Did Christmas feel rushed and stressful this year? There are a few things you can do now to make sure next year you are organized and prepared for Christmas.
There is a meme going around that says “Me, December 24th: Next year I will be organized and not procrastinate. Me, December 24th of the next year: Dammit.”
I think we have all been there. We see how stressed we’ve been and we make a promise to not let it happen again. Time goes by and we forget our promise and we are back in the same place.
That was true for me and is how this site got its start. I was tired of that pattern and made a real effort to do better. So here is your post-Christmas reminder to not make another empty promise. Actually, follow through with being organized and prepared for Christmas next year.
Each year I feel like I get more and more organized and have a less stressful Christmas. This year was really great but I have a few things I can improve.
Now is a great time to take a few of those steps while the stress is fresh in your mind. I will be doing these say things over the next couple of weeks.
Get Prepared for Christmas
Reflect on What Worked and What Didn’t
Take out a notebook or scratch paper and make a list of the things you enjoyed about Christmas. What traditions did you enjoy? What helped you feel more organized and prepared?
What didn’t work? What traditions were flops or just too stressful? What were your biggest stresses this year?
Once you have this list you can see where you need to improve. You can add these things to your Christmas planner so you don’t forget when planning for next year.
Right now you can save 25% on my Christmas planner with coupon code NEWYEAR expires 1/14.
Make a List of Supplies You Need
Did you use all your tissue paper or bows? Make a list so you know what you want to buy before next year. If you have room in your budget consider picking up these things now while there are after-Christmas sales.
I know that I’m good with big gift bags but could use a few smaller ones. This is something I will be looking for at after-Christmas sales. I also like to stock up on tape to use all year.
Make a List of Christmas Cards You Received
It’s a pain each year to try and remember who you sent cards to and who sent you cards. Having a list of the cards you received is helpful when buying cards and if you need to cut your list a bit you can make sure you are sending them to the people that send you cards.
Christmas cards are another thing you can go ahead and buy if you don’t use photo cards. They will be on sale and if you make the above list you will have a good idea of how many you need. It’s a good idea to buy a few extras.
Declutter Your Christmas Decor
When putting away your Christmas decor think about the pieces before packing them away. Did you love that item? If not maybe it’s time to sell or donate it.
I often have a few things I didn’t put out and at the end of the year, I decide if I missed having them out or if I can go ahead and get rid of them.
Read Organized Christmas Hacks for some great ideas to help!
Make a Christmas Decor Wishlist
Before putting your decor away go ahead and look around your house, are there things you wish you had? Make a list of those items so you can watch for them. You may even be able to get some of the items on sale right now.
Another good idea is to take photos of your decor placement. This will help you when decorating next year and if you are buying new things before you have your decor out it can help you see what you want and have room for.
Start Saving Money Now
If you start saving a little bit of money now you will have less stress next year. You can either save from your paycheck or even consider a side hustle to build up extra funds.
If you sell any of your old Christmas decor this year put that money aside for next year. Those little bits of money add up quickly.
Make Notes in Your Planner
When setting up your planner for the year make notes throughout to get a little bit of Christmas planning done. I like to start in July. If you make homemade gifts it can help to make gifts all year.
In July I get my Christmas planner ready and that is also when there are some Christmas in July sales. It’s a good time to get Christmas decor online, some gifts, and other supplies.
I also put reminders around September to get started on Christmas cards, start saving more money, and declutter my house well before the holiday season gets started.
For me I know I want to get my cards done early because that’s one thing I was doing kind of last minute. I will have a note in my regular planner to get started on them early. I hope to have them done by November so I can send them out right after Thanksgiving.
Think about your big stresses and what you can do ahead of time and make notes so you remember to do these things. Don’t think you will just remember because you won’t, and you’ll get to December feeling stressed and wishing you had gotten things done earlier.
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