Every year, the holidays seem to arrive sooner than we expect! As soon as summer ends, it feels like we’re on a fast track to the year’s end. Even though this is a magical time, it can quickly become hectic, and if we’re not careful, we might miss the true joy of the season.
Planning for Christmas is an effective way to reduce stress and spend more quality time with your family during the holidays. It prevents those last-minute dashes to the store on Christmas Eve for forgotten gifts. Instead, you can relax, knowing everything is taken care of.
To keep myself and my family sane during the holidays, I start planning early. Although Christmas Day is the same date every year, it often seems to sneak up on us. We anticipate its arrival and know that planning ahead can significantly reduce stress. This year, do yourself and your family a favor by planning early. It might feel odd to think about the holidays before Thanksgiving, but trust me, you’ll be glad you did!
We all have an idea of the perfect holiday season in our minds, but each year can look quite different. Sometimes we are overwhelmed with parties and cards, while other years are more laid-back. Make sure your holiday plans reflect what you realistically can and want to do.
Whether you enjoy decorating, baking, and sending cards, or prefer a simpler approach without all the fuss, remember that it’s your holiday season. You can decide how much or how little you want to do. Forget about copying Pinterest and Instagram. Focus on what really matters to you!
Start by brainstorming your ideal holiday and what you can realistically achieve. Don’t forget to factor in any traditions or travel plans you have in mind.
With a clear picture of your ideal holiday season, it’s time to get into the details. The best starting point is creating a budget, even before organizing events or making purchases. If you’re anything like me, you might find that the holidays usually cost more than expected, so setting a budget helps.
Instead of impulse buying (especially during Black Friday), knowing what you need and how much you can spend helps you avoid surprises in January.
I draft a list of everything I need to buy, categorized for simplicity. Once the budget is in place, it’s time for the more exciting holiday planning!
If decorating is essential to your holiday experience, assess what you have and what you might need. Tight budget? Use what you already own to save money. I keep track of decorations with an inventory on my phone, allowing me to see what’s necessary to replace or update.
For a simple approach to DIY decorations that are easy to make and store, including options you can repurpose for other seasons, here are some ideas: [insert DIY suggestions].
If sending Christmas cards is a highlight for you, plan early to avoid feeling overwhelmed. However, if they’re not your thing, feel free to skip this step.
Create your cards before Thanksgiving to address and send them promptly after the holiday. If cards become more trouble than they’re worth, it’s okay to skip them this year—or any year. Redirect time and resources into other festive activities.
Gift-giving can feel daunting, but making a list is a great way to stay organized and avoid overspending, especially if you’re on a budget or wish to keep things simple. I list gifts for each person and stick to the “want, need, wear, read” tradition, which eases the pressure and keeps my stress in check. The same philosophy applies to family members, as one-on-one time with grandparents is cherished by both generations.
Don’t forget about other gifts, whether for teachers, friends, or neighbors. Simple DIY gifts are perfect (more on this later).
Homemade gifts are a fantastic way to give something special and enjoy a holiday project with kids. They’re budget-friendly and have that personal touch. My kids eagerly anticipate their personalized photobooks every year.
For making gifts, now is the time to get organized. Some require more preparation, so start early. Try crafting your own gift wrap—it’s an eco-friendly way to use household items creatively. Brown paper with paint or stamps also makes a fun family project.
Once gifts and decorations are sorted, plan your holiday activities. To make sure we enjoy our favorite activities, I plan them early and involve the whole family in brainstorming ideas.
Some typical ideas include: [insert activity suggestions]. I schedule these about two weeks before Thanksgiving, allowing room for any events that might pop up later. New Year’s activities are also added as planned.
Next, it’s meal planning time. Whether hosting or bringing a dish to family gatherings, planning ahead helps.
I use Real Plans, a meal-planning app that saves me tons of time! Preparing a shopping list ahead lets me buy gradually during regular grocery trips instead of one hectic spree right before the holiday, easing the load.
Many of us look forward to the holidays ending because they can be stressful. But taking the time to plan means you can truly enjoy this special season with your family. Planning helps relieve the overwhelm often associated with this time of year. When stress hits, breathe deeply and revisit these steps.
What do you do to keep holiday stress at bay? Share your thoughts in the comments!
