How to Start Planning for the Holidays Now and Save Your Sanity

Planning for the holidays is not for the faint of heart! The holidays are a wonderful time but require master planning and organization, especially if you are hosting guests and cooking meals. There are so many pieces that need to be considered. Preparing your home, shopping and cooking for meals and getting the kids and hubby ready can seemingly require an army and more. So for those of us that don’t have a lot of help, how can we get it all done?

The first important thing is to realize that with proper planning you don’t have to stress. By carefully planning you can avoid the last minute rush and greet your guests with composure and a smile.

Let’s look at some systems to put in place now when things are relatively calm. That way we won’t be overwhelmed when the holiday rush is in full swing. The planning that you do now will save you from nervous breakdowns later on. Having your fridge and freezer stocked before you have to even think about cooking will put your mind at ease.

Early Planning for the Holidays Makes All the Difference

Even though the holidays may seem far away, you can start taking care of all the last minute things now so that the few days leading up to the holidays can be relatively calm. Consider also, that you may have small children underfoot as school vacations start, just when you are at your busiest.

Thinking about all the various things that you and your family will need is part of planning for the holidays. How about holiday clothing? Shopping for clothing can be time consuming and exhausting. Don’t rush out to stores at the last minute, trying to find what you need when the pickings are slim. Take time now in the evenings when the kids are in bed to make lists. List all the things that the kids, you, and your husband will need for the holidays. Undergarments, tights, and socks, sweaters and holiday clothing.

Once you have decided what everyone needs, order online or go out and buy. Here are a variety of cute girls tights and dresses for the girls in your family as well as other necessities.

Make sure that your boys have enough quality socks. Here are some reasonably priced girl’s dresses for the holidays. And this one is nice and cozy:

Think about the many staples that you and your guests will need while you are in the midst of planning for the holidays. Now it’s time to stock up on your own makeup, or toiletries for guests and cleaning supplies. The Honest Company has great, reasonably priced bundles of clean, personal care products and cleaning supplies that you may want to have on hand for your guests and family.

These makeup sets and bags can be great gifts for your guests or treats that you can display in their guest rooms.

Meal Planning

Meal planning includes much more than the food itself. Are you well stocked with the things that you will need? Do you have enough plates and holiday glasses? What kind of napkins will you be using and do you have enough serving platters and bowls?

I love these modern white porcelain platters from Dowan. How about tablecloths and serving spoons? Here is a beautiful reasonably priced damask tablecloth for the holidays. It is elegant and is specially coated so that spills will bead up on it instead of soaking through. Check your utensils now so that you are not stuck at the last moment, hysterically looking for a platter or serving spoon to serve your beautiful quiches or vegetable dishes.

Do you have enough unsoiled dish towels on hand? These 100% cotton towels are European made and are heavy duty and lint free. I love these silicone oven mitts when I am busy in the kitchen and need to pull things quickly from the oven. I have given these as gifts and everyone has loved them.

As you make your lists and get stocked for the holidays, you will feel much more in control. Now you will be ready to tackle the more difficult task of meal planning and cooking. There are many things that you can start planning ahead of time such as baking and freezing cakes and cookies.

By baking ahead of time, you won’t be rushing at the last minute. Also, you can order any specialty items that are not usually stocked in your local stores, depending on where you live.

Gift Giving on the Holidays

Giving gifts can be a meaningful experience for you and your loved ones. Taking time and thinking about a special person and the things that they love can strengthen the bond between you. They will be aware of the thought that you put into buying something that they love.

I once gave a relative a gift that was something that I knew she really loved. It almost brought her to tears. The gift was not expensive, but she was very touched that I had taken the time to think about something that she really loved. I really thought nothing of it, but when I saw how much it meant to her, I realized the power of gifts. It gives us a chance to show our love and care for another in a very tangible way.

Gifts do not have to be expensive and can even be handmade. You can give your friends and relatives homemade baked goods in a beautiful jar or beautifully wrapped and tied with cellophane and ribbon. Stationary can be stamped or personalized and paired with a special hand cream. Sometimes it is the personalized gifts that mean the most to our loved ones.

Are you really connecting to your kids? Take my short quiz to find out?

Think about the gifts that you want to give as you are planning for the holidays. Dedicate time now to planning what you will be making or buying. It is wise to do this in the weeks before you will be burdened with the unavoidable last-minute cooking and cleaning. Order items that you will need now and you will still have time to return or exchange them if necessary.

Menus and Cooking

Planning your menus and cooking ahead can be a lifesaver. Obviously, the main dishes will have to be cooked close to the actual holidays, but many things can be cooked and frozen ahead of time. Soups, sauces, rolls and baked goods can all be prepared ahead of time and frozen.

Make a master list and map out how you will cook and clean in manageable chunks, in the days before the holidays. Set tables, polish silver, bring extra chairs and tables out of storage and make final preparations several days before guests arrive. Prepare guest beds and rooms a week before and replenish toiletries before your guests arrive.

If you can manage to get some cleaning help the day before the guests arrive, it is money well spent. Some salads can be prepared a day before and some types of meat, fish, and casseroles can also be prepared ahead of time. Having a visual meal planner helps to stay organized. I really like this magnetic meal planner that sticks to your fridge. It will help you prioritize your cooking tasks in the days right before the holidays.

Systems Will Get the Job Done

By breaking tasks down and creating systems to get each important task done in a timely fashion, you can greet the holidays in a (relatively) calm and organized way. Start planning now, and you will reap the benefits of greeting your guests calmly. You will actually be able to participate in the holidays, join in family conversations and really enjoy the fruits of your meticulous planning.

Wishing you easy preparations and time to enjoy your holidays!

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