If
you're as busy as we are then it likely feels like everyone is
constantly going in opposite directions. It helps to get it all
organized and written down in a planner, but the big help is making
sure everyone in the family is aware of the schedule. You can do this
by putting it all on a digital calendar that everyone has access to,
or on a large whiteboard in a common space so everyone can refer to
it as needed.
On
any given day we can refer to the calendar/board to know what's going
on! :) That being said, how can you specifically get organized for the HOLIDAYS? Here are a few of my quick tips!!
Tip #1 - - GET ORGANIZED!! Get a Calendar (paper, markerboard, OR electronic), and make sure everyone in the family knows the schedule AND has access to it. Include everything necessary on the schedule: school functions, school breaks, sitters, extracurricular activities, dinner parties, WORKOUTS, work hours, etc.
Tip #2 - - PLAN AHEAD!! Once you know your schedule, plan ahead. Before going to bed each evening, check your schedule for the next day. Make any 'to-do' lists ahead of time (this will help you sleep better too!), lay out your clothes for the day (work, gym, activities, etc), and pack your meals (lunches, snacks, get your coffee cup ready, etc).
You can also plan ahead for Family Dinners and Dinner Parties. Make menu items ahead of time. You can make your pies a few days early (tip: make the filling as far as advanced as you like, put in a ziplock bag, and place in a pie tin and set in the freezer then pull out and put in pie crust when ready to bake), make your egg noodles ahead of time (these can be frozen far in advance as well), and get that turkey!! Plan out when you will start thawing it, etc.
Last but not least - - traveling for the Holidays OR have company coming to you? Start a daily cleaning checklist NOW so you don't get overwhelmed right before the big day. For example: clean
the guestrooms on Friday, clean the fridge and wash linens on
Saturday, clean the bathrooms on Sunday, etc. You should also get your Grocery
Shopping out of the way ahead of time if possible. (No one wants to be the host left without a turkey or other
Thanksgiving Day staples.)
PHEW! I think that covers it! I hope this helps! I think you'll find that once you implement an organization system, your life will seem much less hectic, and you'll be able to truly enjoy your Holiday season with your loved ones!
