There are few thing more stress-inducing for a parent than the holiday season. It’s a magical, spectacular season, but somewhere in the background, there is likely a mom on the verge of a panic attack. Over the last few years, I’ve managed to maintain some semblance of sanity during the holiday season by doing a couple things.

The first is to simplify as much as possible. Say “no” to events that you think will be overwhelming for you or your family. Build in downtime. The holidays can be invigorating and fill our hearts, but they can also be over-stimulating and draining. Make sure you are accounting for all the personality traits in your family unit when you make commitments during the next few months, and realize your own limitations, too! 

The second is to be as organized as possible! As a photographer and a blogger, the holidays are busy busy busy. I’ve usually got mini sessions and regular photo sessions, plus collaborations for the blog and social media. I also host Thanksgiving and do most of the gift shopping/decorating/packing for holiday trips in our house. This means that being organized is top priority.

So this holiday season, I’m going to help you by giving you some of the tools I use to stay organized! I’m talking Thanksgiving and Christmas, mostly – and hopefully this will help you feel like you have a grip on everything that’s going on! 

Thanksgiving (4-6 Weeks Out)

• Decide whether you will be hosting and set your budget.
• If you are hosting, make your guest list. 
• Take stock of what you have and what you need (tables, chairs, tableware, decor).
• Do you need to rent anything? Do it now. 
• Start a preliminary menu. Think about how much you will cook, what items you will order or ask people to bring. 
• Reserve your turkey if you need to order one. 
• Check out my Thanksgiving Prep Guide here.

Christmas (8-10 Weeks Out)

• Set a gifting budget.
• Make a gifting list. 
• Brainstorm gift ideas for each person on your list. 
• Start ordering/buying the gifts you can. I love to give personalized things so I try to start as early as possible. 
• Decide whether you will send out Christmas/Holiday cards. 
• Have your photos taken or choose photos. 
• Start browsing holiday card options – one of my favorites is Artifact Uprising. You can use the code Jenise15 for 15% off your order with them, too. 
• Put together the list of addresses you will send cards to. I have a spreadsheet I use year after year. 

Did I forget anything? How are you starting to prepare for the holidays? 

xoxo