The holidays are a magical time—until you're getting blown up with party invites, school events, and dinner plans, leaving you unsure of what to commit to and worried about overcommitting (and under-delivering). For families, this time of year can feel especially chaotic, with everyone’s schedules piling up into one big, confusing mess.
That’s why staying organized is so important. In our home, we rely on family meetings and a shared calendar to keep everything straight. It’s a lifesaver when juggling family commitments, and it helps us avoid double-booking or forgetting something important.
With a few simple planning tricks and tools, you can confidently tackle the holiday madness while actually enjoying the season. Let’s dive into how to make it work for you!
Start with a Master Calendar
I learned the hard way that trying to keep everything in my head only leads to forgotten school concerts and double-booked Saturdays... And people mad at you for forgetting about them. Now, I live by my master calendar. Whether you prefer a digital option like Google Calendar or an old-fashioned paper planner, the key is to centralize all your events in one place and know your dates!
Here’s what works for me:
- My wife and I sit down and talk about ALL that's going on this holiday season and what the deal is - From parents to Aunt Bonny.
- Family first - all the family parties, whether its birthdays or Christmas Parties, get logged in the calendar first so that we don't accidentally forget and commit to something we can't attend.
- Obligations next - so things you know you have to do or attend.
- Block out days to get stuff done. Whether it's things around the house or Christmas shopping, it's good to reserve that time so that you can avoid the last-minute stress of 'squeezing it in'
Prioritize and Delegate
Not every invitation needs a "yes," and not every task needs to be done by you. (I’m still learning this one, but it’s a game-changer.) Take a look at your schedule and decide what truly matters to you this season. Maybe it’s spending time with family or attending a favorite annual event—everything else can be optional.
And delegation? It’s not just for work. Assign holiday tasks to your family:
- Plan to tag team Holiday tasks - have your spouse wrap gifts while you handle the meal prep.
- Let the kids take on decorating (sure, it might not look perfect, but it’s festive!).
- Use apps like Trello to organize who’s doing what—it’s surprisingly satisfying to check things off together.
Use Technology to Stay Ahead
If you’re like me, your phone is basically an extension of your brain during the holidays. I lean on a handful of apps to keep things running smoothly:
- Google Lists + Calendar: Perfect for organizing shopping lists and to-dos. I love ticking off items—it’s oddly therapeutic.
- Reminder apps: Set alarms for deadlines, RSVPs, or when it’s time to get something done!
- Automate where you can: Order groceries online, schedule pickups etc.
Simplify Holiday Planning
The holidays don’t have to be Pinterest-perfect. Simplify where you can and focus on what brings you joy:
- Sit down & make a plan with your spouse / family. Make a list, check it twice and put it all out on paper as to what's going on in your lives.
- Put it into a shared calendar, whether digital or physical.
- Divide and conquer on tasks where necessary.
- Enjoy your time!
Conclusion
Staying organized during the holidays isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about finding what works for you and your family. For me, it’s a mix of prioritizing, leaning on technology, and ultimately enjoying my time with the people I love. I hope these tips help you find a little more calm (and maybe even joy) this season.
Do you have a favorite app or holiday hack that keeps you sane? Share it in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas! And if you found this helpful, subscribe to my blog for more tips to simplify your life.
