Planning October: Christmas To Do List

Yes, yes I did write my Christmas to do list in October! This early planning is what helps keep the stress of planning for the holidays manageable. We first need to know what we need to do in order to actually accomplish it all. I did not write buy gifts, as I do think I can remember that one!

Here's a picture of my list: 

I covered up who I am sending cards to this year for privacy! I am sending 5 physical cards out, and have exactly that many on hand, and will not need to buy more. 

I didn't do it on purpose but the first half of my list are things I can actually start working on now, and in early November.  I will talk about them in more detail when we get to next month! I will let you know which ones, if any, I completed in October. 

My to do list is the beginning of how I figure out when to do these tasks. I literally schedule them on my calendar so I know when to work on each item. A little each week in November makes a huge difference in managing stress. In fact, I devote 20 minutes each Friday to wrapping, so that I do not have to complete it all the week before Christmas. Of course, this does mean the shopping has to be done prior to the wrapping!! 

If your list of Christmas tasks is very, very long and you find that stressful, I would highly encourage you to figure out what items you can eliminate, which items you can simplify, and which items you can potentially ask others to help with. 

I do not buy new Christmas decorations each year, therefore, I do not need to shop for those items. You can save time by decorating fewer areas of your home. You do not need to put out every Christmas decoration you own. Maybe your tree is enough this year! We do not take professional family pictures every year, which saves time and money. Another way to simplify is to buy prepared foods for a night or two each week so you have time to shop (in store or online) or if you need a baked good, buy it at the grocery store during your regular shopping trip rather than spending the time making it at home.

Do you think making your to do list for Christmas this month would help you stress less in December and November? What Christmas task are you looking forward to? What Christmas task can you eliminate this year?