Hey there friends! The holiday season is upon us and it’s time to put some steps in place so we can reduce the stress and chaos this year. This year’s all new FREE printable Christmas Planner will help you do just that! Plus you’ll find my best simplify the season tips below too.
- *I get a small commission on purchases made through links in this post.*
My idea of simplifying the season does not involve eliminating all the things from my calendar. I don’t know about you but I actually really enjoy the holiday get-togethers, movies, concerts and parties. But I also have an auto-immune disease and lack energy much of the time so enjoying these events is only possible with some well-planned out strategies. Let me share a few of these with you.
Start Early:
My biggest secret to a relaxing December is a busy November. I use the month of November to get all my Christmas preparations done so by the time December hits, I can slow right down. My goal is to have all my shopping, Christmas cards, any Christmas crafts and all my decorating done before December even hits. And by decorating I mean putting up my winter decor. All my decor consists of natural snowy elements with lots of twinkle lights. I love it so much and I keep this same decor up until around March of the next year. So easy and comforting too! Our tree doesn’t go up until December though because we always do a real tree.
Oh and I don’t do any Christmas baking because I know my limits and I’m no superwoman. That’s an important tip. Know your priorities and be willing to eliminate the bottom feeders. If you find yourself grumpy about doing one of your Christmas tasks, maybe it’s time to change it up. Just because you’ve always done things a certain way doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. It’s not the end of the world if Christmas cards don’t get done or your full decorating plan doesn’t get accomplished. It’s okay to adjust as your time and needs change.
Use a Christmas Planner:
This is my third year using and sharing a Christmas planner. I’m really happy with how this year’s turned out. There are twenty different pages in the set including the fun cover. And I’m sharing it with you totally FREE as my Christmas gift to all of you. I hope you like it!!
November/December calendar pages are essential for scheduling in all the tasks. Break down all your tasks into manageable chunks and schedule them all in ahead of time.
Plus this Christmas Planner set includes fun coordinating gift tags too!
I create a Christmas Planner binder using a small white binder and pocket pages (affiliate links) from Amazon. This helps keep everything organized and in one place. A little bit of advance planning will mean the difference between a stressed out holiday season and one that you can sit back and savor.
I know which one I prefer!
Download this year’s Christmas Planner right here.
Once the file opens in Dropbox, click on Open in the top right hand corner and then click on Download.
{for personal use only please}
If you are interested in seeing my previous printable planners, you can check them out here:
2017 Holiday Planner
2018 Holiday Planner
Use Gift and Budget Apps:
I have two apps that make it super easy to keep my gift buying and budgeting on track. You can check out that post right HERE.
Implement the PUPA Movement:
Also don’t forget to add your free PUPA Movement printable to your binder. What in the world am I talking about? This strategy is one I created to help you get in the habit of picking up and putting away the stuff in your home in preparation for a clutter free holiday. You can read all about it and grab your free PUPA printable HERE. It’s awesome and helpful, go check it out!
Christmas Craft Projects:
Last year I shared how I FINALLY found the time to get my Christmas craft project done. I’m happy to report that my system works! Yay! I’m working on something new this year but I can’t share it yet because it would give away the surprise.
Seriously if you are hoping to make some gifts this season, follow my method HERE for getting it done in time. Here’s how my ornaments turned out last year. So cute! If I do say so myself, ha!
Turn up the Tunes:
To help you get into the spirit, check out Org Junkie’s Favorite Christmas Songs playlist on Spotify. I’ve added a few new songs already this year but Johnny Reid’s, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, still holds top spot though. Enjoy!
So there you go, I think you have everything you need now to help you simplify the season. Let me know how you make out and if there is anything else I can do to help!
Happy holidays!
If you found this post helpful, would you do me a big favor and share it for me. Thank you!
And heads up! I’ll once again be doing my fun Christmas giveaway, so to be sure you don’t miss it, please subscribe to my blog HERE.
Elly Nikoden says
Being more organized is always on my New Years List. And little by little I am getting there. Thanks for all your tips, and your planner. And Merry Christmas! (in advance!) lol.
Laura Wittmann says
Thank you so much Elly! I was so excited to get your comment this morning when I woke up. So often now it seems like I’m talking to myself here so I really appreciate it when my readers take a moment to say hello. It means the world to me!!
Vicki W says
Great ideas! I love the little sleds … they are so cute! Thanks for sharing. I manage a FB group page called Christmas Cheer!. We share ideas for making the Christmas holiday more fun and manageable — from gift wrapping to decorating, organizing, cooking & baking. I just shared this post in the group. Have a fabulous Christmas season!
Laura Wittmann says
Thank you so much Vicki, that means so much to me. Your FB group sounds amazing!
Nicci says
This is so great Laura – thank you! We’ll be hosting for the first time this year, so your planner will be very helpful in keeping everything on track and ensuring we don’t forget anything. I love the idea of a busy November and being able to relax in December. I always strive for this but haven’t yet managed it. Now I’m inspired to make it happen this year and I’m confident your planner and tips will help greatly! Thanks again and have a great Christmas season!
Laura Wittmann says
I hope you find it super helpful Nicci, you got this!!
MelanieL says
I love your mantra about a busy November, every year I do a little better in November so I can relax more in December. Part of that meant going through my bedroom closet and coat closet and donating a trunk load of stuff this weekend…YES! 🙂
Laurie says
Thank you for the ideas! We are in the midst of a beautiful snowfall, and I feel like starting Christmas preparation in November is so much easier when it looks like winter outside. I’m tackling our Christmas card today! 🙂 Thanks again for the gentle nudge to get started.
Laura Wittmann says
You’re welcome Laurie!
Liz Peek says
Thank you for the planner! It will be a big help this year.
Happy holidays!
Liz