Get Ready for the Holidays: Stress-Free Tips From a Pro Organizer
As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, it’s the perfect time to get organized for the Holiday Season. Here are my top tips to help you enjoy quality time with your loved ones while keeping things organized and stress-free!
Schedule Holiday Photos & Order Cards Early
Now’s the time to book that family photo session! Coordinate a date that works for everyone, and think about outfits that match your holiday vibe. A little planning goes a long way in capturing those precious memories.
We keep it simple around here- my kids choose a casual outfit they’re comfortable in and we walk over to a local park. I snap some pics with my iPhone and we call it a day! Busy schedules don’t always allow for a photo shoot with a photographer, and keeping it simple takes the pressure off of everyone for having the “perfect” photo.
Order cards early to take advantage of free shipping options and get cards mailed out before the holiday mail rush. And don’t forget to grab some holiday stamps! I waited too long last year and the design I liked was sold out!
Plan Your Outfits
Get a jumpstart on your holiday wardrobe so you’re not scrambling at the last minute- especially for the kids. Gather festive outfits for parties and family gatherings. Make sure kids’ clothes fit so you can update sizes and avoid the last minute shop for pants that fit...because we've all had those times that we think last year's stuff will still fit and inevitably someone grew!
Don’t forget to plan outfits for the school holiday concerts, also. There have been plenty of years that this sneaks up on me and I’m running out the night before to grab a button down that fits my son or a skirt for my daughter because the one we thought would work is too short!
The last wardrobe item to plan for is pajamas. If you like to do matching family pajamas, shop early so you’re guaranteed the sizes you need and you snag the pattern you love. My elves bring our family pjs during the first week of December, so I grab ours in early November to make sure they’re here well before the elves arrive.
This is also a great time to weed out clothes that are too small, itchy, or that the kids just won’t wear. Take stock of your closet as well. If you assess the wardrobe you have, you avoid buying new things unnecessarily. Donate gently used items to local charities and consign things that are seasonal and in demand styles.
Schedule Beauty Appointments
This is a busy time of year for everyone- especially the individuals who help us look and feel our best! Schedule out all of your hair, nail, lash, and beauty appointments from now through the new year. Those slots fill up quickly! And don't forget to schedule hair cuts for the kids. Get everyone a fresh cut before holiday photo sessions and important events!
Buy Wrapping Supplies
The first step here is clean out last year’s wrapping supplies! Gather all of your wrapping paper, bags, bows, and boxes in one place. Toss crumpled paper and wrinkly bags and bows. Assess the wrapping you have that can be used this year.
If you like to do a special Santa paper or wrap each person’s gifts in a different paper, plan that out. I found this gorgeous paper from Aspen and Arlo and I ordered a different paper for each of my kids, a special Santa paper, and a lovely neutral for other family and friends’ gifts.
Keep things organized in a wrapping caddy or bin. We recommend separating out holiday wrapping from everyday wrapping or other special occasion wrapping supplies.
Having everything ready to go will save you from the last-minute wrapping stress!
Update Your Holiday Planning Calendar
Use a planner or a digital calendar to outline key dates: parties, gift exchanges, school events, and family gatherings...the list of holiday obligations feels endless sometimes and you're less likely to drop the ball if it's all noted in a planner or on a calendar.
Personally, I use a digital calendar with a notes feature to keep track of everything. The Skylight Calendar is prominently displayed in my kitchen so everyone can see what we have each day, and my husband and older kids have the app on their phones. Everything updates in real time as I add in events and notes, each person is color coded, and the display is large and bright for easy viewing. There’s also a meal planning feature that has been a game changer on busy weeknights. The calendar has a photo display option that I loaded up with old holiday photos through the years. It’s been fun seeing the kids get older and reliving those fun holiday memories!
A digital calendar could also be a great gift for yourself or another busy family in your life. This code gives you $20 off your first Skylight order: FRIEND-22NMF6C
If you prefer a paper calendar, this one from Erin Condren is customizable and so pretty!
However you keep track of events, whether digital or hand written, you’ll have a clear picture of what’s coming up and can avoid last-minute chaos!
With a little planning and organization, you’ll be ready for a fun, festive, and stress-free Holiday Season. Less stress means embracing the spirit of the season and making wonderful memories with our loved ones.
Happy organizing!
XO,
Trish
Trish Johnson is a professional organizer, wife, and mom of 3 kids. She is a former elementary school teacher who understands the stresses of daily life and truly enjoys helping busy families get set up with effective, organized systems that are functional as well as beautiful. Her company, This Organized Chaos, is located in New Jersey and services the surrounding areas organizing homes and small businesses.
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