25 Ways to Get Ready for the Holiday Season

The beginning of October ushers in the holiday season.  The joy of the season is amplified by preparation.  Many extra tasks and projects can be a mix of joy and stress. With intention, planning, and organization, you can create a holiday season that’s meaningful, enjoyable, and even relaxing. Here are 25 ways to get ready for the holidays so you can spend less time worrying and more time celebrating.

Home & Décor

• Declutter before decorating .  It is time to refresh you space before you start to decorate. Clear out old or unused items so your home feels fresh and ready for seasonal décor. Let go of decor you have not used in several years.
• Check your holiday decorations. Inventory what you have so you know what you need. Test lights, organize ornaments, and repair or replace anything broken.
• Think through your decorating plan.  Each year brings a new approach to your decorating. Update your plan and decide which areas of your home you’ll decorate. Remember to keep it simple if you have less time and energy.
• Set up a wrapping station. Make it easy and fun to do the required tasks. A wrapping station consolidates all your tools and materials. Keep tape, scissors, tags, and wrapping paper in one place.
• Gather a team for cleaning and decorating. Remember that a team effort will help you enjoy the time together and be efficient.

Food & Entertaining

• Plan your holiday treats and meals with simplicity.  It’s easiest to focus on your family recipes if you have help with semi-homemade extras. Write menus and grocery lists now to avoid last-minute stress. Use curb side delivery for easy shopping.
• Stock your pantry with essentials. Know your stock and keep it fresh. Pull out recipes early to stock what is needed.
• Prep freezer-friendly dishes. Your menu can include easy-to-prepare recipes that can be duplicated to save time. Soups, casseroles, and cookie dough freeze well and save time later.
• Plan ahead for homemade gifts. Write out your holiday treat giving on your calendar to plan for time to purchase, bake, and deliver your treat.
• Check serving dishes and cookware. Make sure you have enough platters, roasting pans, and storage containers.

Gifts & Shopping Lists

• Create a gift list that follows your budget.  Write down recipients and brainstorm gift ideas in advance. Think about family games and puzzles as gifts that bring people together.
• Set a holiday budget. Especially this year, finances are tight. Decide what you’ll spend on gifts, food, travel, and events to avoid overspending. Track your expenses on an app or spreadsheet to keep up with a tally.
• Shop your gift closet. It is time to use all those gifts you picked up all year.
• Order online early and track your items. Many times deliveries happen without boxes being opened. Shop, inventory, and then wrap throughout the season.
• The joy of the season is in wrapping and delivering. Wrap gifts as you buy them instead of waiting until the night before and set a date on your calendar to deliver.

Family & Traditions

• Host a family meeting to set dates. Block off dates for school concerts, family gatherings, and community events.
• At your family meeting, prioritize traditions. Have everyone share what is their favorite holiday event. Decide which rituals matter most to your family and let go of extras that cause stress.
• Schedule time to reflect and reset. Protect family evenings for rest, games, or movies together.
• Prepare for holiday traditions with shopping lists. Use curbside delivery for help.
• Don’t forget family fun that brings everyone togther.  Holiday outdoor light scavenger hunts, baking breads and cookies, and volunteering together are ways to spend time together.

Self-Care & Peace of Mind

• Plan your attire for the holidays. Make this easy by assembling your holiday attire together in your closet.
• Keep gift cards ready. Having extra cards available and low amount gift cards makes gift giving easier.
• Get to the airport early and have your playlist ready. Arriving early makes parking and getting through the check in process less stressful.
• Bring your holiday intentions to life by setting happy boundaries. Reflect on what is meaningful to you and follow your intentions with a polite no. Overcommitment leads to frustration and aggitation.
• Focus on gratitude. Writing in a holiday journal, you can share what you’re thankful for.  Many families have a gratitude jar for the holiday season.

The holiday season doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little preparation and lots of intention, you can enjoy more of what truly matters most. By prioritizing time with family and friends, meaningful traditions, and the season’s spirit, you have the most joyful of holidays. Pick a few of these 25 strategies to start today, and you’ll be ready to celebrate with less stress and more joy.