Organizing Your Calendar for the Holidays As much as the holidays are a time for celebration, they can also be stressful and chaotic. There are so many things to do and so many events to attend...

As much as the holidays are a time for celebration, they can also be stressful and chaotic. There are so many things to do and so many events to attend that keeping up with everything can be difficult. It's no wonder Americans feel more stressed and anxious during the holidays. Nearly half of all adults in the United States say they are usually more stressed (48%).

It's here that your calendar comes into play. Organizing your calendar for the holidays allows you to track all your commitments. Additionally, you won't feel as stressed.

Assess your schedule.

What is the first step in organizing your calendar for the holidays? Assess your schedule.

Check out your upcoming commitments and identify which ones are most important to you. It could be a family gathering, a work event, a religious holiday, or anything else.

It is important to remember that not all holiday commitments are equal. For example, some activities, such as spending time with family and friends, are more important than others. As such, take charge of your commitments by prioritizing them so that you have time for what matters most to you.

When you have a list of what is most important to you, block out those dates in your calendar. Your schedule will be better visualized, and plans can be made for the remainder of the season.

Block off time for holiday tasks.

Make sure you don't just squeeze holiday tasks into your regular schedule. By doing this, you can stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Instead, schedule specific holiday-related activities, such as:

• Shopping and wrapping gifts
• Decorating your home with your family
• Meal planning
• Traveling
• Attending holiday performances, such as school concerts and programs
• Making and sending holiday cards
• Going to Christmas tree farms
• Visiting holiday markets or Santa Claus
• Doing a 5K, like Turkey Trots or Jingle Bell Runs
• Attending the annual office party

Don't forget to schedule time for yourself.

During the holidays, it's important to schedule time for yourself, even if it's just for a few minutes. Rejuvenating and relaxing will allow you to fully enjoy the holiday season.

Whenever scheduling time for yourself, include activities you enjoy and that relax you. A few examples include reading, taking a bath, hiking, or doing nothing at all.

Use a color-coding system.

A color-coding system is a great way to organize your calendar. It allows you to keep track of upcoming events and ensure that you're on time.

For instance, you could use one color for family events, another for work events, and another for personal events. Use red for work events, green for family events, and blue for personal events.

Additionally, you can color-code events based on their importance. A high-priority event could be highlighted in red, while a low-priority event might be highlighted in green.

Set reminders.

As soon as you organize your calendar, make sure to set reminders so you do not forget important dates. You can use your phone, computer, or even your calendar to set reminders.

Set reminders in advance so you have plenty of time to prepare and get to the event location. For important events, you may wish to set multiple reminders.

Be realistic about how much time you have.

"We put a lot of pressure on ourselves for the perfect dinner, the perfect celebration, or the perfect reunion," says Aaron Brinen, a psychologist and assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. "It's stressful to prepare for it. And even if you nail everything, you walk away completely exhausted and stressed."

In short, don't overbook your calendar. Again, be sure to block out some time for yourself to relax and recharge.

Be flexible.

Despite your best efforts, things don't always go as planned during the holidays. As such, you have to be flexible and ready to roll with the punches.

If an event needs to be rescheduled or a new event needs to be added to your calendar, don't worry. Just adjust your calendar accordingly.

Additional tips for staying organized during the holidays.

To stay organized during the holidays, here are some additional tips:

• Keep a to-do list. As a result, you will be able to keep track of all the tasks that need to be accomplished.
• Delegate tasks. You can delegate tasks to your partner, children, or other family members if you have them. By doing this, you can focus on the things that matter most.
• Use categories to organize your events. You might have categories for holiday parties, shopping, and decorating.
• Take breaks. Even if it's just a few minutes, taking breaks during the holidays is important. Do something that you enjoy, or get up and move around. As a result, you will be less likely to feel overwhelmed.
• Share your calendar with your partner, family, and friends. This will ensure everyone stays on the same page and avoid scheduling conflicts.
• Don't be afraid to say no. When you don't have time for commitments, saying no is okay. Rather than spreading yourself too thin, focus on a few things you excel at.
• Take advantage of calendar apps and tools to stay organized. Many calendar apps are available, so you can choose one that suits your needs.

Conclusion

Follow these tips and tricks to stay stress-free during the holiday season. Remember to be flexible and enjoy the time with the people you love.

FAQs

How early should I start organizing my calendar for the holidays?

You can never start organizing your calendar for the holidays too early. The earlier you start, the more time you will have to plan and schedule everything. As a result, you'll be less stressed when the holiday season arrives.

What should I include on my holiday calendar?

Holiday parties, family gatherings, and religious services should all be included in your calendar during the holidays. In addition, you should consist of any tasks you need to complete in preparation for the holidays, such as shopping for gifts, planning meals, and decorating your home.

Listed below are a few everyday holiday events you should schedule:

• Thanksgiving
• Hanukkah
• Christmas
• Kwanzaa
• New Year's Eve
• New Year's Day
• Holiday parties
• Holiday travel

How should I use a to-do list in conjunction with my calendar?

A to-do list can be a helpful way to keep track of all the tasks you need to accomplish during the holiday season. Shopping for gifts, preparing meals, and decorating the house can all fall under this category.

Your to-do list can also serve as a reminder for completing each task and a way of tracking your progress.

What is the best way to make my holiday calendar more realistic?

When organizing your holiday calendar, be realistic about how much time you have and how much work you can accomplish. Keep your schedule reasonable, or you'll be stressed out and overwhelmed.

For a more realistic holiday calendar, here are a few tips:

• Be realistic about your time. If you have school, work, or other commitments, don't schedule anything during that time.
• Schedule breaks. Make sure you schedule breaks into your holiday calendar to avoid burning out.
• Don't be afraid to say no. Don't worry if you feel overwhelmed – saying no to holiday events or commitments is okay.

What are some tips for staying organized while traveling during the holidays?

Traveling during the holidays can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you stay organized:

• Make a copy of your calendar and itinerary. Keep a copy of your schedule and itinerary at all times. This will help you stay on track and avoid problems.
• Pack light. Keep your luggage light so you won't have to carry it around. This will make it easier to stay organized and move around.
• Make a packing list. Make a packing list to ensure that you don't forget anything.
• Leave yourself plenty of time. Don't rush to the airport or train station. Give yourself plenty of time. As a result, stress will be reduced, and flights and trains will not be missed.

Image Credit: Olivia Gaines; Pexels

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