3 Tips to Get Organized Before the Holidays This Year

October has come and gone, and as we barrel into November, everyone’s focus seems to have shifted to Thanksgiving and beyond. Radio stations have begun playing Christmas music; stores and shopping malls have already put out their decorations, and there is a distinct chill in the air. Without a doubt, the holiday season is almost upon us, and it is time for us women over 50 to get organized.

Though this is a magical time of year, it can also be incredibly stressful — especially if you are hosting any events or family members. But the rapidly approaching holidays don’t have to induce anxiety or cause panic. Preparing ahead of time can help keep the chaos manageable and will give you plenty of time to accomplish everything on your lengthy to-do list. Here are a few ways you can get organized before the holidays so you can enjoy them to the fullest extent this year:

1. Make a Schedule

Make a holiday preparation and event schedule. Whether you use your Google Calendar or write things down in your day planner, identify your busiest days, such as when you are attending a party or traveling. Make note of when guests are arriving and departing, as well as any shopping or baking deadlines. Keep it up to date by adding new events or notes as needed.

Be careful not to book yourself on days that you already have plans. It can be difficult to say no to people at this time of year, but it’s important not to double-book or overextend yourself. In addition, canceling on someone at the last minute because you have another obligation or are simply too exhausted will make you (and possibly them) feel worse than if you had just declined their invitation in the first place.

2. Get Ready for Guests Early

If you know you will have friends or family members coming to stay with you, get organized and prepare for your guests as soon as possible. Clean up your spare bedroom, especially if you use it as an office or storage for most of the year. As your guests begin to arrive, you can focus on making other necessary preparations instead of frantically vacuuming or changing the sheets in their room.

Begin strategizing for your parties and guests as well. If you need more seating, for instance, think of inventive ways you can obtain or create new seats. You may be able to make them out of unusual objects that are lying around, such as milk crates, or borrow them from a neighbor. It may feel silly to start worrying about things like this now, but taking care of a few tasks now will free up your schedule later.

3. Decorate Ahead of Time

Break out some of your holiday decorations now and start putting them up around the house. While many people balk at the thought of putting up holiday decorations before Thanksgiving, it just may be a smart idea. Research indicates that putting up holiday decor early can make you happier. Not only that, but it will free up highly prized storage space and give you a chance to take stock of items that need to be fixed, replaced, or added to make your decorations pop.

If you truly cannot bear the idea of decorating your entire house before Thanksgiving, consider just putting up a few Christmas decorations in certain places, such as your fireplace, to evoke a cozy holiday feeling ahead of time. You can also easily create a fall or winter theme instead of an overtly holiday-oriented one by setting up string lights, candles, or some natural-looking garland on your mantle. This way, you can help you embrace the feeling of the season without overstepping any holiday boundaries. 

The fact remains that, even if you love the holiday season, it can still be an overwhelming, stressful time of the year. Remember that the holidays are meant to be a time of happiness — reconsider if something is worth doing if it brings you that much stress. It’s important to do what you need so you can enjoy this time of the year.