How to Get Organized for the Holidays

Looking back at the holiday season from last year will help you prepare for this year's season. Syda Productions/Shutterstock

You may be thinking that it’s waaay too early to be planning for the holidays. Halloween was, what, five minute ago? And what about Thanksgiving, huh?

The thing about this time of year, is you can enjoy all of the loveliness and bounty of Thanksgiving, while at the same time begin to feel ahead of the game and on top of things when it comes to more elaborate holidays that, really, aren’t all that far away.

Some simple, advanced planning now will reduce stress later and allow you to enjoy the joys this season can bring. Here are some ideas to consider.

Look Back at Last Year

Pull up last year’s photos, flip back a year in your journal, and reflect on how the Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, etc. went last year. What was awesome? What was not so awesome?

This information can be invaluable. Assess and plan accordingly.

Make a List and Check It Twice

On your phone, on your computer, or on a piece of paper—get all of those ideas swirling around in your head out of there and onto a list. Consider this a first draft and do a total brain dump. You can go back and edit it later. It will feel like a total relief to unload and see it in front of you.

Sort and Declutter

Before the influx of guests and gifts, tackle those closets, clean out those drawers, and keep only what you love or find useful. Your discarded items may be a blessing to someone else this season and a decluttered space will certainly be a blessing to you and your family.

Pre-Cook Meals

It’s going to get busy around here. Do your future self a huge favor by preparing freezer meals that you can easily heat for dinner as the holidays get closer. You'll be so thankful to your present self.

Wrap As You Go

Staring down a pile of boxes that need to be wrapped days before Christmas is not how you take the stress out of the holidays. Staring at a growing pile of wrapped gifts that are ready to go, however,  will make you feel like a hero. Be a hero. Wrap as you go.

Center Yourself of the True Meaning of It All

Don’t let the hustle and bustle tear you away from the deeper significance of this time of year. Ground yourself and your family in why you’re truly celebrating these holidays in the first place.