4 Secrets for a Stress-Free Holiday

Here are some tips to get on top of your game and keep the stress to a low-roar.

1. Make a Holiday Planning Notebook

Rather than pencil-scratched envelopes stacked around the house, lingering email reminder messages to yourself sitting in your inbox, and Post-it notes covering the fridge, make a single source reference place for all of your holiday planning materials.

The needs of each family will vary, but a good list to get started would be: a calendar of events, a gift list, Christmas card mail list, budgets, recipes and clips from magazines on holiday décor ideas.

2. Have a Wrapping Center

Even if you are just trying to get yourself organized for this year, which in turn will have you organized for the years to come, dedicate a place in your home for a wrap and planning station. This area can be used year-round for birthdays and other holidays.

Whether you convert an extra closet or the corner in an office into your wrap center, having a go-to space for a wrapping center makes one holiday task seem less burdensome.

3. Plan for Next Year

As if you haven’t already done enough, when the holidays are over, start planning for next year. Evaluate recipes, décor, and other items you thought went well or not so well and make a note of it.

When you are packing away decorations, see what needs replacing. For example, take advantage of the end-of-the-year sales and replace strands of burnt-out lights or ornaments that accidentally broke.

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Hold on to last year’s Christmas card mailing list so that you can make notes and changes on it when you start preparing for next year. It is always a good idea to keep your notebook, so it can be a building place for next year.

4. Remember Why You Are Celebrating

Even make a note of it in your planning binder where you see it every day! Sing some carols or bake some holiday cookies, just don’t forget to enjoy quality time and special traditions with your children, your family and your friends.

Being organized will help you do a lot, but, you don’t have to do it all!