Prepping for the Holidays: Tips for Getting Ahead on Your Family Calendar

Prepping for the Holidays: Tips for Getting Ahead on Your Family Calendar

The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, togetherness, and a dash of chaos! Between family gatherings, school events, shopping, and festive activities, it's easy for things to feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—with a bit of planning and some intentional steps, you can find calm in the holiday chaos and enjoy the season to the fullest. Here are some tips to help you get ahead on your family calendar and keep things organized this holiday season.

1. Start with a Brain Dump

Before diving into planning, take a few moments to jot down everything you know is coming up. Include school events, family get-togethers, work parties, shopping lists, and travel plans. Getting it all out on paper can help you see the big picture and prioritize what's most important. Once you have a comprehensive list, you can start organizing these activities on your family calendar.

2. Block Out Key Dates Early

The holiday season often fills up quickly. Make sure to block out key dates on your family calendar as soon as you know them. This includes school concerts, holiday parties, family visits, and any other commitments. Highlighting, or color coding, these dates will allow you to see where your busiest weeks fall, helping you avoid overbooking and find balance in your family's schedule. Hint: We have some great accessories that can help with visual reminders. Utilizing our magnetic arrows to highlight certain weeks, dot stickers to notate certain important dates, or even our stickers to add some color are all simple accessories that add visual clues without too much visual clutter!

3. Set Aside Time for Family Traditions

Amid the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to let cherished family traditions fall by the wayside. Whether it’s baking cookies together, watching holiday movies, or taking a winter hike, these traditions are what make the season special. Block off dedicated time on your calendar for these activities, and treat them like any other appointment. After all, these are the moments your family will remember most!

4. Create a Gift Planning Schedule

Gift shopping can be a major stressor during the holidays. Break it down by creating a gift planning schedule. Dedicate specific days on your calendar for brainstorming gift ideas, shopping (in-store or online), and wrapping. Consider adding a deadline for having all gifts purchased and wrapped to avoid last-minute scrambles.

5. Plan for Downtime

It’s tempting to fill every moment with holiday activities, but don’t forget to schedule downtime for your family. Everyone needs a breather, especially kids who might feel overwhelmed with the excitement. Add some unscheduled time to your calendar where your family can relax, unwind, and recharge. This will help everyone stay refreshed and present during the busier moments.

6. Coordinate with Extended Family

If you’re coordinating holiday plans with extended family, it’s crucial to communicate early and often. Share your family’s calendar to avoid overlapping plans or misunderstandings. Use shared calendar apps or simply take a photo of your wall calendar to keep everyone on the same page. This collaborative approach ensures that everyone has a say and feels included.

7. Prepare for the Unexpected

Life is unpredictable, especially during the holidays. Build some buffer time into your calendar for unexpected events, like a snow day, an impromptu get-together, or even a much-needed family rest day. Having this flexibility will allow you to adapt without feeling overwhelmed.

8. Review and Adjust Regularly

As the holidays approach, take time each week to review and adjust your family calendar. Plans change, new events pop up, and things get moved around. A weekly check-in will help you stay on top of things and ensure that everyone is in the loop. This small habit can make a big difference in reducing stress and keeping the family organized.

9. Make it a Family Activity

Getting your family involved in planning the holiday calendar can make the process more collaborative and fun! Have a family meeting to discuss upcoming plans and let everyone have a say. Kids will feel more included and excited when they know what's coming up, and it helps distribute the mental load of holiday planning.

10. Celebrate Small Wins

Finally, remember to celebrate your small wins! Each time you check something off the list or successfully navigate a busy week, take a moment to acknowledge it. The holidays are about joy and connection, so keep things light and encouraging.

The holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful. With a well-organized family calendar and a bit of proactive planning, you can stay ahead of the chaos and focus on what truly matters: creating meaningful memories with your loved ones. Take a deep breath, grab your calendar, and let’s get prepping for a holiday season filled with joy, love, and a bit of well-deserved calm!

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.