The problem with the holiday season is the feeling of overwhelm many of us get just trying to remember everything. It’s a lot for our brains to hold so today’s post is all about the practical side of keeping on track for the holidays so we don’t lose our marbles and can instead really focus in on being intentional about the holidays. As always with my posts, these are just suggestions to get you thinking about systems you can implement now in order to keep the anxiety down later. Remember our goal here is not to complicate life further but to think about what part of the holidays stresses you out the most and maybe make an adjustment in how you normally do things to help you manage this area a little bit better.
The nice people over at Avery sent me a sample of Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery products to help me put this post together for you. All products are available at Staples unless otherwise noted. Oh and stick with me to the end for a fun giveaway 🙂
So let’s get started with the organizing tools shall we?
Paper Management:
Oh boy the paper situation normally is often crazy but during the holidays it just seems to amp up doesn’t it? Rather than let it pile up on your counters and tables, forcing your brain to try and remember where everything is, how about setting up a quick paper organizer system for your counter top.
This desk organizer costs about $15 and packs an organizational punch. Also available in brown and white.
Add some file folders to the back section, label them with what you find piles up most for you; schedules, invitations, to pay, to file, school notes, etc. Then as items come in, you immediately have somewhere to put them, making it super easy to find what you need when you need it. Whoot!
To Do Lists:
So with the holiday season comes a huge list of things to do. Trying to remember everything without writing it down, gets you nowhere except maybe exhausted. Don’t do that to yourself. Write down in point form every single thing you need to remember to do in a notebook. I have been doing this for years and I would be lost without my list notebook. I wrote about it in more detail here if you are interested.
This Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery Journal fits perfectly in the front section of the desk organizer. It features 210 lined pages and at the back you’ll find 11 pages of Martha Stewart entertaining tips and a 5-year important dates calendar. I added the label to the front of this one myself. Also available in a variety of colors.
Recipes:
It seems most people have a collection of recipes that we routinely make each year for the holidays. Rather than sift through piles of recipe pages looking for Great Gramma’s fudge recipe why not keep these special holiday recipes in a separate Holiday Planner binder.
In my binder I keep my Holiday Menu Planner and Holiday Baking List printables along with all my holiday recipes. I love having everything together in one place. To download my free printables for the holidays (as seen in the picture below) please visit my post, Holiday Menu Planning 101.
I love the Martha Stewart with Avery binders for two very good reasons. The binding opens with one hand and the rings close TIGHTLY with no gaps, two things when not present annoy me greatly.
The plastic sheet protectors in the MS collection are also pretty sweet as they feature two divided sections with secure-top flaps. These are particularly nice for recipe cards or half page recipes and would be great for keeping track of Christmas receipts.
You can also use your Holiday Planner for so much more than just recipes. Download this FREE Christmas Planning Kit over at A Typical English Home.
This set below is super fun and colorful and is available for purchase from Becoming Martha through Etsy for $7.00.
Christmas Cards:
Oh how I love receiving Christmas cards from friends and family each year, especially the pictures and seeing how everyone has grown. I know more and more people are getting away from doing them because of the time involved but it doesn’t have to be as hard as we make it out to be. I do my cards while watching TV. The trick is collecting all the necessary information into one place so you have what you need right in front of you instead of running all about looking for this and that. Here I’ve used the Martha Stewart with Avery Document Storage Box. I like that it comes with a lid to not only keep everything contained but so that you can stack them if you have multiple projects going at once.
You’ll see I’ve included Christmas cards, stickers, stamps, pens and my address labels in my box. Check out these cute address labels from the MS collection.
Cute right? And so easy to put through the computer as you can get free templates at marthastewart.com/avery. Once you have all the addresses of your friends and family entered in then you have them to use from year to year.
Not too long ago I switched to using holiday photo cards as my Christmas card which really simplifies the process. My favorite place to order them from is Shutterfly but pretty much everywhere does them including Costco and Walmart.
Schedules:
Keeping track of schedules can be tricky during the holidays with so many people coming and going. If you don’t have a master calendar that everyone can read, please print off one from the internet to use. You want to keep it somewhere central so all family members can assist with making sure everyone gets where they need to be on time. Add in everything you want to do this holiday season in order to be intentional about making it happen.
Here are a couple of cute ones for you. Go to Holly Days to download for FREE.
Reminders:
An additional way to make sure everyone in the family is on the same page is to use a reminder board to add reminders to each day. I love this chalkboard one from Martha that is a nice big size. I’ve hung mine at the end of my cupboard just as you come into the kitchen. No way you can miss it!
Gifts:
Want a super easy way to keep track of the gifts you need to buy and the budget you have for them? My sister introduced me to this app this year and I am loving it! It’s called the Better Christmas List and it is so fun to use. I’ve used others and wasn’t a big fan of them, but this one I like for it’s simplicity. Plus you can password protect it as well which is super handy when you have nosey teenagers :). Price: $1.99
If tracking gifts electronically isn’t your thing, here is a FREE gift list printable that you can print out and add to your Holiday Planner to use.
Christmas Countdown:
Want a fantastic FREE way to count down to Christmas for your kids? Simply print this free advent calendar printable from Worldlabel and either put it on your fridge or put it in a frame and use a dry erase marker to cross off the days. It’s so cute!!
Giveaway (now closed)
Whew we made it to the end! I hope you find some of the resources above to be helpful to you this holiday season. Now I’ve got for you the chance to win a $50 Staples Gift Card so that you can go stock up on some of the organizing tools you saw here today. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post telling me what area of organization you struggle with the most over the holidays or if you don’t struggle in this area share what keeps you most on track. Giveaway will close Friday, November 29th at 4:00 pm PST and is open to both US and Canadian residents.
Good luck everyone!
Updated to add: The winner is #10 Patty!!!
While this post is sponsored by Avery, all opinions of the products are my own and truthful.
Related posts:
Organizing a Christmas Gift Wrap Center
Linking up: Six Sisters Stuff, Your Homebased Mom, House of Rose, Todays Creative Blog
Kara Dion says
I struggle with kids papers and catalog pile-up!
Christine P says
I struggle with remembering where I stored gifts I had bought earlier in the year!
Stephanie E says
I struggle with remembering what gifts I have purchased throughout the year and what I still need to get as Christmas gets closer.
Theresa L. Petruska says
I bgan years ago to buy things throughout the year… ummmm where did I put those gifts??? oh, yeah… who did I buy this for??? ummm… I LOVE the post… it helps me to refine & get my lists in one binder (I hope… ;^}) thanks for the frequent helps… keep up the great work!!!
Cindy S says
I always struggle with finding where I hid my presents that I have been buying. This year I got smart and in August I got 2 Rubbermaid totes and have been throwing everything in the totes. When I did a huge shopping trip, I actually organized everything in bags for each child so it will be easier to see who still needs stuff and who doesn’t and put it back in the tote. Easy to find come wrapping time!
Sara says
My achilles heel is paper organization!
Krissy says
This is a really nice post. I personally struggle the most with two things equally. The first, is traveling and finding the time to see different family members in different states. My children, husband, and I are the only ones that live in our area.We are normally very structured and routine oriented and the constant traveling (or even visitors) is very stressful on all of us. I want to see my family around this time of year, but coordinating schedules and traveling is a bit more stressful than it should be. The second is, storing gifts as they come through the mail, and maintaining an organized space for gifts and wrapping. I love this time of year but these two things are enough for me to start pulling my hair out. Any suggestions?
Jeana Ball says
I have the most trouble with keeping up with all the receipts. My purse looks like it’s about to explode by the end of the holiday season because I’m afraid I’ll misplace them if I put them anywhere else. I have gotten a little better with this since we decided to cut out all the buy-a-gift-just-to-check-the-box type gifts. No more trading random door buster gifts or gift cards. We decided as a family to just buy gifts for the kids. Also, we limited our boys to only 3 gifts each. 🙂
Brenda Adamski says
I struggle most with gift planning, budgeting and time management for crafting gifts! Thanks for the tips!
Jami says
I make a lot of Christmas gifts with vinyl, paper and other mediums. My biggest struggle is organizing who is getting what and if I have it done!! I’m such a procrastinator! I am loving the idea of the gift app organizer though! I’ll have to check that out!
🙂 Thanks!
Kathy Carenza says
I struggle with everything-but events are my kryptonite. We have so many activities among us all that I go bonkers. Loving the Martha Stewart Set pictured. That is on my Christmas list 🙂
Patty says
I struggle with my entire house, my home office, the supply area, the kids room, laundry area, finding the time to do everything is so hard. I am a single mom with a disabled wonderful little girl, work full time and sell Princess House giftware part time.
Thank you
Laura Wilson says
Hmm, 2 big ones for me would be receipts, and keeping track of gift purchasing! my DH’s birthday is on the 23rd, so there are alotta gifts to get in a short time!
Kathryn says
I struggle with keeping all of my gifts organized. Too often I hide them from others in random places… and then have to tear the house apart to find them myself! I need a better system!
June Bradford says
Getting Christmas cards written and out on a timely basis is my biggest challenge.
Caitlyn says
This my first holiday season as a homeowner, so currently I am struggling with all of the decorating and projects I want to do in my new space. It’s a nice problem to have, but it does get overwhelming thinking of all of the decor options available!
Teresa Woods says
I have trouble with keeping my recipes together for this time of the year. I am going to go thru my recipe and then organize them for this year and years to come. Thank you for all of your ideas.
Mary says
I simply love Christmas… all the prep as well as the Big Day. But it does take a lot of time and thinking to “deck the halls”, write the cards, plan the menus, and cook the special holiday food. However, my biggest struggle is getting ideas for what to buy for each of our 11 children and 13 grandchildren and then buying those gifts, wrapping, and mailing everything. But in spite of all that is on my “Holiday To Do Llist, I still carve out enough time to listen to the music, enjoy the Christmas movies on TV and page through the magazines full of holiday ideas with a nice cup of coffee at my side. Love the organizers you listed above!
Jody says
How do I keep papers organized so piles don’t keep forming! So hard to know what to keep and what to throw away…
Jessica Ritchie says
I struggle with remembering what appointments/events we have and recipes (I print off too many :))
Kathy says
I struggle with knowing what I’ve bought and for whom.
Vickie says
I struggle with all of the paper that comes into the house with my son’s school and also with keeping track of what gifts I have purchased over the year and what I still need to buy as Christmas gets closer.
Brianna says
I think I have 2 major struggles when it comes Christmas organizing: gifts, and then the packing of all the decor and such. I end up having about 2 big bins full and then later I realize I forgot some and just keep piling it on top, without actually organizing.
Lisa says
I struggle with keeping up with the regular duties of my house.
Jessica w says
it is hard to keep our living area organized when we have guests over who put their things everywhere or misplace ours…
Tracie L. says
My biggest struggle is the cooking/baking part of the holidays. I have 10 types of cookies I bake and keeping that organized is a chore.
TRUDI says
I struggle with everything right now trying to be organized for the holidays. I am a single mother of five, working full time and going to school and feeling very much stressed and do not know where to start.
Jodi S says
This year I’m struggling with any kind of organization as I’m moving the week before Christmas and getting married 3 days after Christmas. Its a crazy year!
Jill says
Keep it simple, Jodi. Congratulations!
CC says
Budgeting! I do a good job of getting everyone great gifts but I tend to blow my budget to do so. I seem to always forget that a spending an extra couple of dollars here and there quickly adds up to over my limit.
Jill says
Paper…always the paper, including catalogs and COUPONS!
I need to streamline my shopping so that I don’t duplicate trips to stores or certain parts of town.
Thanks for the great ideas!
Christie Crook says
I need help just wading, yes wading, through the daily paper work that comes in and then needs to be gone through and most of it shoveled back out.
MomofTwoPreciousGirls says
I always stress more when we lose a week between thanksgiving and Christmas, like this year! Less time for shopping (we have a Christmas savings that doesn’t become available until mid November) and being able to get all the shopping, decorating and wrapping done in just a couple of weekends is near impossible! Really wish I could just take the whole month of December off of work!!!
Sally M says
Definitely m trying the Better Christmas List app!
The most difficult part of the season would be the gifts. I am better at purchasing online. The more I do, the smoother it goes and more rested I am to tackle everything else! Could still use great ideas ect in this department. Great post
Terri B says
I struggle with getting cards mailed!
Elissa says
I struggle with making sure I’ve gotten gifts for everyone on my list.
Ellen says
I struggle with bringing all of the pieces of the holidays together – the activities, food, traditions and religious elements in a way that makes sense and is fun, but not overwhelming for my littles (or me!) The Christmas card photo is another stressful to do!
Hilda @ From Overwhelmed To Organized says
I’ve got a Christmas card tracker to check off who you received cards from and who you sent cards to each year. It’s fun to keep track of the history (I’ve been doing it for over 10 years) and it helps ensure I don’t miss anyone.
Lindsey says
During the holidays, I struggle most with keeping all my Christmas Cards in order. I have the stamps in one place, the cards in another, and my list of addresses elsewhere! It can be overwhelming to collect everything I need to write and mail my cards and sometimes I don’t get them all done in one sitting so I ABSOLUTELY love your idea with keeping everything in the Martha Stewart storage box! No more running around the house collecting all I need each time I want to work on my Christmas cards! Thank you do much! 🙂
Maria says
My big wall calendar is a MUST! But my cluttered area is the kitchen desk! (Where all paper gets stacked!)
Jennifer says
I most often struggle with keeping my gift list. I always feel like I’m missing someone.
Lynne says
My biggest struggle is juggling my time. My kids schedule of activities (Nutcracker, winter camps, fundraisers, etc), plus extra shopping or gift making (and baking), I run out of time to put papers away so they collect on my desk, in my purse, in my pockets, and my kids room (never makes it to me). I have tried several systems to keep the paper tamed, but with a lack of time, it never works out at this time of year. Paperwork always increases with permission forms, report cards, newsletter, bills, cards…the list never seems to end!
Ann says
My biggest struggle is keeping the Christmas Cards, addresses (old & new), stamps, envelopes & who to send to and received from all organized.
My current system consists of a large Victoria’s Secret bag that holds the cards (new & old), and everything else including pens, stamps and more. I definitely need a new system there.
By the way, I just LOVE that aqua color on the MS organizer stuff–it looks so relaxing & tranquil sitting there all neat & purdy!
Stephanie L. says
I struggle with keeping up with filing away paperwork.
Amanda says
Scheduling is the hardest. I grew up with spending the holidays with just my mom’s family. I’m now married and my dad is back in the area, so we’re being pulled in 3 different directions plus the urge to stay home. Trying to keep our schedule manageable while making everyone happy. And then figuring out gifts for everyone.
Things I have together – the last 3 years I’ve sent out Christmas photo-cards of my 2.5 yr old and my husband and I so those who don’t see us as much can watch as she ages. Every year I get a little more organized. This year I’m having to remake the address list as last year’s computer died and I’m making a note on my calendar for next year to let me know that Shutterfly gets down to 50% off (instead of the 40% I jumped at this year)
Deb says
I have a hard time keeping track of how many presents I’ve purchased for each child. Since I shop year round for gifts and have a storage area set aside for gifts, I forget what I have purchased and for what occasion. Plus, my kids get the same number of presents each.
Joanna says
I struggle with keeping track of when all the free holiday events are and keeping on budget with all the christmas gifts I need to get. I just see cute things at the Dollar Tree for my nieces and nephews and can’t resist.
Zach says
Paper
Laura @ Casual Fridays says
I have been using a holiday planner for 4 years now and I swear that is the only thing that keeps me on track during the holiday season. Everything is in there so I know exactly my budget, what I need to buy, card tracking and more.
Nikki Fountain says
Christmas Cards – always the one thing I vow to do better on next year only to fail every time lol.
Anne Marie says
I struggle with remembering all the extra to do items, donations, due dates, cookie platters. I usually have all the stuff, but don’t get it to the right people by the date it’s needed.
Melissa Lynch says
I struggle with keeping track of everything that needs to be done in addition to our regular schedule from guests to parties and other special functions to gifts to buy.
Lisa Gribler says
I struggle year round with paper pile up-junk mail, catalogs ,etc. I have added a recycling file box on my desk which has seemed to help.
Annab says
I have a spreadsheet that I use to keep track of who I sent Christmas cards too and who I received them from but I still have trouble keeping track of who I want to continue to send cards to. I also have several storage bins of Christmas decorations and often I purchase items in the post holiday sale but then I’m not sure what I have already purchased and what I need to purchase for the new holiday. i.e. the infamous Christmas cards! I’m debating venturing into my bins to see if I bought holiday cards last year before I purchase new ones… I have several bins but nothing is really organized within the bin – just tossed in where it seems to fit the best.
thank you for having a fun giveaway!
Alli says
I struggle with organizing our time during the holidays. It seems like we have to cram a million and one things into a few short weeks. By the time the kids are on school holidays I’m ready to hibernate until the new year.
Tova says
I have a hard time finding gifts for everyone, and getting through the work that must be done regardless of the holidays.
Tina Strassenberg says
My main stress starts in October with three family birthdays, 4 in November and 3 in December! Just trying to organize get-togethers and get presents bought seems overwhelming. My siblings and I number 12 just counting spouses and children – add in-laws and cousins and it explodes! I am downloading all the tools tonight and am going to cobble together a system similar (though maybe not as pretty) to yours tomorrow. Wish me luck, and I hope you have a very happy holiday season!
Kelly L says
It is hard for me to keep all of the kids’ crafts and holiday projects organized. There are so many this time of year!
donna wigley says
I love this article. I buy gifts throughout the year. When Christmas comes, I get stressed trying not to forget to give someone all the gifts I have for them.
Rayna says
Over the holiday season I go crazy keeping up with all the plans and activities my family has going on. Also an organizer to keep up with receipts, invites, coupons, and everything else that comes into the house would be great!
Plus, I love Martha Stewart products!!
muriel says
Paper organization is something we struggle with year round. Traveling during the holidays is also hard.
Katherine says
For me, it’s presents. Who I’m buying for, what I’ve gotten, when I need it by… There’s just so many details to keep track of.
Holly F says
As with all times of year, the influx of paper! From Christmas cards to art that the kids have done at school or church, it explodes all over the kitchen counter during this time of year!
lynda says
Thanks for this-i especially liked the MS notebook and the printable label links!
Lyn says
paper! for some reason, schools seem to think it’s a great idea to have special holiday programs, assignments (Christmas in Italy!! make a traditional dessert!) meetings, etc which means more schedules, scheduling, etc etc.
Linda Kish says
I struggle with getting started with my Christmas cards. For some reason, I just put them off until it is so late I often just don’t send them at all.
Hilarie says
I don’t struggle with lots of Christmas plans – thank goodness. But gift lists can get out of hand – I keep those in Excel, on my work computer, so no one in the family finds them. I’d love to win the gift card – I’ve been drooling over a few Martha products the past couple of weeks (especially planners). Thanks for the chance to win!
Jennifer says
I struggle with EVERYTHING! I get so overwhelmed by all the shopping, gifts, food and decorating. I feel like I stumble from thing to thing – it’s not too fun.
Jessica Crawford says
I struggle the most on a daily basis with finding a place for everything and putting everything in its place. Then, when the holidays come along, I’m frustrated because everything seems less festive (& the holiday deco less noticeable or just seems like more clutter) because of my paperwork and other stuff everywhere.
Colleen Nelson says
I struggle most with getting my cards out. I always want to make them and customize each one – and then get way behind and leave them in the box!
Renee says
I think our worst struggle during the holidays is sticking to a budget for the gifts for the kids. My boyfriend and I tend to have a difference of opinion as to what to spend on each child and sometimes it can get slightly escalated. I suppose in the end, as long as the kids are happy, but it still puts a dent in our savings!
Heidi says
I struggle with kids toys and crafts over the holidays!
Vanessa says
I struggle with paperwork on the counters/table…does it multiply overnight? This is a big dumping ground for us and we’re still working on a system to prevent this.
Jill says
Love this setup! I struggle the most with time management. I never seem to have all the time I need and always struggle to get everything done before Christmas Day.
Jen says
I struggle with keeping track of everything I need to do. I used to be a list writer but for some reason stopped. I need to start making lists again.
Sarah says
I struggle with budgeting the gifts I plan to buy.
Jan Yale says
My biggest struggle is finding the time to decorate. I always end up throwing things together at the last minute which really doesn’t make me feel very festive at all. If I don’t, though, the rest of the family can’t seem to enjoy the holidays. I need a way to involve everyone so it doesn’t all fall on me.
sarah mace says
Cards and to do list are the things i struggle with at Christmas.
Sue says
Paper clutter is enemy #1 in my home. It’s everywhere: counter, desks, purse, and even piles of it on the floor. It’s a struggle to get through them before more begin again.
Nancy says
Wow what an amazing post today!!! Thanks for sharing I struggle with finishing tasks at this time of year I start the cards And then move to fists and don’t finish the cards until after Christmas. I start baking bit often don’t give the items away as planned oh how I wish I could finish tasks
Laura @ Laura's Crafty Life says
I do okay keeping on track, but I always plan for too much without enough downtime to actually enjoy ourselves. Usually we are rushing from one activity to the next. Also, I often plan activities for us that require work on my part (which is fine), but I don’t give myself enough time to prepare, so the activities become more stressful than fun. I am trying hard this year to be more intentional with my time, not procrastinate on the things I need to do, as well as staying on top of the regular day to day stuff we still have to do!
Christine P says
I struggle with where I’ve stored gifts I bought earlier in the year!
Heather says
I LOVE the Gift List Manager app as I have lots of folks on my list. My struggle is WHAT to get for everyone. Kids are easy, but adults much harder. Love the ideas here and will share on my FB page at http://www.facebook.com/CleverContainerGeorgiaStyle
Beth S says
I’m really organized until the lastinute wrapping and stockings. But it all manages to turn out great somehow!
Jess says
Paperwork – during the holidays and all year-round!
Jen says
Meal planning! Juggling full time work with all the millions of activities going on means we end up eating takeout more often than not. 🙁
Stacy says
I struggle with kids fighting over only one Advent calendar!
Bernice J says
I struggle with making Christmas fun for everyone in my family. By the time I have my Christmas holidays I am tired out and just want to sit and do nothing. Christmas for me personally is not that happy but I do want to make it special for everyone else. I also find gift finding hard because I don’t know what my children want to have now that they are young adults.
Carol I. says
I struggle with keeping up with the regular household duties with all the extras happening!
Melinda says
I struggle with getting all the gifts bought and wrapped so I don’t have to stay up Christmas Eve.
bobbi sue says
I struggle with paperwork and keeping straight gifts I’ve bought throughout the year.
Sonya Z says
Getting Christmas cards written and out on a timely basis is my biggest challenge. Love the box idea for the tv area. Great post!!!
Linda says
My biggest struggle is with getting the shopping done. I’m not a browser and don’t enjoy wandering around stores…ever. I want to know what I’m going for and get in and get out. Once the shopping is done, I’m fine. I love wrapping.
Jennifer Reed says
The area of organization I struggle with the most over the holidays is wrapping the gifts once they are purchased.
Tammy says
I struggle with finding time to wrap gifts. It never fails, I am always wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve!
Dev says
I always procrastinate with buying gifts no matter how many lists I make. This would definitely help me to keep everything in one place. 🙂
Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids says
I struggle with receipts! Receipts of what I bough, what I paid for on my credit card, what I paid for on my debit card, what I need returned!!! Uh, receipts!
Pat F. says
I struggle with paperwork! Don’t want to throw it out, so it goes in a pile. Then the pile become a big pile! I need help with organizing! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
allison millet says
such a practical and cute post! thx! this year we have two extra little bodies staying with us… so, i think i’m going to be struggling with all of it!! budgeting. finding gifts. keeping everything straight… i’ve already lost track of who i’ve sent cards to. meal planning on top of all the parties and events. paper, paper, paper…. all of it is anxiety causing. ugh…. thx for giving us hope!
Deborah Jackson says
Anything paper seems to be an organizational weakness for me such as paperwork, recipes, etc.
Marilyn Ueno says
During the holiday season I am most challenged by all the extra pepper and mail – my systems just don’t seem to work to handle it all
Colleen M says
I constantly struggle w/ the overwhelming paper piles and during the holidays, its ten times worse! The piles of paper spread from the kitchen to all over the main floor. When company comes over, its a mad dash to clean it all up. Very stressful. I want to enjoy the holidays, not spend them cleaning and fighting! need to find a better way!!! Thanks for your post, youve given me some great ideas.
Jennifer says
I struggle with getting cards out in a timely manner and i never can find that 1 receipt that is needed.
Brie says
I struggle with sending out Christmas cards. This year, I think I might take the time to transfer my recipients’ addresses to a label template in a Word document. That way, I can print address labels out for everyone and I won’t need to handwrite it. I think I put off the task because it is taxing to write a thoughtful, personal message inside of each card AND then hunt for the person’s address and handwrite that on the envelope too.
tammy says
Receipts is where I struggle with. Every year I try to come up with a place to keep them. It just never seems to work.
Noel says
I struggle the most with all the mail and paper that comes in around the holidays. Keeping paper organized is my most challenging area anyway and the added paper during the holidays makes it even more challenging.
Adele says
I struggle with maintaining my daily schedule while adding all of the special things we do relating to the holidays. If I am not careful I have to totally revamp the house in January when school starts back because I allow it to get away from me.
Janessa says
The past two years I’ve struggled with my Christmas list so I just downloaded the better Christmas list app. Thanks for the suggestion 🙂
Jeana says
The area for me that is biggest struggle is the desk in the kitchen. It is a catch-all for everything,
Shelly L. says
During the holidays I struggle most with keeping track of greeting cards. Many times they never get sent. Ugh!
Denny says
I do lists! I keep my holiday meal plan (and schedule) in a folder in my recipe book. And I decide on what gets done and what is let go.
Mandy Woodhousd says
Love the Christmas present app! What a great way to get organized. That would absolutely help me in my effort to holiday organize this year!
Leslie Stover says
I struggle with the overall clutter that comes along–dealing with boxes and packing paper from presents ordered online, all of the catalogs sent in the mail, figuring out where to store/hide Christmas presents, stocking the kitchen, storing the extra ingredients and then the baked goods, storing everything I took down to put the Christmas decorations up. This list goes on and on…
Dianna says
Don’t we just love Martha! And now I’m loving you too! These are some great tips. I struggle with the kitchen counter or the “drop zone” where everyone just drops everything. The desk organizer might help there (any tips on retraining the family??) Also, I recently picked up Martha’s planner and I’m liking it the way it’s divided morning, afternoon, and evening. Thanks for all your inspiring ideas!
Shea says
Martha’s Avery line is so nice and simple! I have a few products for my mail, but would love to get more!
My holiday budget is planned from the new year, so flights & travel costs are the things that make or break my holiday organization.
I use Evernote to track my budget, special occasions, lists, gifts, and any ideas for gifts or crafts.
Janet says
I buy gifts throughtout the year and forget what I purchased. The Better Christmas list will help me.
Kim S says
I always struggle with tracking down addresses and getting my cards out on time!
Love my new Martha Stewart discbound notebook and hope to use more of her products to keep the holidays organized this year 🙂
Mamatwoboys says
I struggle with Christmas cards and catalogs. Not sure of a great way to display and enjoy and have a hard time letting them go.
Christie says
I struggle with remembering which present I have wrapped in each package. I number them and keep a matching list.
Sheila says
I struggle most with keeping wrapping paper and accessories organized and stored out of the way, yet still handy.
MelanieL says
I struggle with planning my gift buying, it seems like I’m always running at the last minute because I forgot something or just flat out not being finished buying the gifts I want to buy.
Rachel says
I struggle most with organizing all of my Christmas decorations. Since I got married several years ago, my husband and I have not purged our decorations. But that’s my goal this year, to go through everything and get rid of a bunch and organize the rest!
Fatema says
I struggle with keeping on top of grocery sales. I try to stock up on pantry items particularly for baking, it’s the best time of the year for it, if only I could sort through flyers efficiently.
valerie says
I ALWAYS struggle with paper pile-up – not just during the holidays – but a holiday specific struggle is with new traditions we want to start….when we do something fun one year, and want to continue it in future years, but then I forget about it! 🙁
Brenda S. says
I love your idea to have all your Holiday recipes in one binder. I hate searching for that “special recipe” and not being able to find it. Thanks for sharing such wonderful ideas.
SalBug says
I struggle with my temporary wrapping station every year, but this year I think I have a better plan!
Barb zahler says
I struggle with trying to do too much, 5 kids, Ll grown with families. Lots of fun, love all your ideas. I keep a gift notebook, with a printed list of family and friends , one for birthdays and one for Christmas, I pick up presents or make things all year long. It is easy to make a note in this notebook, of what I bought and how much I spent, also have a pocket for receipts. Thank you again for all your great ideas… Enjoy the season!!!
Kayleen says
I struggle most with making a gift list and sticking to it. I think the app you suggested will solve my problems! What a great idea, and thanks so much for sharing.
Shelly says
It has often been difficult for me to make sure that I find meaningful and/or useful gifts for everyone on my list. This year, we are having some financial difficulties, so we decided to only get presents for our daughter and nephew. Everyone else will be getting Christmas Letters telling them how much we appreciate them. Although the idea sprang from the need to give something, I think it will be the best Christmas we’ve had. We will be giving our loved ones mementos that they can treasure and feel good about.
Carolyn Clifton says
I struggle with keeping recipes and decorating ideas that I cut out of magazines or print off the internet organized. When I need it I can never find it!
Jean McKinney says
I always struggle with keeping paper in order but especially during the holidays. Always looking for a better filing/storage center.
Lucy says
I’ve just moved, and I don’t have a space for my wrapping supplies yet. I’m doing good on choosing and buying gifts this year, but none of them are wrapped yet! (I’d better get my husband’s gifts wrapped first before he mistakes the cardboard box of gifts for a random storage box!)
Desiree says
I struggle with telling what person which present to buy my kids so there isnt double.
Rita says
I usually am the most disorganized with my gifts. I buy things throughout the year as I see them and sometimes I forget what I’ve gotten for who and where I put them all by the time Christmas rolls around!
Tracy Stone says
Oh, geez! I guess I’d have to say my time. Christmas is always the same day each year, but it always sneaks up on me and I end up with too much to do at the last minute.
carly says
I struggle with finding gifts for my husband and coming up with food to make for parties!
Nancy says
I struggle the most with gifts. It’s hard to be creative & usually I end up buying gift cards 🙂
Susan says
I struggle with organizing my gift buying…making sure I have something for everyone on my list.
Deanna says
Love this post! I struggle with time management and locating items such as receipts, recipes, gift cards quickly.
Ashley @ HomemakingChallenged says
I struggle with loosing track of spending or gifts that I have purchased in advance. It is so hard to remember each and every stocking stuffer. I almost always find “hidden” gifts AFTER christmas. Opps!
Heather D says
I struggle with coming up with ideas for gift buying and keeping track of what I’ve bought and how much I’ve spent.
Michelle says
I tend to hide gifts, forget where I hide them, and find them months later. (Once I found them two years later….oops!)
Karen says
I struggle with getting my letter typed up in time to mail the cards early. Also, shipping packages overseas.
dana burns says
I struggle with keeping on track with gifts! Along with that, figuring out what to give as gifts.
Terri says
Love all these ideas and the cute DIY project. I haven’t seen those divided sheet protectors, so those would come in very handy for recipes, and coupons.Reading this post led me to your “list” post, which I also appreciated. I have kept a notebook of lists for years, too. My method has evolved into pretty much the same as yours! This is a fun giveaway since I love office supplies! Blessings!
Glenda says
The holidays are always hard for me organization wise. I struggle the most on keeping track of what I’ve bought for family members. Then I end up buying more thinking I don’t have enough. I really need to track better!
Holly says
I loved this post, thankyou
I struggle with getting organized with all the food preparations!!!
And I want to do so many projects and decorating and then it is
Dec 25th
stephanie smith says
i probably struggle the most with just staying organized at all!
ilona t says
i struggle with all the extra clutter during the holidays!
Judi says
My main struggle is that I make most of my Christmas presents. Whether it be crocheting, baking or other crafts. I think I start early enough but then stuff get in the way and I’m in a time crunch. And I’m still doing stuff Christmas Eve. Then the pressure is on. Every year I say I’m going to do it different, but it ends up the same every time.
Kathy says
I have a huge collection of cookbooks, and literally hundreds of my own recipe cards, and multiple binders with my favorite recipes. I struggle with being able to keep all of my holiday recipes easily accessible throughout the season without the need to have cookbooks, binders, and recipe cards spread out all over the kitchen.
Tracy says
I struggle with paper- but it’s a year round problem!
Ashley C says
My kitchen counters become very disorganized during the holidays. Between extra food, christmas cards, and lots of extra mail it just becomes a disaster!
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
Jaclynn says
I love that Better Christmas List App and have used it for 2 Christmas’ already. My biggest Christmas Organization challenge is what to do with all the Christmas cards and letters after the holidays are done. I want to keep them but to do something creative with them.
Sarah says
I struggle with keeping track of receipts. I have a tendency to buy more than I need, planning to return some, but then I lose the receipts and I’m stuck with them.
Michelle says
I struggle keeping the school papers organized during fun, busy times!
Jody Long says
I struggle with organizing all of the gift receipts!
Renee says
What a great idea to have a Christmas or Holidays recipe binder, WHY haven’t I thought of this. I guess I found my weekend project. Thanks for the great ideas!
Shannon says
I need to be more organized with my goodie baking. I have lots of things I want to make but I have a tendency to forget about them or not remember where I stashed the recipe.
jessica greenly says
I struggle with keeping a command center organized in the kitchen, it seems the kids have so many school functions between thanksgiving and christmas.
Beverly W says
I am always looking for was to conquer the clutter that winds up in the kitchen…mail, school notes, homework, etc.
Jodi Kent says
I struggle with all the paper, catalogs, and just keeping it all tidy.
Jen M. says
My biggest struggle is keeping track of my gift list! I am terrible at keeping track of what I need to buy, what I’ve bought, and how much I’ve spent!
Caroline Nystrom says
I struggle with paperwork. Tons and tons of paperwork. And it’s not just at the holidays (although that doesn’t help).
Monique says
Keeping all the papers organized that the kids bring home and dump on the kitchen island!
Ella Caceres says
I would love this for keeping my stuff organize. I keep track of all my receipts monthly sometimes I dump it in one file and then on my down time I go through all my receipts. This is a great giveaway.
Share says
I’m progressing toward a more organized Christmas season. Successes: a card box with my many different Christmas cards ready to go; a to-do list that I print out; and a wrapping station. Challenges: staying on top of all the cleaning, chores, and baking to be done. Maybe I need checklists for these, too?
Kendra Young says
I have 5 kids in 4 different schools. So I struggle with keeping all their different papers from school organized and easily available. Something like this seems like it could help a lot.
Erica says
I struggle with getting cards sent out on time. I always try to do international ones first but then the rest often get put to the back burner!!
Jodi says
My biggest struggle is the paper clutter and coupons that come in the mail. I try to keep one place for them but can never find them when I need them.
Gaby says
I think I struggle most with my finances! I”m already fairly unorganize about budgeting since I”m self employed so I don’t have a fixed income. It gets exponentially harder to keep track of this time of year with more work, clients wanting things finished up before the end of the year, more spending on my part, etc…
Sherry says
I struggle with day to day paper organization and keeping up with my family members’ medical appointments. The holidays bring so many extra activities so it’s great to simplify and have a plan! These are awesome tools to help me do just that.
Tonia says
I struggle with managing my time even more then I normally do. There are so many “extra” things this time of year & not all of them are related to the holiday’s. Add to that the fact that my husbands hours dramatically increase between Thanksgiving and Christmas & I feel like I’m going under. My smart phone helps keep me on track, but little emergencies can throw everything off.
Sophia says
I struggle with paper clutter! Kids Homework, flyers, coupons!, my prints from the web, mail, bills; you name it! Since reading organization blogs I have gotten much better. I’m moving to a house in January and can’t wait to make a Control Center!!! Super stoked! Thank you for you blog and tips! Love them all!
Sophia says
Opps, Sorry, I got excited; didn’t answer the question! During the holidays I struggle with organizing activities I want to do with my kids (3) I’ve learned that actually keeping a schedule (for everything) definitely helps! I’ve also learned to plan ahead, hence the schedule. I’ve done good so far… But we’re almost to the holidays!
Laila (@OnlyLaila) says
I struggle with keeping paper and schedules organized. My son comes home with so much paper and then I have my own set, it seems like an endless pile!
Jill says
I have a Christmas notebook that has many of the items you mentioned. I started it when my children were young and even though they are now in their 20’s, I still use it. The most important part for me are pages for a weekly coundown-pages of what I want to accomplish each week leading up to the holidays.
I actually fill these out working backward from Christmas. For example, if I want to mail cards the week before Christmas, I work backwards to determine when to address them, when to buy or make them, etc. will I include a photo? Keep working back as to have them printed, when to take the picture, what we will wear, etc. I do this with baking, meal prep, gift buying, etc.
A bit of planning up front saves me a lot of stress. I usually sit down and start planning in October, adding in the things I need for Halloween and thanksgiving.
Tiffany T says
I struggle with stressing too much to get everything perfect. So much so that half of what I start out planning doesn’t get done! Very sad! My other big issue is the huge mess I make while wrapping presents. (Til 3 am on Christmas Eve…!) I absolutely love Christmas time but can’t seem to get it all to play out the way that I hope. The kids don’t seem to notice and there’s always enough to remember, but I could really be much, much more organized!
teddymom says
I struggle with time management all year ’round, but especially during Nov and Dec. I seem to leave things to the last minute that take more time than I think they will. Bad habit! I need tools to help me plan at the front end.
Also, I’m having trouble with the link you posted for Martha’s Avery templates. It takes me to a generic Avery page, and when I put in the search field, I get something that is no longer a valid link. Help!
Ginny Ingram says
We haven’t sent out Christmas cards or a Christmas letter in several years. Granted, there have been good reasons why it hasn’t happened some years, but if I could get in the habit of making notes throughout the year, the job just might not seem so overwhelming that I simply throw up my hands in resignation.
Kimberly J says
I struggle with organizing and keeping track of all gift receipts.
ter@waaoms says
I’ve always struggle with paper organization – year round. I’m beginning to wonder if I’ll ever get the paper organized, despite my many attempts!
Rebecca Hiveley says
I love your suggestions! I have a mail pile up problem & end up going through papers trying to find something much to often.
Michelle Harrison says
My biggest struggle is probably keeping track of all of the presents to buy.
Erin says
shopping lists!
Linda R. says
Papers, papers, and more papers! They are my nemesis.
Christine says
I struggle with getting all the gifts DONE on time. I’m a DIY’er and a procrastinator. Not a good combination.
Mary Fran says
I struggle with keeping track of my budget!
Eileen says
Keeping all my ideas for all my gift-ees straight! That app looks like it would be a help!
Jessy W says
I have a hard time keeping track who gets gifts and who gets cards. Then who did I buy the gifts for and who did I send cards to. Such a mess.
Tara says
The products featured in this post look great. I typically struggle paper organization, it always seems to multiply when I am not looking.
Great post!
Aubrey says
I struggle most with getting Christmas cards made and/or bought in time to be sent out. I tend to either forget about them entirely until it’s too late, or I’m scrambling at the last minute to find decent leftover cards on bare store shelves.
Sandy says
I struggle with getting Christmas things done timely. I always feel like I am getting a task (ie: cards mailed, food bought, gifts wrapped) done right before it is needed, with a rushed feeling. I would like to enjoy the ride more and therefore feel the Christmas spirit more.
Candi Heenandez says
Definately struggle with piles of paper. From ads to deco ideas, I can see these solutions giving me back my dinner table!!
April Rey says
I totally struggle with the mail piling up on the kitchen counter. It drives me crazy but I just don’t keep up with it. What a simple but effective idea to set up an organizer with some labeled folders! I’m going to try this – thanks!!
KellyJMF says
I struggle with keeping the gifts organized. I buy things year-round as I spot them but then I loose track of what I have and where it is.
Kayla says
The area I have trouble keeping organized is keeping the house cleaned up and company ready during the holiday season. And I also have a hard time figuring out where the tree is going this year since we didn’t live in this house at Christmas time last year!
Alison says
I seem to “organize” my Christmas recipes every year and every year I’m at a loss trying to pull them all together when I’m ready to bake!
Jillian says
I struggle with getting Christmas cards out. I always forgot something (mostly stamps) and then they sit there until after Christmas and never get sent out.
Lorrie Gurganious says
I find myself overwhelmed at this time of year. I want everything perfect for my children but just don’t ever have time to do it all. So I guess time management is my issue. I love the organization but most of the time I get overwhelmed with trying to get it all organized.
Margaret says
Great post! I especially liked the holiday binder for recipes.
Brenda A. says
keeping track of gifts has proved to be the biggest problem
Aina says
I find this time of year totally overwhelming. I feel I don’t have the time to get organized from the beginning then things just snowball.
Kelly M says
I struggle to get my cards out on time. Even when I get the cards themselves, the addressing and mailing seems to get away from me.
Jessica L. says
I struggle with storing and finding my Christmas decorations. I have a small house and everything always seems to be jammed in the far back of a closet!
Kristie says
I struggle with Christmas decoration organizing
Lindy S 56 says
I always struggle with paperwork. The holidays just make it worse… I need to get it together!!! I love your ideas!
Rachel says
I struggle with christmas card/letter organization. I love to display the cards but i don’t know what to do with them come December 26.
Angela Harrison says
Recipes are so so bad for me.
Ursula says
I struggle mostly with managing my time. I tend to try and squeeze too much into my schedule.
jen says
My biggest struggle is letting things sneak up on me! I used to be able to remember dates and times fairly well, but am finding the calendar in my mind and the calendar of real life aren’t always synced!
Kathy J. says
I struggle with remembering what I bought throughout the year.
Lois says
I struggle with remembering to pay the bills! We travel a lot over Christmas, to see family in different provinces…so things like bill paying get lost in the shuffle of packing and Christmas prep.
Abbi M says
I keep it simple with one gift for each person on the list, and the cost is at or below budget.
Vicki says
Paper! It is a thorn in my side. I end up with piles. Now I do know where everything is. I just cannot keep it under control.
Karen Bowman says
I struggle with papers!
Sarah says
I struggle with dates. It seems like every year I think I have plenty of time, and then all of a sudden I don’t anymore!
Thanya says
My main struggle is organizing all the coupons, receipts and following my to do list.
Jkim says
I struggle with mounds of paper. Happy Thanksfiving
Claudia Hernandez says
I used to struggle with the gifts, but a few years ago hubby and I decided that buying things thought the year is best. by the time the gift giving comes around we are done and stress free!
Maureen says
I struggle with keeping my lists organized. I get emails from family, and fascebook messages, plus I have lists of what I am buying for others, what I have bought, secret lists of things for the hubby….it gets complicated. I feel like I make it more complicated than it needs to be. HELP!
Mama Sonshine says
I struggle with bills and the mail! I put it in a big pile and go through it once a month (if I’m lucky!) and this is not working!
Kristi says
I struggle with where to store my holiday dishes during the off season. I also struggle with keeping my wrapping and gift tags and ribbon organized, but I just got a new wrap bag from the container store, so I’m hoping that will alleviate this issue.
Keri Lippe says
Gifts! How much is spent, who I’ve purchased for, etc.
Teresa Kinder says
My favorite organizational tool is my daily binder. Gotta have it! I would LOVE to pretty mine up with Martha’s Discbound Notebooks in 2014. Crossing my fingers!
Jennifer N. says
I struggle most with over committing to family events, and my kids end up being exhausted and crabby when we get home! Also, I always feel I am forgetting someone that needs a gift.
G. Green says
Love the collection, nice post. My organizational system is becoming more paperless, using cloud services like Evernote, but I struggle with gift wrapping supplies
Kelly Espinoza says
I am a list maker and I struggle with keeping my lists all in one place. I typically use spiral notebooks for making my lists but then I use a few different ones and forget which list is in which notebook. So I think this year I will have to print off some of your printables and use a binder!! 🙂
Karen Edwards says
I looked for a Christmas Gift app after reading this. I’m hoping it keeps me on track. I tend to just keep buying for the kids and sometimes forgetting that I bought it until after Christmas when I stumble on it. It should also keep me on budget (something my hubby will appreciate ??).
Amy says
I struggle with all the papers that come home from he kids school!
Maygen says
I always want to send out cards but never seem to get them done (one year I wrote them all out then forgot to mail them). I also tend to collect recipes that I want to try and either forget about them or don’t have time to make them/dig through my recipes to pick them out.
Love the Martha Stewart Home Office Collection; such great pieces!
Jocelyn Paul says
I struggle with keeping track of all the cards that I mail to people and to the people who send me cards, who I mailed back and didn’t.
Destiny says
My biggest struggle is piling papers!
Molly says
I am good about staying within my budget, but I am really bad about keeping up with all my receipts from the holidays. My purse starts to look like I stole the register tape from the mall!
Becky Speight says
My biggest struggle is with overspending. I just keep shopping, until the big day. It doesn’t help that my daughter’s birthday is December 26th, so it’s a double whammy.
lee early says
struggle with gift wrap , cards, and all the paper everywhere
Ginny says
Gift wrapping
Bridget says
I struggle with time management during the holidays and learning to do less so we can enjoy more. I also have been known to lose gifts that are hidden away.
Maureen says
Kids school papers, they are everywhere!
Edie S says
I struggle with all the cute home made ornaments ornaments and decorations. I love them, but, oh they overflow! 🙂
Leigh Y says
I need a cute place to keep all the party invitations and tickets – probably a cute bulletin board might help!
Teresa Johnson says
My biggest struggle is keeping up with the cleaning during Dec..
Jennifer P. says
I struggle most with keeping track of gifts – what I’ve bought, for whom, and how much I’ve spent. I tend to shop all year, then tuck things away, so when the holiday season hits I struggle to get organized figuring out what I have already accomplished and what I still need to do in terms of gift-giving.
Tina R. says
I struggle most with not planning things out ahead of time. I have all 4 birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all within 2 months and it is chaotic!!! I get to that “crunch”time and realize I have so much to do. Now with two wee ones it is much more difficult to get things done and then it leaves me feeling stressed, disorganized and a bit mad (and cranky) at myself for not spreading tasks out. Everything gets piled up as i want to get things done and than nothing gets put back where it should go as well…. ahhhh neverending!
Sara Caudill says
My biggest struggle is time management. Everything seems to take longer than I think it should. I love to organize, and love that set! Staples here I come. 🙂
Barbara says
I struggle with organizing paperwork.
Darlena says
My biggest struggle is with not enough hours in the day, and running out of energy.
Alissa A says
I struggle keeping up with Christmas card lists.
Ang says
I struggle with keeping track the pile of paper clutter that results from the holidys. From invitations, cards and letters to mail, and recipts. They seem to gather in pockets and piles!
Patty says
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!