Let’s Look

Hello and happy Wednesday!

Wow! This week feels like it’s flying by…and it’s already the second Wednesday of the month.

I’m linking up with Shay and Erika for Let’s Look.

So far this year, we’ve looked at…

• How we clean our closets in January
• Little things we do every single day in February
• What’s in our grocery cart in March
• Our daily quiet time/prayer time in April
• Our summer closet staples in May
• Our summer schedule in June
• Podcasts and shows we binge in July
• What’s in our pantry in August (I don’t have a pantry, so I skipped that one)
• Our quick weeknight dinners in September

This month’s topic is let’s look at..how we prep for the holiday season.

Oh…well…even when I try to prep, I don’t feel very prepared when the season comes. That being said, here are a few things I try to do.

1. Notes/Lists

I keep a note on my phone with gift ideas as I think of them throughout the year.

I also make notes of recipes for the season and activities or traditions that I want to make sure that we do.

2. Amazon list

The past couple of years, I’ve made an Amazon list that I share with my mom, sister-in-law and grandma with gift ideas for the kids and me. That way, once the items are purchased, they are taken off the list. This has been a nice way to stay organized and share ideas.

3. Decorate when you can

In 2020, on Election Day, I put up my two skinny Christmas trees. One was in the living room and the other in the sun room. My kids rolled their eyes and even ask “Why are you already putting up Christmas decor?,” but the truth is that’s a day I have time to do so….so I do.

And, thanks to this blog, when I put out the rest of the decorations, I can look back on where I put my seasonal decor, so that saves time and energy.

4. Plan ahead

Once November hits, I always find time and pencil in some of our traditions like going to the horse park lights and baking cookies. I also always write down parties and plan accordingly. That has worked well to make sure we get some family time in or know when I might have time to wrap presents.

5. Stay Organized

Like I said, I have lists for gifts, meals, and activities. I have a note on my phone of things I need to buy for the next year. For example, if I’m running low on wrapping paper, I make note of that to purchase for the next year.

Also, I get rid of seasonal items if I don’t use them to help keep some of the holiday bins organized.

I’d love to hear how you prep for the holidays; give me all the tips!