedule a time where you can do so! Make an event out of it; get your favorite hot beverage or snacks, put on your favorite music, and include your family. Make your home as cozy and festive as you want.
- Create Budgets
The holidays can get expensive, so creating a budget may be right for you. Create budgets for gifts, food, increased utilities from décor, and any travel expenses.
- Cook/Bake Ahead
Once you have planned your menu, see if there is anything you can make ahead of time. Certain things like cookie dough, pie crusts, and frostings can be made up to a month beforehand and frozen. Things like soups, bread dough, and stock can also be made well in advance.
- Prioritize Beloved Family Traditions
Making your schedule may reveal too many plans and too little time. If you need to rethink your holiday schedule, prioritize beloved family traditions over things you feel like you “should” do. If having a family meal means more than making sure your lights look perfect, prioritize your meal.
- Have “Just in Case” Gifts
We’ve all been taken by surprise by someone giving us a gift. While you are under no obligation to return a gift in this situation, you may want to consider having a couple “ready to go” generic gifts with you. Hot chocolate mix, holiday candy, or gift cards are great options for “just in case” gifts.
- Wrap As You Go
Wrapping gifts can be a huge time commitment. One solution is to wrap as you go. Have a bag of gift-wrapping materials and wrap gifts as you bring them home to avoid last-minute, late-night sessions that can last hours. Another option is gift bags! Gift bags are a much quicker wrapping option and can be reused next year.
If you have any helpful tips for the holiday season, make sure you share them with family and friends.