Holiday Preparation Tips: A Guide from a Professional Organizer

As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and sometimes the chaos that comes with it. Between shopping, decorating, hosting, and making memories, your home and life can get a little hectic.

The good news? With a little organization and thoughtful planning, you can create a home that’s both joyful and peaceful, ready to welcome guests, celebrate traditions, and provide you with space to enjoy the season truly.

Here are step-by-step holiday preparation tips to help you stay organized and stress-free:

1. Top Holiday Preparation Tips include creating a Holiday Planning Calendar

Start by mapping out the key dates, from gift shopping and decorating to family gatherings and hosting. A clear plan helps you manage your time wisely and keeps those last-minute surprises at bay.

Pro tip: Add reminders for tasks like ordering holiday cards, setting up your tree, or scheduling a cleaning day before guests arrive.

2. Declutter and Clean Before Decorating

Before you bring out the holiday bins, take a moment to declutter your Courts. Focus on high-traffic areas such as the living room, kitchen, guest rooms, and entryway, the spaces your guests (and you) use most.

Clearing the clutter first makes decorating easier and creates a welcoming environment that truly shines under those twinkling lights.

3. Take Inventory of Decorations

Pull out all your holiday décor and give everything a quick review. Are there lights that don’t work? Ornaments that no longer fit your style or are sadly broken? Take note of what needs to be replaced or repaired, and consider donating items you no longer love. If you have not put Aune June’s handmade ornaments up in the last 10 years, do it this year or let it go! 

A little editing can go a long way toward creating a more cohesive and meaningful holiday display.

4. Organize Your Gift List

Avoid the seasonal scramble by writing down everyone you plan to give to this year. Next to each name, jot down gift ideas, budget, and status (purchased, wrapped, delivered).

Keeping your list organized not only helps you stay within budget but also makes gift-giving feel intentional and enjoyable.

5. Plan Your Meals in Advance

If you’re hosting any gatherings, plan your menu ahead of time. Create a grocery list based on your recipes and shop early to avoid crowded stores or the need to run to the store while your guests are visiting. 

You can also prepare certain dishes in advance, like sauces, casseroles, or cookie dough,  so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests.

6. Set Up a Wrapping Station

Make gift wrapping easier (and more fun!) by setting up a small wrapping station. Gather all your supplies, wrapping paper, tape, ribbons, tags, and scissors, and store them together in a bin or drawer.

Having everything in one place will save you time and keep your workspace tidy.

7. Schedule Downtime

With all the excitement, it’s easy to forget to slow down and enjoy the reason for the season. Be intentional about scheduling moments to rest, recharge, and spend time with the people who matter most.

Whether it’s a cozy movie night, a walk to see the neighborhood lights, or a quiet evening by the fire, give yourself permission to pause and enjoy it all.

8. Embrace a Minimalist Mindset

Remember, the holidays are about connection and joy, not perfection. You don’t need to over-decorate or over-schedule to make the season meaningful.

Focus on what brings you happiness and let go of the rest. Sometimes, the simplest traditions are the ones that stay with us the longest.

Final Thoughts

Getting a head start on holiday preparation can make the season feel calm, organized, and enjoyable rather than rushed and stressful. By planning, decluttering, and creating simple systems for gifts, meals, and decorations, you’re setting your home up for a joyful and stress-free holiday experience.

From all of us at Order In Your Court, here’s to a smooth and organized start to your holiday season!