It’s almost go time as we all collectively turn our minds toward the holiday season that’s fast approaching. It always feels like we have more than enough time and then suddenly we’re under water with a list as long as our arm. For most of us moms we know that the burden of planning, organizing and shopping will be left up to us so organization is the key to success.
Regardless of how much there is to do we can manage the season with (relative) ease if we have everything planned out. Here are some of the things you’ll want to remember to keep the holidays as stress free as humanly possible.
Holiday Survival Guide
The Planning
The only way to succeed during the holiday season is to be careful and meticulous with your planning. We’re usually pretty good at managing the big and necessary chores like shopping for gifts and buying a tree. It’s often the little things that seem so small that they don’t warrant a plan that end up biting us in the butt. They eventually all pile up and become a sea of small things. It’s the stocking stuffers, the new linen napkins needed for the dinner party and the small gifts for your kids’ teachers that eventually overwhelm us.
Regardless of whether you prefer a digital or paper list, start by building a hierarchy of both large and small tasks. It’s important to consider each of your social obligations and reverse engineer what your needs are. Below is an example of one potential social obligation and how you could get thoroughly prepared ahead of time.
Dinner Party With Neighbours - To Do List
2 Weeks Before Party
- Create invite and deliver to neighbours
- Create menu including welcome cocktail
- Make a music playlist that will last for 3 hours
10 Days Before Party
- Buy place cards for dinner table
- Order floral centrepiece
7 Days Before Party
- Purchase alcohol
- Create place cards with calligraphy
3 Days Before Party
- Purchase food
- Make holiday cookies
- Set the table and shop for anything missing
- Follow up with anyone who hasn’t RSVP’ed
- Clean the house and add holiday decor (if you need help with winter decor, read this post)
2 Days Before Party
- Review menu and determine what to make on which day
- Prepare any food that can safely sit in fridge until party
- Pick up floral centrepiece
- Decorate front of house with decorations
- Organize all dishware and cutlery for serving food
Day of Party
- Assign someone to serve and check on drinks
- Empty hall closet to hang coats
- Prepare last bits of food
- Make cocktail
If you want to take this a step further, create a column for names. You can start to assign some of the smaller tasks to anyone you’re certain will complete the task on time. I find the most enjoyable part of any list is in the action of crossing items off so don’t skip that step. It will help you feel like you’re accomplishing things towards your goal everyday.
The Hosting
It’s the day of your party and you want to be able to enjoy the time along with your guests but is that really possible? It is if you decide what kind of vibe you want to create for the festive event.
Is this an upbeat, fun party where everyone is already acquainted? In those cases you’ll be more likely to feel relaxed with less stress. Or maybe this is a dinner for your partner’s work colleagues and you want to reflect a more formal type of atmosphere. Regardless, you’ll be able to better prepare if you first determine what the feeling of the event should be.
So what factors are necessary to consider when you’re planning a party? What type of music will be played? What type of lighting? Will there be just adults or are kids welcome? Will your guests be standing or sitting? Are finger foods being served or is this a sit down meal?
Once you determine the answers to these questions you’ll be able to quickly and decisively set the tone for a wonderful get together because the path has been cleared and there’s no ambiguity around the expectations.
The last item you need to address is the menu. We live in an age where we can’t take anything for granted when it comes to personal preferences around food. Most of us know someone who is vegan, keto, sugar-free or dairy free. In order to avoid any unnecessary trips to the ER be sure to ask your guests about tolerances, allergies and food sensitivities before you start to plan. A buffet is the simplest way to feed a group with diverse eating habits but allergies present a bigger challenge. Try to avoid having any food that is a known allergen amongst your guests. And the added effort you’ve made will truly feel like a gift to those with food preferences and restrictions.
The Extras
Every year I like to do a couple of things that feel festive and make a difference to my table setting or party. Maybe it’s preparing homemade cookies beautifully packed that will be given as a gift to all my guests or creating a signature cocktail served in a clear glass ornament. The benefit is obvious to those who are receiving these gestures but you’ll benefit from these as well. If you need some suggestions for small gifts, read this post.
Studies have shown that giving is more important than receiving and we all get a dose of dopamine from sharing with those around us. This definitely relates to the true intention of the season. And for those who love to create, this is more than a gift because it’s also a creative endeavour that will feel like self care during the hectic holiday season.
I hope this helps you get a bit better prepared for the holidays. I know I’m excited for the season and all the joy that comes with being with our favourite people. Happy holidays to you and your family. I’ll see you again in 2026!
If you’re planning a renovation project for 2026 and would like to discuss design services, reach out. I’d love to chat with you about how we can help.
