Hi Reader,

I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely noticed the shift in the season this past week! There’s a refreshing coolness in the air, vibrant colors all around, and leaves are falling like rain. 🍂 And let’s not forget the time change—ugh! It always takes me about a week to adjust. I often find myself glancing at my watch, thinking it’s already 10 PM when it’s really just 7:30! ⏰ But no matter what, the season has officially changed, and we’re diving headfirst into holiday preparation time.

In our email last week, we started our journey of the 8 weeks to Christmas. Each week we are focusing on a different aspect of holiday preparation, helping you stay organized and enjoy every moment.

If you missed Week 1, you can catch up by reading the blog post here (or download our FREE Holiday Harmony Guide here).

Week 2: Plan Your Celebrations

This week, the focus is on planning your celebrations. With a little organization and some fun ideas, you can set the stage for joyful gatherings that allow you to truly connect with your family and friends. While we're in planning mode, we'll start our Holiday Card list for this year (don't miss the tip below!)

Week 2 Tasks:

Create a List of Gatherings: Write down all holiday gatherings you’ll host or attend. This includes Thanksgiving, Christmas parties, dinners, and casual get-togethers. Having everything on paper helps you visualize your schedule and ensures you won’t forget any important events. Plus, it allows you to plan ahead for things like cooking, shopping, and decorating, making each gathering feel special and well-organized. Don’t forget to include any virtual gatherings if you’re connecting with loved ones from afar! 🎉
Decide on Themes or Styles: Think about how you want each gathering to feel. Will it be a formal dinner with elegant decorations, a cozy casual get-together with comfy sweaters, or a fun themed party that everyone can enjoy? Planning in advance sets the tone for your celebrations and helps guide your decisions on decor, food, and activities. For example, if you choose a winter wonderland theme, you might want to incorporate lots of white lights, snowflakes, and hot cocoa stations. Having a clear vision will make your gatherings more memorable and enjoyable for everyone! ✨
Draft Your Holiday Card List: Begin compiling a list of friends and family you want to send holiday cards to. This can include everyone from close relatives to distant friends you want to reconnect with during the season. Take a moment to think about who has been important to you over the past year. Starting this list now will save you time later when it’s time to send them out, and you won’t find yourself scrambling to remember names at the last minute.

Tip: This year, create an electronic holiday card list using a template for mailing labels. This will save you time each year! You can easily update the list as needed and just print it out when it’s time to send your cards. I've been doing our Holiday Cards this way for years! It’s is such a time saver and so simple! 🎉

🎄Stay on Track this Holiday Season🎄

Download the FREE Holiday Harmony Guide Today!

Reflect and Share

As we dive into this holiday season, take a moment to think about what you’re doing differently this year to make your celebrations easier and more enjoyable. Are you trying new recipes, simplifying your decorations, or maybe even delegating tasks to family members?

Whatever it is, I’d love to hear your ideas! Sharing our experiences can inspire others and help us all create a more joyful and stress-free holiday season. Feel free to reply to this email or share your thoughts on social media! Let’s support each other in making this the best holiday season yet!

Warm wishes,

Sandy