This is the time of year when I feel like I’m about to lose my mind. Too much to do and not enough time to do it. Do you feel the same?
Here are some tips I’ve learned from others that are helping me keep things straight and get stuff done this year.
*Keep ONE “to do” list for both work and home. (Confession time: although this is an effective time management tip in general, I don’t always do this throughout the year. I do write some meetings, tasks, etc. on both lists as needed. It may not be the most efficient system but it works for me.) But at holiday time, I keep one notebook with lists for everything, both for home and for school. That way, when I’m at school and think of something I need to do, I can write it on my list right away. It also helps to write work tasks in one color and home/family tasks in another color to help keep it all straight.
*Share your “to-do” lists with family members. I am blessed to have a husband who helps a lot. But he can’t read my mind. So if I have certain tasks that I need for him to do, I make sure to share that list with him. My daughter and I do the same thing for things we need the other person to do.
*Use an online calendar to remind your partner about events. My husband and I use Google calendar and regularly send each other event reminders. When I RSVP for a holiday event to attend, I send him a Google calendar invite so he can remember what we said we would attend and when it’s happening! When I agreed to make treats for his office friends, he added the “due date” for the treats to my calendar along with a reminder for two days in advance! I am often writing these tasks and events down on my paper planner as well (I’m clinging to my favorite “old school” ways), but getting the online reminder helps me keep it all straight.
*Avoid scheduling appointments during the holiday season that can wait until January. With so many other events happening and so many things to do, try to streamline your to-do list as much as possible.
*Take advantage of every timesaving service available. Get groceries delivered or at least take advantage of the order online/pick up at the store, if you have that option. Use your crockpot or Instant Pot for quick meals. If you’re supposed to bring a side dish to some holiday event and you have no time to cook, buy prepared food at a local Whole Foods or Fresh Market and put it in your own dish!
*Build in some buffer time. With more traffic and bigger crowds in stores, it always takes longer to get somewhere than you think it will. So if you think it will take 30 minutes to travel somewhere, schedule 45 minutes for travel instead. If you think it will take one hour to wrap the gifts you just bought, schedule for one hour and 15 minutes instead. Even a simple trip to the grocery store can take longer than you planned. Planning for that extra time will help ease your stress.
*For every stressful task on your list, try to include a task that gives you joy and energy. For example: if you have to do some cleaning in advance of guests’ arrival, plan a few minutes to sit near the Christmas tree, read and sip a favorite beverage. If you have been battling holiday traffic and crowds, try doing some yoga poses when you get home.
*Speaking of joy and energy: schedule time for that too. What calms you down and gives you peace? Make a list of these things so that when you are feeling stressed, you can check the list and find one thing to do.
For me, it involves using my gratitude journal (to keep me focused on all the good that is happening), daily quiet time to read and reflect, listening to holiday music while I’m cooking or in the car.
When you catch yourself feeling tense or rushed, reflect on why the holidays are important to you and what you enjoy about the celebrations. That can help keep you focused on why you are doing all that you are doing!
Have a happy and calm holiday!