The holiday season is right around the corner, bringing its usual mix of joy, excitement, and sometimes a dash of chaos. What if we followed Lisa Woodruff’s advice and planned our holidays with a clear strategy this year? Let’s delve into how we can make our festive days shine brighter with a touch of organization.
Get Ready and Plan
One of the secrets to enjoying the holiday festivities is being well-prepared. Instead of a last-minute dash to buy gifts or decorate the house, why not start with a calendar? Note important dates like family events, school shows, or when you plan to begin buying gifts.
Keeping a checklist can also be a lifesaver. Jot down everything from sending out holiday cards to cleaning up the guest room.
And remember, your favorite holidays are about family and sharing, so don’t be shy to delegate tasks. Let everyone chip in. It can turn chores into fun, family activities.
Gifts: Shop Smart
Finding the perfect gift for loved ones is one of the most rewarding tasks of the season. Start by making a list of all the people you intend to buy presents for. During the festive season, it’s easy to get carried away, so make sure to set a sensible budget for each person. This way, you avoid the January financial blues.
Once you’ve got all your gifts, choose a cozy corner in your home and transform it into a wrapping station. Make it a fun activity – play some festive songs, have a cup of hot cocoa on the side, and let the wrapping begin!
Make Your Home Shine
Decorating our homes brings the spirit of the holidays alive. Start by categorizing your decor.
Do you have specific Christmas ornaments for the tree or special candles for the mantelpiece? Group your holiday items together. It makes setting up and packing away later much simpler.
And speaking of packing away, consider investing in good quality holiday storage boxes or bags. Lisa Woodruff has some excellent storage solutions and organization tips on the website Organize365.
Food: Yummy and Easy
Ah, the holiday feast! It’s the centerpiece of our celebrations. Start by planning your menu in advance. Are there any dietary needs to be aware of? Once that’s settled, draft your grocery list. A pro tip is to categorize your list by sections of the store – it’ll save time.
You can make some dishes ahead of time. Search for recipes that you can freeze and reheat on the day, so you don’t get overwhelmed with cooking tasks.
Fun Family Times
Every family has its holiday traditions. Maybe you love singing carols together, or perhaps there’s a special game you always play. List down these beloved traditions and consider adding a new one. Something fresh to look forward to next year!
After the Holiday Organizing
We need to wrap things up once we finish the celebrations and usher in the New Year. Take the time to send out thank-you notes, especially for those heartwarming gifts or gestures you received.
As you pack away the decorations with tissue paper and plastic bins, see if there are items you might not need next year. Consider donating them. Find storage bins that make it easy to pack and locate your holiday decorations, Christmas lights, and gift wrap/bags.
Embracing the holidays doesn’t mean getting lost in the chaos. With planning and advice from Lisa Woodruff, your festive season can be as smooth as icing on a cake. Enjoy, celebrate, and bask in the warmth of organized holiday festivities!
