As the holiday season gets into full swing, it can feel overwhelming to juggle everything. Between managing my business and making holiday memories with my family, I’ve learned that organizational hacks are a lifesaver. Whether you’re deep in your business’s early stages or balancing home and work like I am, these tips can help keep things in order without losing the joy of the season.
Use a Holiday Calendar for Work and Home
The first thing that makes a world of difference for me is creating a dedicated holiday calendar. You might already have a work calendar, but adding a seasonal one helps capture those holiday-specific events and deadlines. I use this to schedule key dates, such as holiday-related business tasks like setting up sales, ordering seasonal supplies, or prepping social media posts ahead of time. On the family side, it helps us plan for activities, school events, and family traditions. This calendar helps you see everything at a glance, making sure nothing slips through the cracks, so you can focus on making memories.
Declutter for Efficiency and Joy
I can’t stress enough how valuable it is to declutter your space before the holiday rush. This applies to both business and home areas. In my workspace, I tackle paperwork and digital files to clear out anything that’s outdated or unnecessary. This way, when things pick up, I’m not sifting through clutter but can jump right into tasks. At home, I get the kids involved, turning decluttering into a fun activity by donating items we no longer need or use. It’s amazing how a clean and organized space can boost your energy and keep the holiday spirit high. Honestly, this is one of my favorite go-to organizational hacks during the holidays.
Batch Work for Simplicity
If you’re handling multiple tasks each day, consider “batch working.” This is where you group similar tasks together and complete them in one go. For instance, I like to batch my social media planning by creating and scheduling posts for a week or even the month in one sitting. This way, I’m not constantly jumping between different tasks, and it keeps my mind focused on one type of work. Batching tasks can save a lot of time and allow you to manage both work and home without feeling stretched thin.
Get the Family Involved in Simple Tasks
Running a business with family obligations means involving everyone in the organization. My kids are young, but they love helping with small tasks, and it teaches them about responsibility too. We make a game out of setting up the house for the holidays or wrapping gifts, and this turns what could be a chore into quality family time. If your kids are older, you could even let them help with parts of your business, like organizing product samples or helping with simple office tasks. It’s a win-win—they feel included, and you gain an extra helping hand.
Set Boundaries to Protect Your Holiday Time
One of the biggest challenges for me is setting clear boundaries between work and family time, especially as a mom and a business owner. During the holidays, this becomes even more crucial. To stay organized and protect time with my kids, I establish specific hours for work and family time. For example, I might set work hours early in the morning or during their school hours, leaving my evenings free for family activities. By setting these boundaries, I can focus more on what matters in each moment. And if something needs to be done for the business outside of my set hours, I write it down for later. This is one of the simplest organizational hacks to keep both sides of my life balanced.
Leverage Technology to Simplify Tasks
Technology can be a game-changer for staying organized, and there are tons of apps to help. Personally, I use a simple task management app that lets me organize both personal and business tasks. For example, I can create a shopping list, schedule family events, and track business tasks all in one place. Apps like Trello or Asana are great if you prefer to break things down into boards or projects. If you’re not tech-savvy, even a shared online calendar can keep everyone in the loop and save you from repeating schedules and reminders.
Prepare for Year-End Planning
During the holiday season, I set aside a little time to reflect on my business and look ahead to the new year. This doesn’t need to be a big production; it can be as simple as jotting down what worked well this year and what I want to improve on. Year-end planning can be an inspiring way to stay motivated, and it also means I enter the new year with a clear direction. I set goals that fit both my business and family aspirations, helping me stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
Create a Flexible Holiday Budget
Holiday spending can spiral quickly, and the same goes for business expenses. Setting a simple budget can help keep things stress-free. I like to make a list of both my family’s holiday needs and any extra business spending (like holiday promotions or seasonal supplies) and then set a budget that works. This helps me avoid overspending and gives me peace of mind. If I end up with extra funds, I put them toward next year’s goals or a family treat. With a little planning, your budget can work for you, not against you.
Prioritize Self-Care
Finally, self-care is essential for staying organized and thriving during the holidays. For me, self-care can be as simple as carving out a few quiet moments before everyone else wakes up. When I feel centered, I’m better equipped to handle the challenges that come my way. I also try to keep the family on a steady schedule to avoid burnout, like regular bedtimes and downtime even when things get busy. This small step makes a big difference in how the holiday season feels for me and my family.
Embrace the Holiday Magic
With these organizational hacks, you can thrive through the holiday season while growing your business and making beautiful memories. Remember, staying organized doesn’t have to be about perfection. It’s about creating a rhythm that allows you to enjoy the season and meet your goals without sacrificing what matters most. From my experience, these simple but effective strategies can help you feel balanced, accomplished, and joyful this holiday season.
So, let’s celebrate the holidays with organizational hacks that let us work smarter, not harder, and truly enjoy this wonderful time of year.
P.S. I’d love to invite you to schedule a Path Forward session to set you up for success during the holidays and the upcoming year. Click here to schedule yours now!
P.S. I invite you to schedule a Path Forward session to set you up for success during the holidays and the upcoming year. Click here to schedule yours now!
