Simplify Your Holidays: Step One

Y’all!!

Is the stress of the upcoming holidays beginning to creep into your brain?  Just a little?  I know it is for me. As the leftover Halloween candy bowl depletes, I have flashing moments of panic at all that needs to happen in the next 6 weeks. (These are in addition to the other flashes happening in this 50-something body.)

Keep calm my sisters, I’m here to help you.

Getting it all done during the holiday season doesn’t have to be difficult. Seriously.  I have a few time tested tricks I’d love to share. (HINT: You can get these five simple steps as a PDF at the bottom of this post.)

But today, lets start with Step One.

Y’all this is really easy, and requires no money being spent!

Step One: Fill your calendar.

That’s it.

I have a hard copy of my holiday calendar months (November and December) easily visible at my work station.  A huge wall chalkboard that I use as a calendar sits right above my eyes.  Any calendar works, but I would really suggest that you have a non-digital version that you can see easily. Just find a simple calendar on the internet, print it and pin it up in your office or wherever you can see it easily.  It’s mobile too, you can tuck it into your bag, and then trash it in January.

You can always add your dates to your phone in addition to this version.

I’m not sure why a hard copy of a calendar helps me.  I think I need to be able to see all my days in one place. If I need to reschedule something I can easily do this with no hassle.

From here, I fill in ALL my important dates:  parties, travel, kids’ parties and school holidays, performances, etc. Anything that requires your presence or ANY input needs to be on this calendar.  What requires food or home preparation from you?  House guests expected? Church events? Get all these on your calendar.

Now, given the parties and commitments already there, what other appointments do you need to make?  Hair?  Nails?  A home cleaning service?  Really think these through and MAKE THESE APPOINTMENTS ASAP.

Now comes the ‘thinking’ part.

What fun events would you like to plan with your friends or family?  Would your kids love a fun day of ice skating?  How about a holiday brunch for your neighbors?  When will you do your holiday baking?  When will you shop?  Fill in your calendar now!

Now is the time to PLAN a day for those things that always get crowded out.  Think about the people that mean the most to you.  How can you bless them this holiday season?  Simple thoughtful gestures mean so much to people!!! Get them on the calendar.

Be proactive.

Make your holidays special.  Plan those special times and family events. This simple step of planning a day for them NOW is a jump start in making it happen!!  Put these things on the calendar now! 

Here is my word of advice here. I have a simple rule that I follow in order to prevent over-scheduling.  Only one event can be on the calendar per day.  I know there are exceptions to this rule (thinking of the movie Four Christmases here).  But, if at all possible, only schedule one event per day. This prevents (somewhat) you becoming frazzled and cranky. You’ll thank me later.

Tomorrow we will work on Step Two.  (It’s also very easy!!)

I’d love to send you a quick PDF to help you simplify your holidays.  It’s found in my Resource Library along with lots of other FREE printables for your midlife journey. Sign up below!