How I Stay Organized During the Holidays as a Busy Mom

Simplify the Season | Holiday Organizing Tips for Busy Families

This post is the first part of our “Simplifying the Season” holiday blog series. Stay tuned for the next post in the series coming soon!

The holiday season is such a magical time of year. With traditions, celebrations, and family moments filling the calendar, it’s a season I truly look forward to. Since my son’s birthday also falls right before Christmas, our family gets to enjoy even more reasons to celebrate.

Over the years, I’ve found that planning ahead helps make December feel more peaceful and joyful. Here are some of my favorite systems that simplify the season—so I can focus more on making memories and less on managing the details.

Start Holiday Decorating Early (Or Whenever You Can!)

Christmas decorating is a big project—but it’s also one of the most festive parts of the season. I’ve learned to choose the timing that feels right for us. Some years I’m ready in November, and other years early December is perfect.

Tip: Turn decorating into an event. I love to pour a festive cocktail and put on holiday music while we decorate the tree—it sets the mood and makes the process extra special.

My Secret Weapon: Holiday Planning Templates on My iPhone

One of my biggest time-savers each year is keeping holiday planning templates on my iPhone. These reusable lists help me stay organized and make it easy to enjoy the season without last-minute scrambling.

Holiday Gift List Template
I break my gift list into categories:

• Family

• Friends

• Helpers (teachers, bus drivers, mail carriers)

Whenever an idea pops into my head, I add it to the list. By the holiday season, most of the brainstorming is already done. Bonus: sharing the list with my spouse helps us avoid duplicates.

Holiday To-Do List Template
This includes everything else holiday-related, divided into sections like:

• Christmas meals

• Decorations to try (I save photos directly on the task in the iPhone Reminders app!)

• Christmas cards

• Schedule photo shoot

• Choose holiday outfits

• Buy stamps

• Design and order cards – I love using Minted because it makes it so easy

• Holiday crafts for the kids

• Advent calendar activity ideas

Advent Calendar Magic

We use a reusable advent calendar with little pockets, and I tuck a card inside each one with a daily activity. A few of our favorites are:

• “Stock the local food pantry box”

• “Drive through the Festival of Lights”

The boys love opening the pocket each morning, and it gives us built-in ways to celebrate throughout the month.

Why I Wrap Gifts by December 1st

I like to have all our gifts wrapped and ready by December 1st. It may sound early, but it frees up the rest of the month for:

• Enjoying the season

• Attending holiday events

• Planning my son’s birthday party with ease

My Favorite Holiday Tradition: Sending Christmas Cards

I look forward to the entire Christmas card process every year. I try to have our cards printed and in my hand by Thanksgiving, then spend cozy early December evenings by the fireplace writing notes and addressing envelopes. It’s one of my favorite traditions.

Let Us Help You Take the Stress Out of Holiday Decorating

Did you know professional organizing companies like ours also offer holiday decorating services? We can help with:

• Setting up your Christmas tree and décor

• Organizing your holiday supplies

• Taking everything down and neatly packing it away

Whether you’re a busy parent or a grandparent who wants a festive home without the heavy lifting, we’re here to help make your holidays brighter.

Ready to simplify your season? Book our holiday decorating services today!

Final Thoughts

The holidays can feel calm, joyful, and beautifully organized with just a little extra planning. Whether you’d like help with holiday decorating, wrapping gifts, or organizing your home, we’re here to support you.

Let Sort It Out help you create a holiday season filled with peace, celebration, and meaningful memories.

This post is part of my holiday blog series, Simplifying the Season.
Catch the full series here:

• How I Stay Organized During the Holidays as a Busy Mom

• Less Stuff, More Joy: Our Gifting Approach (to come!)

• After the Holidays: Storing, Sorting & Resetting (to come!)