The holiday season is rushing toward us. This year we have quite a crunch with Chanukah starting on Nov. 27, Thanksgiving on Nov. 28, and Advent beginning Dec. 1. Our holidays become a long list of “things to do now.” We end up exhausted by our over commitment, over buying, over eating, and sleep depravation.
How do we escape this madness?
Work on your vision right now of how you want this season to look and feel. What is really important to you over the holiday season? What are your big 3 items? What do you dread about the holidays? What do you want to change? Make a “do not do” list. Have a family meeting and let everyone share what they would like to do over the holiday season. Compromise and come up with a plan then make a list.
Brainstorm all that has to happen in order for this vision to come true. Assign tasks to everyone. Get very specific and detail oriented.
Block out times on your calendar. Don’t just put in the events but also schedule tasks like shopping, putting up the tree, decorating, baking, and sending out cards. If the calendar looks overwhelming, see if there is anything you can delegate or eliminate. Leave some days blank for the unknown.
Designate zones in your house for holiday activities. Set up a gift wrapping/card writing zone. Designate a staging area for house decorations.
Come to my workshops on Surviving the Holidaze either on Oct. 10 at The Juice Box, 6300 Posers Ferry Road Nw, Atlanta, GA 30339 (5:00 – 6:30) or on Oct 13 at Atlanta Unity, 3597 Parkway Lane, Norcross, GA 30092 (1:00 – 2:00). The workshops are full of good ideas and tips and a chance to win a door prize. Call 404-299-5111 or email jonda@timespaceorg.com to register.
What ever you do, visualize this holiday season so that you experience the joy and not the stress!
Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer