Beyond the “12 Days” – Getting Ready for the Holidays

As most parents know, 12 days doesn’t cut it when getting ready for the holidays.   Are you looking for a less-hectic holiday season?  More joy, less stress?  Most are, but why is it so elusive?   Why is it so hard to “do less?”  

This year, I’m going to start with an open mind (as I always do.)  A belief that we can calm the chaos.  First step is to think about last year – what caused issues?  How we can alleviate now, while there is still time?   Items on my list are last minute gift and holiday outfit shopping expeditions; the card list; too little space to store the gifts/food, and misc. items coming into the house, too little time to handle the last minute organization/food prep, etc. 

So – this year, I’m making a SHORT list of a few things we definitely want to do to get in the spirit and celebrate the season from the hundreds of options…  (See the  Nutcracker; have a cookie decorating party; go on a historic train ride with Santa, and read holiday stories under the tree).    I’m going to schedule these on my calendar, just as I do with important meetings and deadlines. 

To ensure there is time,  I’m also making a “DoIt Before Turkey Day” list (the cards, organize kitchen/pantry, clean out/donate toys the kids have outgrown, purchase and wrap majority of gifts, ensure everyone has holiday outfits.)  

Everyone’s list will be unique – but given the accepted too-much-to-do-in-too-little-time situation, the important step is creating priorities.

For more great holiday prep ideas, check lists, etc., visit: 

SimpleMom:  http://simplemom.net/preparing-for-christmas-intro/

Organized Christmas:  http://organizedchristmas.com/

Online organizing:  http://www.onlineorganizing.com/ExpertAdviceToolboxTips.asp?tipsheet=46

 

Good luck – and please share your tips in the comments for this post.  How are you preparing for the holidays?