How to Have a Stress-Free Christmas

I know you’re thinking “stress-free” and “Christmas season” in the same sentence?! That can’t be! If you’re anything like me, there is always so much I want to do and make for Christmas, plus traditions to share with family around the holidays. My to-do list is so long it could give Santa’s list a run for its money. 

You would think that an annual holiday — just like a birthday — couldn’t possibly sneak up on me (or you)! But it sure can! If you’ve ever gone straight from finishing Thanksgiving and packing away fall decor just to break out the wreaths and stockings, you know that feeling. 

I’ve found the only way to stress-less and be able to enjoy Christmas is with a bit of planning and budgeting and a “15 minutes at a time” approach — which is why I created the Essential Christmas Season Planner. 

This planner grew out of my need to organize myself. Now, my 49 checklists, worksheets, and calendars can also help you simplify the season, make it meaningful, and keep you organized. 

You can grab your copy for just $9.99 and use it year after year. The planner is available as an instant download so you can start using it as soon as you purchase.

Use it digitally or print out a copy like I do. (I pop mine in a slim binder each year. I also love to add a plastic pocket to hold receipts for expense tracking and in case I need to make a dreaded return.)

I use this Christmas season planner every year — printing out a fresh copy in early November, and relying on it to get me through the holidays. It’s just a simple tool, but there is absolute magic in a done-for you prompts to get your mental checklist out of your head and down on paper.

What You Get:

49 checklists, worksheets, and calendars that can work for anyone. Most importantly: keeping yourself better organized can help you spend more time on holiday fun with your family.

Basics
1 – November Calendar (Undated)
2 – December Calendar (Undated)
3 – January Calendar (Undated)
4 – Priorities
5 – Christmas Budget

Home
6 – Decluttering
7 – Cleaning
8 – Decorating for Christmas

Hosting
9 – Table Settings Sketch
10 – Seating Charts
11 – Centerpieces
12 – In-Season Flowers
13 – Choose & Decorate Chairs
14 – Other Decor Supplies List

Meals
15 – Christmas Meal Prep
16 – Christmas Menus
17 – Other Meal Menus
18 – Baking
19 – Pantry Restock
20 – Grocery List
21 – Recipe Cards
22 – Christmas Eve Food Prep Schedule
23 – Christmas Day Food Prep Schedule
24 – Christmas Day Schedule

Activities
25 – Traditions
26 – School Break Ideas
27 – Elf on the Shelf Ideas
28 – Advent Calendar Ideas

Gifting
29 – Christmas Card List
30 – Christmas Gifts
31 – Plan Your Shopping
32 – Wrap Your Gifts
33 – Gift Brainstorming
34 – Coupon Tracker
35 – Christmas Gift Tracker by Person
36 – Stocking Stuffer Tracker by Person
37 – Christmas Gift Tracker for Multiple People
38 – Thank You Note Tracker

Parties
39 – Christmas Party Ideas
40 – Christmas Party Prep
41 – One-Page Party Planner
42 – Pick a Playlist
43 – Party Menu
44 – Party Guest List Tracker
45 – Invitations
46 – Party Games & Activities
47 – Games & Activities Supplies
48 – Event Shopping Favorites
49 – Shopping Tracker

The best part of this planner is that you can adapt the planner to fit you and your family and your traditions. This planner helps you organize your Christmas season so you control it and not let the month of December control you. 

You know I always want you to think about your budget when you’re planning a party, and the holiday season is just the same. You will be so much more relaxed during the run-up to Christmas if you’re not worried about your spending. This planner will help you think about every part of your seasonal budget! You don’t have to feel the overwhelm of spending during the holiday season when you plan in advance and know what you’re after! 

This year, when we’re hopeful about seeing family and friends again, I want to make sure that I don’t overdo things by trying to do it all. (It’s so easy to take on too much during the absolute holiday race that is Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.) That’s why I included a priority setting page right off the top of the planner. Taking a moment to think about what I want to know, feel and do during December helps me make sure I’ve got my focus where I really want it to be.

I can’t wait to see what you come up with this holiday season! Happy holidays — and if the Essential Christmas Season Planner is helpful to you, I’d love to hear about it!