Make The Holidays Stress Free
Ever since I had accepted the job as a mom, I realized that being prepared before the celebratory events was a stress reliever. I have created a system based on my own “last minute” frustrations that help me stay prepared before the holidays, birthdays, spring breaks and etc.
We already know that Christmas is on Dec. 25th, Thanksgiving is in November, Spring Break is in March, school starts in September or August for some and we know the dates of our children’s birthday. Preparing for these festivities before they get near, help us as Busy Moms stay sane and sound avoiding the shopping rush, sale anxiety and last minute pickings.
My experience in the mall during the holidays turns a good experience into a nightmare. The lines are long, the kids are restless, the baby just pooped and you don’t want to lose your spot on line so everyone around you is holding their nose, your thirsty and hot, you have too many bags, the kids coats are on the floor, your spouse is calling on the phone to ask what’s for dinner and your feet hurt.
This is my experience with food shopping for Thanksgiving, last minute Christmas and birthday shopping for supplies, decorations and then summer prep for their summer vacation.
Out of my frustrations I created a calendar that works called the “Happy Days Calendar.”
This method helps me to stay focused and prepared on my families upcoming events and it also prepares me for the holidays a month or so before the actual holiday or event takes place, not to mention it helps with saving a few extra coins in my account.
Here is a clear example of my calendar.
October- Start your thanksgiving shopping list and guest list.
November- Start your holiday shopping list and begin to pick up a few things and visit the discount store for decorations.
January- Start shopping for Valentine’s Day Gift for hubby and Dad, make reservations for dinner and find a nice hotfit (outfit).
February-start preparing for Khayla’s 7th Birthday on March 24th. Make reservations at the Skating Rink, send out invitations for “Girls Night Out”. Order Cupcakes, order princess decorations.
Prepare for Spring Break activities and contact Grandma to see if they will be going down south for 2weeks.
March- start shopping for Khallid’s 10th Birthday in on April 28th. Make reservations at the Bowling Alley, send out invitations. Contact “Birthday in a Box” or order from Oriental Trading.
Start shopping for Easter Outfits
April- Find a nice 3 day vacation for me and hubby or me and the girls.
June- Select one day a month to pamper your mind, body and soul
This is just an example of some of my “Happy Days Calendar,” are you ready to create yours?
Lucinda Cross is a contributor to The Brand New Mommy
Lucinda Cross, CEO of Corporate Mom Dropout
Love this to keep myself organized and prioritized! Thank you, BNM!
I keep telling myself that I need to STOP waiting to the last minute when I already know things are coming up. This was a reminder to actually mark the early deadlines on my calendar. Thank you.
Rae, thank you for the awesome comment. Enjoy your calendar!!