The holidays can feel SO overwhelming if you don't get ahead of things. Doing these 5 things will not only get you started but let you enjoy all the things you plan to the fullest!
Want a Free PDF to print out and stay organized?
Fill in the Calendar
Make sure to include what needs to get done, but also a bucket list of fun that you want to do this year! Some ideas of what to include are:
Family events
Family photos
Holiday parties
School events
Local festivals and events
Photos with Santa
Travel days
Gift shopping days
Day to decorate the home
Place order for holiday cards
Days off of work/school
Kids crafts (make ornaments, letters to Santa)
Decorating gingerbread houses/cookies
I love using my Google calendar. If you want to stay super organized all year long, watch this video and set it up for your family.
Say Cheese 📸
Make sure you schedule photos with a professional photographer of your choice, a day to snap a picture of the family OR find a photo from this year to include on your holiday cards.
Pick out a website and a cute design, and upload your contacts (or check your address book) so that as soon as you get the photo, you can upload it and click order!
Want to save time? Use Shutterfly's option to address, stamp, and mail cards for you.
*Just make sure you first have a sample sent to your home!
Gather Supplies
Schedule some time (yes, add it to the calendar!) to sort through your decor and supplies. If you find items that you won't be using, it's the perfect time to sell or donate! Use this time to also create a shopping list of items that you need for this holiday season!
Decorations/Lights *Make sure the lights are working!
Wrapping Supplies (Scissors, Paper, Tissue Paper, Boxes, Ribbon, Tape, Labels)
Watch Tutorials (Check out my socials for some wrapping inspo- coming soon!)
I also recommend taking the time to organize these so they aren't in a big pile or stuffed in a box.. but you know me, I love organization.
Create a Budget
Creating a budget will allow you to better plan for the upcoming months. With so much miscellaneous spending, it can get crazy.
Here are some items to include below:
Gifts/Stocking Stuffers
Postage & Shipping
Decorations
Food
Entertaining
Clothing
Events & Activities (tickets, souvenirs, food)
Travel
Holiday Cards
Holiday Photos
Wrapping Supplies
Charitable Giving
Wish Lists For ALL!
START WITH YOU: Start with the easy task of creating a wishlist for you and your family. I love using Amazon to create an ACTUAL list that I can send to anyone who wants it. My husband has his own wish list, I have mine, and our daughter Adalynn has her own. If typing out a list or writing one down is easier for you- this is an option as well!
Getting others on board with a wish list: The first holiday that Addy was a part of, I reached out - WELL BEFORE- and sent her wish list to people I knew would be purchasing a gift for her. I explained that the items on her wish list were items that we wanted in our home and would truly benefit from, and almost everything was purchased right from that list. It may take several holidays of reiterating this to have everyone jump on board with the concept- but usually, consistency is key! It also helps if you ask for THEIR wish list too! Then they see the benefit of getting items they truly want or need!
LIST FOR OTHERS: The next step is to create a list of everyone that you need to buy gifts for. Don’t forget to include family, friends, the Secret Santa exchange at work, neighbors, teachers, delivery men, hostesses, and stocking stuffers!
This year I'm using an app called Santa's Bag to organize all of the people and gifts! But the goal is to make a list of EVERYONE that you need to buy for, gift ideas for that person, and then keep track of what you have purchased.
I always recommend reaching out to others and asking for their wishlists (it makes everyone's lives easier, right?) Otherwise, use family/friends/internet to help you come up with some good gift ideas.
Here are some Gift Lists to help you get started!
The products linked below are through the Amazon affiliate program, which means with your purchase
I will make a small percentage of money at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
1 Year Old's Wishlist ( some items suitable for 6m+, and some last well into her toddler years!)
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L E T ' S B E F R I E N D S !
W E B S I T E | T I K T O K | I N S T A G R A M | Y O U T U B E
Hi Friends! I'm Jessica Haizman. I'm 28 years old and married to my best friend. We spend 98% of our time together, and no, we don't spend it all cleaning and organizing. I have a daughter, Adalynn, and an Australian Shepherd, Bali, and they get the majority of my attention.
I have created efficient systems in all areas of our home, our phone, our careers, and our lives- and I have made it my mission to share these tips with anyone and everyone who will listen.
Why? Because these systems make my life SO MUCH EASIER and SAVE ME SO MUCH TIME. These systems keep my home clean, bring joy and calmness into my life, and allow me to spend less time picking up clutter and more time living life- I want that for you too.
The goal is to help, whether it's a quick tip or life hack that I share to Tiktok or a day in the life on my social networks @jessicahaizman, a printable chart that helps me stay organized, or my all-time favorite apps, an intensive course answering all the FAQ's or working 1:1 with clients to create healthy habits- these resources are all available to you!
Some things you will stumble upon are how I use non-toxic natural cleaners and have made the change to no-waste by switching to reusable towels instead of paper or glass storage containers instead of ziplocks. You will also find lots of DIY recipes and how to use common household ingredients like baking soda, white vinegar, and hot water to tackle some of your toughest messes. You'll learn about my favorite cleaning supplies and cleaning products including all-purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, stain removers, and more.
Having a clean home drastically affects your physical and mental health, so jump on board and learn all the tips I have to share! Take the time to explore my website and interact with me on social media. I'm so excited to see how organization and a new approach to cleaning the home will change your life and leave you full of joy!
Always, Jess