Every year it feels like the holidays sneak up faster than the last. One minute it’s early November, and the next, you’re juggling school parties, last-minute gifts, and a full calendar of festive events. A little planning on the front end can make such a difference — helping you slow down and actually enjoy the season instead of rushing through it.
Here are a few ways I like to get organized early so December feels calm, cozy, and intentional.
1. Order Your Stamps
A small but mighty task — and one that’s easy to forget until you’re halfway through addressing envelopes. I like to order a few sheets of holiday stamps as soon as they’re released. Having them ready means you can mail your cards without any last-minute runs to the post office.
2. Take Inventory of Wrapping Supplies
Before you start shopping for new paper or ribbons, pull out what you already have. I like to lay everything out and make a little wrapping station — paper, tags, bows, tape, ribbon, and tissue paper all in one spot. Then I make a quick list of what needs restocking. A neutral wrapping paper or a pretty plaid can go a long way when you mix in new ribbons or tags.
Here are a few of my favorites:
3. Prep Teacher & Hostess Gifts
There’s nothing worse than realizing you forgot a gift at the last minute. I try to have a small stash ready to go — think gift cards, candles, or pretty packaged treats. I’ll also wrap a few ahead of time with a blank tag so I can grab and go as needed. It’s a small step that saves so much stress later.
For teachers, I try and get things they will actually use a need – they already have so many mugs! Gift cards are great, I love putting them in these gift card holders.
4. Start Menu Planning
Take a few minutes to jot down your holiday week meals — not just for the main events, but for the in-between days when everyone is home. Plan a few cozy breakfasts, easy lunches, and crowd-pleasing dinners so you’re not scrambling. I usually make my grocery list in the Notes app and save it to reuse each year.
A few of my favorite recipes include:
- Beef Tenderloin in the Oven
- Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
- Best Mashed Potatoes
- Maple Roasted Carrots
- Chopped Kale Salad
5. Plan for an Easy Week Before
The week before the holidays always feels like a blur, so I like to simplify wherever I can. This year, I’m planning to order a healthy meal service (like Sakara you can use code MARY&CREW) to have easy lunches and dinners ready. It takes one big thing off the to-do list and helps balance out all the holiday indulgences.
6. Organize Existing Décor
Before you pull the trigger on anything new, take stock of what you already have. I like to bring out my bins and sort by room — wreaths, garlands, ornaments, candles. Sometimes I’ll even snap a few photos once everything’s laid out so I can remember what I loved (and what I might want to replace) for next year. It’s amazing how much a little reorganizing and restyling can make old pieces feel fresh again.
