How I Stay Organized and Sane During the Holidays
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Let me just say it: The holidays can feel impossible to juggle. Between gift lists, school events, family gatherings, and trying to keep my dog from using my Christmas tree skirt as her personal blanket, it’s easy to feel like I’m on the brink of losing it.
But over the years, I’ve developed a few strategies that help me keep my sanity intact—or at least minimize the chaos. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I promise these tips will help you breathe a little easier and actually enjoy the season.
1. Start With a Master List
I don’t do well juggling random mental notes—so everything goes into one master list. I categorize it by:
- Gifts to buy
- Events and gatherings (so I can politely say “no” when necessary)
- To-dos at home (decorating, meal prep, cleaning)
A weekly planner or printable holiday checklist is your best friend. This one on Amazon is has been my fave find recently because it’s simple, cute, and keeps me accountable.
2. Simplify Meals
This is not the time to become a Pinterest-perfect chef. For lunches and dinners, I stick to tried-and-true easy meals:
- Sheet pan dinners (less cleanup = more time)
- Slow-cooker recipes (like chili or soups)
- Ready-made breakfast bakes that reheat beautifully
If you don’t have an Instant Pot or slow cooker yet, this is the time to grab one. It’s a lifesaver when you’re busy. I’ve had this one for a few years, and it’s still going strong.
3. Say “No” Without Guilt
One of the best lessons I learned? It’s okay to decline an invitation or opt out of the holiday bake-off. Protect your time and your energy—both are precious. I’ve stopped saying yes just because I feel like I should.
If you struggle with this, a simple: “Thank you so much for including me, but I can’t make it this year” works wonders.
4. Automate Everything Possible
Outsource and automate wherever you can:
- Gift shopping: I buy online when time is of the essence. Target Drive Up has been a lifesaver when I haven’t had time or energy to go inside.
- Gift wrapping: Gift bags are the only way I give gifts now because they are endlessly reusable. Bonus: I can use them again and again.
- Holiday cards: Sites like Shutterfly let you design and send cards with minimal effort.
5. Make “Me Time” Non-Negotiable
I get it—there’s no time for self-care when you’re elbow-deep in wrapping paper. But even 10-15 minutes of quiet time makes a difference:
- A solo cup of coffee before anyone wakes up
- 15 minutes of reading (even if it’s on my phone)
- An episode of a favorite show in my pajamas
Protect this time. It’s not selfish; it’s necessary.
6. Embrace Imperfection
My biggest sanity-saver? Letting go of perfection. The holidays don’t have to look like a Hallmark movie. If the cookies are store-bought or the tree looks a little lopsided, it’s okay. What matters is creating memories, not stress.
Sometimes good enough is more than enough.
Here’s a mini list you can steal to keep your holiday sanity intact:
- Start shopping early
- Use gift bags instead of wrapping paper
- Stick to simple meals
- Say no when needed
- Schedule time for yourself
- Embrace ‘good enough’
Pro Tip: Print this out, stick it on your fridge, and breathe.
You’ve Got This
Staying sane during the holidays doesn’t mean being perfect. It’s about making things manageable, keeping expectations realistic, and giving yourself some grace. The season will feel lighter when you focus on what matters most—and let the rest go.
How do YOU stay sane during the holidays? I’d love to hear your tips!