Monthly Article

Organizing Tips for the Holiday Season
The holiday season can be full of stress. There are many things to be done, places to go, and people to see. Much of it is good stress—catching up with friends and family, seeing the delight on children’s faces, finding the gift that’s just right, taking time to focus on what’s important. If we aren’t careful though, even the best of us can become overwhelmed.

Here are some suggestions for getting organized for the holidays. These tips will cut down on the time, stress, and money spent, leaving you a little more time for yourself and your family.

1. Divide and conquer. Make a list of all the seasonal tasks you plan to do (shopping, baking, wrapping, card writing, decorating, putting gifts and decorations away, etc.). Take out your planner and put each task on the date you plan to do it. Spreading out the tasks will make you feel less hurried and more in control. As you plan, cluster your tasks. For example, purchase your stamps when you buy your groceries, saving a trip to the post office.
   
   
2. Make a list of all the people for whom you plan to buy gifts, the dollar amount, and possible gift ideas. Add up the total. Add in postage, gift wrap, and cards. Does it fit your budget? If not, rethink your plans.
   
   
3. Reexamine your gift list. If it is too long, get creative. I have agreements with several of my friends not to buy gifts; we get together for a nice lunch or a movie. Remember, it’s not the money spent. It’s the thought that counts.
   
   
4. Be a thoughtful gift giver and receiver. Ask people what they would like to receive. Ask about guilty pleasures, favorite stores, restaurants, books, CD’s, or DVD’s. When someone asks you what you’d like, have some ideas ready. Make it easier on each other.
   
   
5. Give to charity. As you pull out your decorations, tableware, and holiday clothes, donate the items you no longer like, need, or want. Have your children sort through their toys. Clean out your coat closet. Christmas is a great time to give to others in need.
   
   
6. If you go out shopping, avoid the crowded times (weekends and Dec. 24). Weeknights are a great time to shop (and visit Santa!). You may be tired after a long day at work, but you won’t have to wait in long lines or fight for a parking spot.
   
   
7. Keep your gift and grocery lists, coupons, gift cards, and store flyers in your car in case you find a little extra time to shop.
   
   
8. Think about each item on your task list before you do it. Do you really like to bake cookies?  Do you need to put up lights?  Do you want to send out cards?  Is there an easier way to accomplish the task?  Just because you have always done something doesn’t mean you should keep doing it the same way. As you and your family grow and change, so should your traditions.
   
   
9. Enlist help, but don’t criticize the results. Could a spouse, friend, or family member help with something?  The packages may not look as perfect as when wrapped by you and the garland may be crooked, but the holidays are not about perfection.

Remember, the holiday season is a time to celebrate what is important to you. Spend time on your priorities. Say no to extra events or postpone engagements until January. Enjoy the time with friends and family. After the food is eaten, gifts are given, and decorations are taken down, you’ll remember the people, not the stuff.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year. Thanks for your support and friendship. See you in 2008.

Back to the archive.