Many people don't start thinking about the holidays until its right under our nose and then panic sets in because of the amount we want to try and get down in a short period of time.  Every year we say to ourselves, this year will be different and the good news is that with a little advance planning, it can be!  There are 7 weeks until Christmas; the time to get organized is now before the holiday rush kicks in.

Where to start

So much to do, so many thoughts, plans, and ideas running through your brain.  It's so easy to get overwhelmed with it all and in turn do nothing.  At least that's what I do when I feel like I'm losing control.  The best way to combat this and squash the rise of panic is to do what I like to affectionately call a brain dump.  You need to quiet your brain and the only way to do this is to get all that clutter swirling around up there out. 

Start a holiday notebook dedicated to your holiday planning and in the very first section make a list of all the stuff you are trying to remember and eliminate the mental clutter by writing it all down.  Everything.  To do's, parties, decorating, food, you name it, it's important to Get.It.Out. 

The 15 minute task list

Of course the problem with lists these days are that they are too universal.  Simply writing down "do Christmas cards" is not helpful because your brain will then still need to try and remember all the steps associated with that task.  Take your brain dump from above and expand on it.  Under the "Christmas Cards" title list all the steps necessary to get the job done.  This could include, gather supplies, address envelopes, buy stamps, write Christmas letter, etc.  Continue to do this with all your big to do items on your list.  Break them down into manageable steps that work for you.  I personally like to use a fifteen time minute frame as anything more than this and the overwhelmitis tends to kick in.

Set your priorities

How many of us consciously perform this task.  Yet every year we get bombarded with activities, parties, plans and chores and run ourselves ragged trying to do them all.  Then afterwards we wonder why we didn't enjoy the holidays.  It doesn't have to be this way.  You can set parameters now by choosing to sit down today with your family to discuss "the list" and determine what is most important, what traditions are held most dear, what can be let go of and what your ultimate goal for the season is.   You may be surprised with the answers. 

Get connected with your calendar

Now that you've established the key seasonal activities for you and your family it's time to schedule them in.  I find it's particularly helpful to blow up a big December calendar and hang it somewhere central so the whole family can see it.  And when I say schedule it in, I mean schedule it in.  Write everything down including when you are going to make the cookies, decorate, Christmas carol, whatever floats your boat and is important to you needs to find its way onto the calendar so there are no surprises.  For instance I make almost my entire holiday meal in advance and freeze it so I schedule in time to prepare all of these dishes ahead of time.

Be reasonable with your expectations and time during this process.  Be sure to leave some blank space on your calendar in order to catch your breath and relax and most importantly allow some room for flexibility.

Involve your family

There is no reason why mom has to do everything over the holidays.  After your family discussion you'll know what's most important to each of the kids and you'll be able to assign tasks based on their interests.  For example if middle daughter is excited about the cookie making tradition schedule an afternoon to do it together.  It gives them something to look forward to especially if it's one on one time with mom.  Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect! 

Of course no one will be excited about cleaning the bathrooms which is why in your list writing process you break those chores down and assign everyone their tasks ahead of time.  Scheduling in even the mundane chores and assigning them appropriately means there are no surprises and everyone is aware of their responsibilities well ahead of time.

Enjoy

Advance planning is key to a stress free, non-rushed and enjoyable holiday season.  Don't be too busy "doing" that you neglect this step altogether and then get to the other side and wonder where did all the time go.  Happy organized holidays my friends!

For more organized holiday posts see also:

Organize Your Family's Holiday Calendar @Simple Mom

Getting the Most from the Holidays @We Are THAT Family

Christmas Organizing @Organize Right Now

How Regis and Kelly help me get my Christmas cards done @I'm an Organizing Junkie

About the Writer:

Laura is an addict of all things organizing especially containers.  She is addicted to the high that comes with living a life of order and simplicity and is always looking for her next "fix".  You can find her blogging regularly and sharing her passion over at I'm an Organizing Junkie.