Your Guide to Preparing for Organized and Stress-Free Holidays

Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by Complete Organization

Your Guide to Preparing for Organized and Stress-Free Holidays

The shopping, the decorating, the cooking, the errands, the cleaning…aghhh! Are you one of those people who look forward to the holiday season, or do you panic with the thought of all that has to get done….not to mention you have kiddos pulling at your legs the whole time? I love the holidays, but I love them even more when I’m able plan and prioritize early. 

Getting organized ahead of time is the key to managing a fantastic, stress-free season.  Thoughtful planning, deliberate delegation, focusing on simplicity, and slowing down to enjoy family and friends will help you survive — and actually enjoy — the upcoming weeks.

Make a To-Do-List (Now!!)

Start a master list of “to do’s” that need to be completed before the holidays. If you break your large projects into smaller tasks, it will help make things seem more manageable. In my master list, I use different categories like “Calls”, “Gifts”, “Menu”, “Errands”, etc. I then make a short list for each week or day, pulling from the items on the master list. If your to-do list seems too overwhelming, consider consulting with a professional organizer, who can help plan out and organize your holiday schedule, not to mention help with some of your tasks. With a proper game plan, it’ll be much easier to tackle all of your “to-do’s”.

Start Gift Brainstorming & Buying Early

Think about who you need to buy for and make your list, avoiding making it too long. For some on your list, it might be just as special to give a heartfelt card or even a homemade card from the family. Be on the lookout for any sales or coupons for the gifts on your list to help with your holiday spending. Try to buy what you can early so that you’re not rushing around town at the last minute stressed-out during this special time of year.

Learn to Delegate

Stop trying to do everything yourself. I know us moms think we are superheroes, and we are, but sometimes it’s okay to have help. Ask yourself, “How should I spend my time? How do I want to spend my time?” Delete or delegate everything else. For example, hire someone to clean the house or invite guests to each bring their favorite dishes for a potluck. Many people also use professional organizers to help clear out the clutter and get their home dinner party ready. My personal favorite is to have a relative watch the kids while I gift shop…it’s such a treat to run errands without children in tow.

Your Family Can Help

Set aside one day for everyone in your family to help with house decorations. Pick a day that everyone will be home and willing to help. I like to put some Christmas music on and maybe make some hot chocolate. If you have a large family, you can divide up tasks if needed. Usually the tree is one that everyone wants to help with, so save it for last. It’s a fun way to get the family in the holiday spirit, instead of you having to tackle the decorations on your own.

Say “No” Sometimes

It’s okay to say “no.” Company parties, family get-togethers, all-day shopping excursions, cookie bakes — if you do them all, they’ll zap your energy fast! Review your priorities often this season. Let your involvement in activities be aligned with your goals, not by the open slots of your schedule. It’s very difficult to want to please and feel like we can do it all, but it usually makes us feel burnt-out by the time the holidays are over. Do what’s best for you and your family and say “no” when it gets to be all “too much.”

Schedule Time for You

Pencil in some personal time on your schedule before it gets too over-booked. If you don’t do it now, the time won’t be there later! Block off an afternoon, an hour, or even ten minutes to enjoy what energizes you and lifts your spirits this holiday season. It could be lunch with a dear friend, a massage, a quiet afternoon with a book and spiced latte…whatever it is, don’t forget to carve out some time for you!

Ready to learn more about Jenny’s business, Complete Organization, and how she can help you stay organized this holiday season? Check out the links below. 

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Jenny Gautreaux is a mom of three, an Acadiana native and a Professional Organizer.  She loves to create order out of chaos and loves to simplify.  With over 12 years of organizing experience, and working in many different cities, she has seen just about every type of disorganized situation.  Knowing how difficult and overwhelming it can be when you are surrounded by clutter and that most people are too busy to fully organize their home, Jenny is very understanding and can help you step-by-step to edit, organize and maintain your spaces.  Her goal is to leave you with an organized environment that you love and is easy to maintain.

Complete Organization, Inc. 

Jenny Gautreaux, Certified Professional Organizer

337-519-8501 

[email protected]

www.completeorganization.com