It’s no secret that the holidays can be a very stressful time of year.

We are all juggling parties, gifting, hosting, family, friends, events, guests, budgeting, finances, the list goes on and on. It’s hard enough to keep your household together even without the added pressure of the holidays and guests. To help you simplify your life and help you create a game plan to juggle all the things, we’re gifting you a few tips that will make you feel like an amazing host without wanting to pull your hair out.

1. Start your planning early

To start the season off on the right foot, get started early! Start making your plans, creating lists, and getting organized early on. The earlier you can start thinking about your holiday season, the less overwhelmed you’re likely to get. If you’re a paper and pen person, create a master to-do list or map everything out on your calendar. If you are more of a digital person, use notes and reminders on your favorite calendar app.

2. Don’t over-commit yourself

We get it, the holidays are a special time of year and we want to take advantage of the time with loved ones! But it’s also okay to say “no” if you need some time for your to-do list or just some time alone to recover your energy. It’s better to not be a guest than to be an unhappy, tired, grouchy guest!

3. Stock up on some simple hosting/thank you gifts

On your next grocery store run, pick up a few extra boxes of cookies, chocolates, bottles of wine, or thank you cards. This way you will always have a treat to bring to someone else’s party or some extra goodies if you have an impromptu gathering!

4. Prepare early for holiday travel

Holiday travel can be very taxing but being prepared can go a long way in making your day-of-travel less anxiety-ridden! Look ahead at the weather so you know what to pack and make a list for yourself to make sure you get everything you need. We love to use packing cubes and small pouches to keep our suitcases organized and tidy. You’ll also want to check in early to your flight and give yourself plenty of time at the airport!

5. Do a seasonal purge

At Swoon Spaces, we recommend decluttering a few times a year but the holidays are a great time to do one before the new year. As you’re unpacking your holiday decorations, holiday clothing or winter clothes, take a moment to consider your items and if it might be time to move on from some things. You can also declutter as you are packing up your stuff at the end of the holiday season. A declutter will always help you feel lighter, clear-headed, and in control. If you need decluttering tips and motivation, we share some great ways to Combat Clutter in this blog.

6. Have a post-holiday plan

Making sure you have systems set up for after the holidays is just as important as planning for those holiday events themselves! Get containers and make labels to put your decorations away seamlessly. This will give you the peace of mind that everything is put away efficiently - and it will make your next holiday season much less stressful too! If you need ideas, head over to our Amazon Shop to see our favorite decor organizing solutions!

7. Set aside time for self-care

Whether it’s a bubble bath with a glass of wine, some quiet time with a book, or a massage, make sure you take care of yourself. It’s easy to run yourself ragged while trying to get everything done, and ensuring all your plans run smoothly. Just make sure you’re giving yourself some quality self-love and rest.

We all want the holiday season to be a time of fun, laughter, generosity and love. However, oftentimes we get so wrapped up in busy schedules, travel and shopping sprees that we forget to focus on the most important things. We hope that you take these practices into consideration as you move through December and that you can find joy and peace this holiday season. Remember that the Swoon Spaces Team is here to help you get organized, but we also want you to prioritize your self-care so that you can start the new year refreshed and ready to flourish. Feel free to reach out to us at any time and let us know how we can make your holiday season even better!

Think you’ll need help getting all your holiday stuff put away after the holidays?

Book your post-holiday organizing session now!

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