4 Things to Do Now for a Smoother Holiday Season

The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us. A little planning now can help reduce the December rush and give you more time to enjoy the people, traditions, and activities that make the season special.

Here are four things you can do now to get ahead:

1. Schedule Your Christmas Photos

If family photos are part of your holiday tradition, now is the time to get them on the calendar. Photographers’ schedules can fill quickly, especially as the holidays get closer.

Booking your session early also gives you plenty of time to choose your favorite photos, order Christmas cards, and have any prints or gifts ready before December.

2. Order Family Matching Pajamas

If matching pajamas are part of your Christmas morning tradition, go ahead and order them now.

Shopping early means you’ll have a better selection of sizes and styles—and one less thing to worry about as the holidays get closer. Plus, you’ll be ready for those Christmas morning photos!

3. Organize Your Calendar

Before the holiday season gets busy, take some time to look at your calendar and add all the dates you already know about.

Think about:

• Family gatherings

• School and church activities

• Holiday parties and special events

• Concerts and performances

Then add a few personal deadlines for yourself. When do you want to finish your Christmas shopping? When will you wrap gifts? When do you need to mail cards and packages? When do you want to decorate?

Getting these dates on the calendar now can help you see what’s coming and avoid trying to fit everything in at the last minute.

4. Make Your Gift-Giving Plan

Before you start shopping, make a list of everyone you plan to give a gift to and set a budget.

Think beyond immediate family and include teachers, coworkers, neighbors, friends, service providers, and anyone else you typically remember during the holidays.

Having a list and a budget makes shopping much easier and helps keep those last-minute purchases from adding up.

Start Now, Enjoy More Later

You don't have to do everything in October. The goal is simply to do a little now so you have less to do later.

A few small steps—scheduling photos, ordering pajamas, organizing your calendar, and making a gift-giving plan—can make a big difference when December arrives.

And if the holidays still feel overwhelming, that's where I can help. From organizing your home to holiday concierge services, my goal is to make your holiday season a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.