Hey, hey Wednesday!
It’s another edition of LET’S LOOK!
If you don’t know what this is, once a month, Erika and I do a little link up where we “look” at different aspects of our lives (and then if you blog, you share and link up too!). We have been doing this little linky party for years now, and it’s always one of my favorite posts each month because most of the topics are YOUR suggestions!
So far in 2024, here’s what we’ve “looked at”…
In January, we looked at HOW WE CLEAN OUR CLOSETS.
In February, we looked at LITTLE THINGS WE DO EVERY SINGLE DAY.
In March, we looked at WHAT’S IN OUR GROCERY CARTS.
In April, we looked at OUR QUIET TIME/PRAYER TIME.
In May, we looked at OUR SUMMER CLOSET STAPLES.
In June, we looked at OUR SUMMER SCHEDULES.
In July, we looked at OUR FAVORITE PODCASTS & SHOWS TO BINGE.
In August, we looked at OUR PANTRIES & UPDATED TRADER JOE’S HAUL.
In September, we looked at OUR QUICK WEEKNIGHT DINNERS.
And today, we’re LOOKING AT HOW WE PREP FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
Oh yes, this is a topic I can get excited about!
HOLIDAYS + ORGANIZATION= MY HAPPY PLACE!
I probably could have blogged for dayyyyyyys on this topic, but instead, I thought it might be more helpful to just sit down and share the tips/thoughts to come to mind immediately. These are all things that I always remind myself to do to simplify my season. Because hey, I have movies to watch, trips to take, trees to decorate and things to bake. I need to be organized!
Some of these tips below are super obvious, some are random, some are practical, some are hopefully helpful…all of them are things that sprung to mind just now.
Here we go…
#1: We make a “master” list.
Years ago, I used to do this by myself and then go over it with Andrew. Now that the kids are older and our schedules are busier, he and I do this together. Either way you do it, it’s so helpful to just do it. (But pro tip, if you make a charcuterie board and pour two drinks and take this to the patio or the dining room table one night before dinner, it becomes way more fun for both parties than just sending your husband a “list”.) At the beginning of fall (or let’s be real, with me it’s more like August 1st), I make one big giant list of everything our family wants to/needs to do over the fall and holiday season. I write down big things (like trips) and little things (like watching holiday movies) and school things (concerts) etc. I have this list and work from it all season. We don’t do everything on the list because the list is long and life happens but should we find ourselves with unexpected free time, it’s great to have this list to pull from.
#2: We organize our calendars. In order to prep for the holiday season, we sit down and input all of the things on our Cozi app (the calendar app that our family uses) for the entire season including:
- Sports schedules (practices and games)
- Travel dates
- School events (concerts, pep rallies, etc)
- Seasonal events that take place around McKinney
- We write in “family nights” especially during December which would be those nights at home to watch movies, drive around and look at lights, etc. This way, family time is built in and as important as other nights.
- We schedule any parties we’re hosting early. This time of year, I just don’t think it’s ever too early to send a “save the date” whether you’re hosting a little dinner party or a full blown holiday soiree…people’s calendars get booked up quickly, so we make sure and get that on the calendar sooner rather than later.
- We line up with family in advance when they’re coming to visit/when we’re celebrating certain holidays/etc so that we have those dates blocked out as well.
#3: There are many, many things to budget this time of year. Here are a few ways we keep on top of this:
- Andrew and I always talk about budgets for travel, hosting parties and gift giving this time of year. We plan and save accordingly as this time of year is always more expensive than any other time.
- We discuss with our kiddos in advance holiday gift ideas and such so that we’re all on the same page about gifting for the year.
- I factor in other expenditures like holiday cards (and postage!), our annual family photography costs, teacher gifts, boarding our pets, etc.
#4: I buy my Advent Bible Study for the season.
Every year, I buy a new Advent study to do each morning along with my Bible Recap because…it’s the REASON FOR THE SEASON, so I better keep my eyes fixed on the truth of why we’re really celebrating.
#5: I stock up on wrapping supplies. From extra tape and scissors to wrapping paper, gift labels, those amazing BROWN BAGS that work for every season, BROWN WRAPPING PAPER (great for covering tables and gifts), tissue paper and such, I stock up well in advance. You know I LOVE and use THIS BAG to keep all of my wrapping supplies together and organized. It slides under the bed and out of the way easily too.
#6: You guys, I have lists for my lists. I keep all of these on my phone so that they’re organized, easy to find, and convenient. Outside of my one big “master list”, here are other lists I keep this time of year (I’m about to reveal my crazy here…):
- Gift ideas for everyone
- Gifts purchased (plus next to it, I indicate whether it’s been delivered to my house yet and where I ‘hid’ it until I have time to wrap it)
- I have one whole list of things I need to remember for the following holiday season (Examples on this list would be: Replace tree lights in Smith’s room, get new garland in family room, need extra extension cord for Snow Village house, etc). I look at this list before I dive into the next holiday season and find it SO HELPFUL!! I always forget all of those pesky details and am so happy that I put it all down.
- Recipes to make
- Party things (who’s coming, what I should make, favors to give, decorations, etc)
- I keep a list of things to do/to take on any trips we have planned
#7: I make sure we have our storage items. I don’t want mess with having to locate a CHRISTMAS TREE BAG or WREATH COVER or ORNAMENT BIN or extra plastic tub with lid the day I’m taking my holiday decorations down. I make sure to take inventory in advance and purchase those items BEFORE it’s time to put them away.
#8: We prep things around our house/yard. Andrew and I do all of these things leading up to and/or during the holiday season to prep:
- Replace spring/summer flowers with fall/winter ones
- Bring in the patio cushions or any furniture we won’t be needing
- Check that all of the fireplaces are still working
- Do a quick cleanout of the guest room/make sure it’s ready for overnight visitors
- Buy extra extension cords, twinkle lights, lightbulbs, OUTLET ADAPTERS, lighters, plus any alcohol or bar accoutrements for entertaining. If you don’t have a BATTERY ORGANIZER, now is the time! Buy one, fill it and be prepared for every holiday decoration and/or gift that needs a charge.
#9: I make sure my kitchenware is updated. I love having festive spatulas on hand or seasonal paper napkins, but I also make sure we have WINE FOIL CUTTERS handy, I’ll pull out my MINI WAFFLE IRON (I love these!), and any other item that we typically use that time of year.
#10: I buy my favorite “extras” that put me in the holiday spirit like my beloved I-PHONE CASE and POP SOCKET or a fun SWIG MUG in a seasonal pattern…those little details make my season brighter.
#11: We travel a lot during the fall and holiday season, and I never want it to be an added stress but instead an added blessing. I do as many things as I can in advance to make sure it’s easy to add travel into our plans:
- We plan our dogs “vacations” at the boarders in advance before they get booked up during the busy holiday season.
- I buy all of the toiletry items we use when we are traveling well in advance (extra toothbrushes, toothpaste, mini sized bath and skincare products, etc).
- We make sure our suitcases are in “travel shape” and don’t need to be replaced.
- We make sure the mail is being held, someone is housesitting or coming by for mail/packages/etc (just all the “things” like that).
- I try and actually pack our suitcases early so that it’s not hanging over my head. I get my packing list out and start assembling PACKING CUBES as far in advance as I can so that it’s not one more burden hanging over our heads.
#12: I use the Walmart app as often as possible. You guys, it’s a GAME CHANGER! I get everything from baking supplies to gifts, Scotch tape, twinkle lights…you name it! It’s a must this time of year.
#13: I try to wrap as soon as I can. When gifts arrive, if I have time, I’ll wrap them immediately. That being said, sometimes, that’s not a reality, so a few times a week, when I have several to do at one time, I’ll turn on a holiday show, pour myself a cup of coffee and wrap while I watch for a bit. This makes it more enjoyable as well.
Whew! I hope this was a little bit helpful. I truly LOVE this time of year and want to enjoy every single second which means…I need to go into it organized and prepared.
If you have tips and tricks for how you prep for the holiday season, I hope you’ll share in the comment section!
Next month, we’re going to…
…LOOK AT GIFT IDEAS FOR MEN!
Amen and amen.
Now, I know it’s Prime Big Deal Days, so as a reminder, these are some of my personal favorite things to “prime”…
I shared this in July from Nantucket, but we loved our BISSELL LITTLE GREEN CARPET & UPHOLSTRY CLEANER so much that we bought a second one for McKinney too. This little machine is AMAZING!
THESE WATER SENSORS are the #1 thing I recommend for you guys to purchase. These little sensors can totally SAVE your home from being destroyed. They’re so easy to use and work really, really well.
You guys, I use my MINI KEURIG every day while at my desk. It’s the simplest, smallest, easiest way for me to get an individual cup of coffee. It comes in a variety of color options too!
If you travel (or spend the night outside of your home) several times of year, you might like to do what I do: I keep MY TOILETRY BAG stocked year around, so that I’m always able to grab it and go without worrying that I forget anything. Anytime I get samples or smaller sized items, I place them in here so that I don’t have to bring my larger “normal” toiletry items with me on a trip. When I return from a trip, I always restock my bag too, so that it’s ready to go the next time.
Once you start using a DYSON CORDLESS…
…you just will never go back to actually plugging in a vacuum again. I’m about to sound crazy here, but this little vacuum makes cleaning up so easy that it’s almost F-U-N. You’ll breeze right through your post-holiday party clean up, it will be a cinch to zip up the glitter and sparkle from gift wrapping paper, no matter what the mess might be this Christmas season, with your cordless vacuum, clean up could not be easier. If you want to see a happy couple on Christmas morning, give them the gift of the Dyson 🙂 .
And finally…
…my favorite weighted vest 🙂 .
I hope you all have the best Wednesday! I will see you back here tomorrow! xx
Susan Jeffrries says
Christmas will be very different for us this year, as our only child won’t be home. She is in a show over the christmas season and we hope to be able to go see her for christmas. I am trying to adapt to this huge change and be grateful that she will be doing what she loves and that the rest of our little family is healthy. I will enjoy watching you and my friends celebrate christmas with loved ones, purchase gifts, and decorate. I am sure that God will make this year special for us too(:
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Susan, my mama heart hurts for you. Sending you so much love today. xx
kesha says
I love that you have your toiletry bag always stocked. My daughter is due in about a month and I was just thinking that I need to pack a bag. This would be so handy to grab at last minute notice.
Mix and Match Mama says
Congratulations!!!!
Sheaffer says
How is it already time for holiday prep again? Great tips!
Elspeth says
I’m a huge list person too! It always keeps me organized no matter the occasion! Smart idea to have a list of reminders for next year!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Shannon says
At the end of the fall and Christmas season, I create a list of the things I need to start off the next holiday season and then seal it in an envelope and put it right on top of the inside of one of my fall boxes labeled “Needs for 2025.” That way I can shop early for those things before they run out and don’t have to find out the twinkle lights on my garland are toast in the middle of my decorating. 😉
Also, for fun-I always right a letter of reflection to myself at the end of the year and put it in my Christmas box for the next year. I make predictions about the next year or write down wonderings from family stuff to politics to world events, or just things I’m thinking about as the year comes to a close. It’s always something I look forward to reading each year!
Mix and Match Mama says
GREAT IDEA!!!
Gale says
I LOVE this! I need to print this out, so I can remember to do it. What a GREAT idea! Thank you!
Kit says
I absolutely love this idea!!!!
Ashley D says
You are speaking my language when you talk about making lists, Shay!! I’m a list girl myself. I love the idea of writing down a list of what household items you may need for next year! Saves the hassle of trying to “remember.” My husband and I got married in April, so this is our first Christmas living in the same house and merging our Christmas stuff together. This is a tip I will definitely be using, along with listing out all the activities/events for the upcoming holiday season.
I also believe it’s never too early to start buying Christmas presents! If you see something that someone may like, and it’s July, who cares! Buy the darn gift!! My husband and I wanted to gift my parents a Nespresso machine for Christmas this year, and we found a sale in July, so we bought the Nespresso machine. We can check them off our list!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! I still remember our first married Christmas! I hope it is oh so special!
Lisa D says
The list of lists 😃
Love all the great organization tips!
Remember to schedule “down time” too. Many time my schedule is thrown off by unforeseen things. My only advice is to be flexible and ready to drop an activity or event without feeling frustrated when the unexpected happens.
Angela says
Love all of these tips!! Does your Christmas tree fit into that Amazon Christmas tree bag or do you have to use two bags for one tree? Your main tree in your family room is fairly large and we have a large one too… I wasn’t sure if I should get two of these bags or do you just scrunch it all into one bag? I’ve been needing tree bags and this is a good time to get them!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I just called Andrew to get this info correct. Our tree is about 14 feet tall and comes in seven sections. He says it takes four bags for all seven sections. The tree in my office and the one in my front library are standard sized Christmas trees and they each fit in one of those bags.
Angela says
Thank you, Shay!! Yippee! I’m purchasing tree bags to get organized!! This bit of organization makes me oh so happy!
Jess says
I love the idea about making a “home date” out of an experiences wishlist for the season. My spouse and I will totally steal this one!!! The only other thing that we do is try to purchase anything that we need from the previous season at the end for the coming year because there are always amazing sales! 💛 love this post, thank you!!!!
Ashley says
Love seeing how you prep for the holidays Shay, and can absolutely relate to the many lists, haha! Amazon is having such good sales, I’ve already snagged some and goodness, I adore your coffee machine!! Thanks for the link up as always, this was such a fun topic to cover!
Make Life Marvelous
Sarah M. says
I took your advice last year to make a list for this year of the things we will need. I had actually forgotten I did that until I read this post, so I looked back in my Notes and lo and behold there was one called “Christmas 2024” noting we need another strand of lights for the tree, more tissue paper, and tags. I also had the idea to print off some old Christmas photos to keep in a basket for people to look through, that way I don’t need to find frames for everything. Thank you Shay (and 2023 me)!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!!!!! I am so happy you did this too! You always think you’re going to remember the details but low and behold, a year goes by and you forget everything.
Kristin Munson says
Check out the app – Santa’s Bag! It’s a little red app with white outline of Santa. This app makes shopping for Christmas SO much more organized. First, it’s password protected so the kids can’t get into in. You can add everyone on your list and easily track the price of items and the stage they’re in- idea/purchased/wrapped/delivered etc so you’re not wondering what on earth is actually under the tree and did you wrap that darn gift you bought last week! I used it last year and it was a GAME CHANGER!!
Mix and Match Mama says
THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! Great tip!!!!
Patrice Bennett says
Oh Yes! I’ve used this app for years and It’s awesome!
You can even look back on past years. Super helpful!
Marisa Patel says
I cannot find the app, is it for iPhone only? I currently keep a spreadsheet but the app sounds so much better!
Heather Ptashnik says
can’t wait to download this app, thank you!
SJ says
I remember when your kids were younger they would pick a few gifts to keep out and the rest you’d put in a closet they’d pick out later on. Do you still do something similar now that your kids are older?
Mix and Match Mama says
Not as much any more because they get more clothes/shoes than “toys” for rainy days. It kind of happened over night. I do still stand by my “rainy day closet” as being a really great idea. That darn closet was a lifesaver so many days when they were all younger.
SS says
Shay you are so organized!!! We have quite a few holiday birthdays tossed in!! Ugh
I was just saying how much your green machine was loved by Andrew because we have dogs too. Lol.
So last year we started using the brown packing paper that comes in your shipments to wrap stuff with. For one it is perferated so you can get it any size. We have our youngest decorate and viola recycled wrapping paper. Now mind you it’s not for everything, but it’s perfect for this little things. I hate wasting paper and it is kinda a tribute to my Gramps who would wrap our gifts in newspaper!!! Lol. This is less messy than newspaper print black. Lol
Stephanie says
Shay,
I absolutely love this! It truly is is so helpful and gives me ideas on how to make the holidays be more peaceul.
But what I really want to say is thank you for your blog in general. I can’t tell you enough how refreshing it is to not feel like I’m being sold something. Does that make sense? There is so much consumerism now days and it is just refreshing to get ideas and information! I’m not knocking anyone because I know everyone is just trying to make a living, but it just struck me this morning and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your blog and the time you spend sharing your knowledge and wisdom with us! Thank you!
Stephanie
Mix and Match Mama says
Well goodness, I certainly appreciate your comment AND more importantly the fact that you take time out of your day to visit. I *try* to balance all the things, so thank you for recognizing that. Sending YOU so much love, Stephanie! Have the best day! xx
Melissa says
Thank you for putting this together! I was wondering if you might consider doing a post with the best or most thoughtful gifts you have received and open it up for others to share. I always put so much pressure on gift buying. I would love to hear ideas other than the typical robe. Just a thought…
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s a great thought!!
Kelly Bowles says
I started keeping my toiletry bag packed at all times because of you and it really does make packing so much easier!!
talia says
I’ve asked (and you so graciously answered, I just forget) what weight do you use for your vest, please. Thank you so much!
Mix and Match Mama says
12 pounds! It’s perfect for me.
Joanne says
Thank you very much for all your wonderful ideas over the years which I now use because of you! Would you please check the link to the toiletry bag? It’s not working for me.
Mix and Match Mama says
Great catch!! I just fixed it.
Joanne says
Thank you! I just ordered the toiletry bag.
Becky G. says
I love the idea of writing a list of things needed for next year. We also do this for ski season and I just was reminded to look at both of those lists! I’d love to hear more about holiday ideas for teens – how you all allow them to pick somewhere to go as a gift. My boys are now teens (and boys!!) and are so hard to buy for. I’m really liking the go somewhere gift and would love thoughts and ideas on that.
S says
I love this list and all things organization! For the life of me, I cannot get excited about the holiday season (from now until Christmas). I have 3 young kids and boy oh boy, do I try to make it festive, but it’s just not in my bones. How do you keep from being completely overwhelmed by the performative aspect of the holidays?
Mix and Match Mama says
Well, I certainly think there are a million reasons to be overwhelmed by the holiday season, so don’t be too hard on yourself. I think I just personally love it myself SO MUCH. I don’t just get giddy for my kids, I get giddy with the music, the lights, the movies, the cocoa…I’m getting giddy just thinking about the Hallmark Channel right now. For me, it’s also crazy and chaotic, but I put on my Santa sweatshirt, watch The Holiday while I wrap and stroll through my grocery store just to see all of the “peppermint” infused fun and just lean into it.
Mary S says
This post is FULL of such great practical advice and makes me so excited for the holidays coming up!! Question (sorry if you mentioned earlier and I missed it)….do you use the free Cozi app or did you upgrade to the Cozi Gold subscription? I’m going to try my best to switch over from our written calendars and lists!🤞
Mix and Match Mama says
Once I realized that we were going to live by Cozi and Cozi alone for our family’s planning, I upgraded to Gold!
Mary S says
Thanks! 🩵
Elizabeth says
Best list! Thank you! I am getting in the holiday spirit!
Rhoda W says
Shay please stop over achieving as you make me look/feel lazy and disorganized lol. Totally, buying the wrapping paper organization box! I have several half rolls of wrapping paper in random spots in my house.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh please, I’m sitting here at my desk at 2:03 and am still in my sweaty workout clothes because I haven’t showered yet today. I have my holidays under control just not my hygiene. 😉
Amy Androff says
On Amazon, Our Place bakeware has some great prices. I got the sheet pan you recommended and it’s on sale at a FANTASTIC price for today only. I have added a couple of other pieces and love them. I didn’t realize they were non toxic.
Pat says
So many great ideas!!
Erika Slaughter says
EEEKK!!! Holidays here we come!
Marisa Patel says
I got the toiletry bag earlier this year so that I could use it on our trips, and I love it! It has the perfect amount of room for all of my needs, and it is pretty, too! I sure do wish that my husband was as helpful and excited to do all of the seasonal decorating, maybe then I would not feel overwhelmed just thinking about it.
Serena W. says
Such great tips! I am also a list girl! My biggest tip to share may sound simple, but marking off a little time to sit back and enjoy the house decorated and watch a favorite Christmas movie. As you mentioned, this is a BUSY time of year and what i have learned is that I want a little time to sit back and just enjoy the hours and hours of hard work from decorating to wrapping.
Dana Jackson says
I love a good list and I am old school so it has to be on paper so I can get the satisfaction of crossing it off when done!! You have some great tips…I do several of the same ones but will be adding some of yours to my new list!!
Ave Perry says
Love this so much! I tend to get very stressed out with the holidays but you had great tips! Will definitely use some of these this year
Penny says
So much useful information – I appreciate the comprehensive lists! I had been meaning to go back to see from past posts which cordless vacuum you love – Hooray, right here in this post! Thanks!
Leah says
Love these tips and I’m so ready for holiday season!! Looking at your prime items, I’m realizing you’ve “influenced” me to get everything except for the weighted vest so far-🙈 I guess I’ll add it to my list! 😂
Mix and Match Mama says
I really think you’ll love it 😉 .
Anneka says
I’m glad I’m not the only one who makes a lot of Christmas lists! 😂 I have an extensive baking one because I make thousands of treats for parties, neighbors, co-workers, family, etc. Baking for others is my love language. I also like to make a gift list, but also when they’re coming because it’s easy to lose track that time of year. And Shutterfly always loses something I order. 🙃 I already have my parents’, and all my nieces’ and nephews’ gifts bought and wrapped and I’m going to send them home with my parents whe they come visit for Halloween to save van space at Christmas. I love Christmas!! 🎄 🎅
Robin says
Ok, I feel like #1 could be its own post. I want to know what’s on your seasonal list! And also how you do the planning/scheduling. Like do you schedule “watch Elf on December 12” or is it more like “December 12 – Christmas fun” and then you decide what to do/watch based off your list? You’ve shared your lists ideas before (for gifts and things to remember next year), I started my own and those have helped me a ton!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s more like the second way you described it. I just block off “family fun” and then, we decide what to do that day. Sometimes, we want to go out and about, but other times, we’ve been busy, so we want to make cookies and watch a movie. I am SO happy you started those lists too!!
Jodi says
I bought Christmas wrapping paper last weekend so I’m on my way! Not really, but I like to tell myself that. lol