3 holiday hacks to start now to have the best holiday ever
Fall is such a great time of year in North Carolina. The humidity finally leaves, and we get to pull out our favorite sweatshirts and fall decorations. It seems like everything is about pumpkins, from decorations to our coffee drinks.
But, fall is also the perfect time to get a head start on holiday planning.
Don’t worry, I promise I am not trying to trade your pumpkin spice latte for a peppermint mocha just yet. But there are some things you can begin doing now while also enjoying all of your favorite fall activities.
Here are 3 “holiday hacks” anyone can start right now, in order to make December less stressful.
1. Create a plan for holiday shopping
Getting a head start on your holiday shopping is a massive time saver. I recommend creating a list now of everyone you plan to purchase a gift for (don’t forget about teachers, coaches, neighbors, etc).
Once you have your list, count up the number of gifts you need to purchase. Then, pick a date you want to be done shopping (I always pick December 1). Now, you can divide up your list and set a goal to purchase 1 or 2 gifts each week starting now. That way, when December comes, you are only left with pop-up gift needs.
This also helps you get ready for any black Friday deals you want to consider.
2. Get a head start on holiday baking
We love baking treats for the holidays. But, what is supposed to be a fun, sprinkle-filled event can often just feel like “one more thing” to do during December. This is why I start my holiday baking months before.
Take a look at your favorite treats and see which ones actually freeze well (think cookies, pies, cranberry sauce, etc). Then, start baking now.
You can even toss on some holiday music and surprise your kids with a weekend baking party on a rainy fall day.
3. Schedule time for decorating and traditions
December often includes decorations, from outdoor lights to trimming the trees and everything in between. But, setting up all those decorations can be time consuming, not to mention fitting in the various holiday traditions you may have.
Now is the perfect time to pull out your calendar and decide when you want to preserve the time for these
activities. That way, as invitations and activities start popping up, you will be able to make better scheduling decisions to ensure you can enjoy those decorations and traditions instead of feeling like you are “squeezing them in.”
By getting a head start on holiday shopping and baking, and actually blocking off time on your calendar for decorating and fun traditions, you’ll transform your holidays from frazzled and stressful, to fun and enjoyable. And that might be the very best holiday gift of all!
Triangle mom Megan Sumrell is a former corporate executive turned entrepreneur. As a time management expert for women seeking Work+Life Harmony, Megan teaches specific strategies to help women get on top of their time, calendar and goals while getting rid of stress, overwhelm, and exhaustion. For free training on how to achieve Work+Life Harmony, visit https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining.
