Let the Holiday Preparations Begin

If you’re reading this blog post on Thursday, November 9, I have a startling surprise.

THANKSGIVING IS TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY!

Yikes! Maybe it’s just me, however I think most of you will agree that it was October only a night or so ago.

Probably has something to do with the time change.

Anyway, preparing for the holiday season in advance can make a significant difference in how much you enjoy the festivities.

Do you desire calm and fun with minimal stress? 

I’m all in.

Here’s a structured plan to help you get ready for Thanksgiving and all the festivities that follow. Of course, tailor these ideas and timing to suit your needs. Perhaps even focusing on a few of these will ensure a more peaceful holiday season.

Two Weeks Out: Planning and Preparations

1. Set Your Budget: Determine how much you can spend on food, gifts, decorations, and clothing without overextending. Stick to it to avoid post-holiday financial stress.
2. Create a Master To-Do List: Write down everything you need to do, from cleaning and decorating to shopping and cooking/baking. Prioritize tasks by their urgency and how long they will take to complete.
3. Plan Your Menus: Decide what you’ll be serving for each event or meal. Gather recipes and create a comprehensive shopping list, separating perishables from non-perishables.
4. Begin Deep Cleaning: Tackle one room at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed. Focus on guest areas like bathrooms, guest rooms, and the kitchen.
5. Prepare Guest Rooms: Wash bed linens, clear closet space, and add thoughtful touches like fresh flowers or reading materials.

One Week Before: Shopping and Advance Preparation

1. Shop for Non-Perishables: Get all your non-perishable groceries now to avoid the last-minute rush. Check your pantry before you leave to ensure you don’t buy duplicates.
2. Order Online: To save time, order gifts, decorations, and even groceries online. Take advantage of early Black Friday deals for gifts.
3. Start Decorating: Get your home holiday-ready at a leisurely pace. Enlist family members to help with hanging lights or trimming the tree.
4. Prep Your Party Clothes: Ensure your holiday attire is clean and ready. Schedule any necessary alterations or dry cleaning.

The Week of the Event: Final Touches

1. Buy Perishables: Purchase fresh ingredients closer to the day you’ll need them to ensure they remain fresh.
2. Cook in Advance: Prepare dishes that can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen. Pies, sauces, and some side dishes are perfect for this.
3. Wrap Gifts: Wrap gifts as you buy them to avoid a last-minute wrapping marathon.
4. Set the Table Early: If you’re hosting a dinner, set your table a day or two in advance.
5. Plan for Downtime: Amid all the preparation, schedule some downtime to relax and recharge before the celebrations begin. If your regular exercise routine has been off the grid, just do something.

A Few Days Post-Holiday: Recovery and Reflection

1. Clean Up Gradually: Take down decorations and clean up over a few days rather than all at once.
2. Reflect on What Worked: Make notes on what went well and what you can improve for next year.

By following a structured plan, you can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable holiday season.

Guess I’d better get busy and take my own advice.

Remember, the key is to start early, pace yourself, and remember the spirit of the holidays is about togetherness and joy, not perfection.

With gratitude and love,
Health Coach Carol

“Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.” ― Erma Bombeck