The holiday season is meant to be a time of celebrations, not a time to be running around tired, stressed, and being a grinch. While we all have times where tasks must get done, it helps to have a plan to end up with happier holidays. Especially this year, don’t feel pressured to have the “Hallmark” holiday – have the one that fits your family. Don’t let the details get in the way of being present and celebrating the real meaning of the holidays.

Here are a few tips that might help…

• Decide which holiday celebrations are important to you and put them on your calendar as well as for those with whom you plan to spend them. If you are decorating, decide when you will put them up and take them down.
• For decorating – it doesn’t all have to go up in one day, you can space it out. As you start to put things up, toss any broken items and make a note if it is something that needs replacing now or later. And when you take them down – only keep and store the ones you REALLY use and love.
• Prioritize and plan your gift and card giving. Mark on your calendar the last possible shipping date so everything gets mailed on time.
• Now comes the gift wrapping – set up a wrapping station with paper, bags, ribbon, tape, and scissors. When putting away decorations, decide what wrapping supplies can also be stored and what you want to keep accessible for other occasions.
• For gift giving – Give experiences instead of things. You can also request that family members donate to your favorite charity rather than sending you more “stuff”. If appropriate, send gift certificates for presents. It can simplify things and also reduces shipping costs. 
• If you are someone who shops year round, don’t hide the gifts all over the house. Designate a location and keep a list (mine is on my phone Notes) so you don’t forget what you purchased, for whom, and don’t overshop.
• Holiday cards – if you are ordering photo cards, or other personalized cards, make sure to place the order in plenty of time to receive them and mail them. I personally like to put in a little extra effort and handwrite a message or at least sign them, as well as address the envelopes. But that certainly will depend on the number of cards you are sending! Old holiday cards can be recycled as gift tags.
• Lights – I know you know – but don’t forget to test them BEFORE putting them up. 

Last, but definitely NOT least – Don’t forget your own daily self care. Have three daily check-in moments during the day – morning, noon, and evening. Meditate, exercise and hydrate, and be grateful.

For more organizing tips and resources, go to the Resources section on Alaka’i Associates.

Wishing you all a very happy holidays!

Until next time…