We’re right in the heart of my favorite time of year! If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve been prepping like crazy, and now it’s time to sit back and enjoy all the festivities. (Okay, maybe not completely sitting back—I’ve definitely been celebrating already!)

As we dive into the season, remember: when the busyness starts to feel overwhelming, try shifting your mindset. Tell yourself, I GET to do this, instead of, I HAVE to do this. It’s a simple perspective shift, but it can turn even the most stressful tasks into moments of joy.

Here’s how I’m breaking things down for the next few weeks to keep everything manageable and merry:

4 Weeks Out – “Wrap” Things Up

If you’re anything like me, you’ll still find great deals and perfect gifts right up until Christmas—but it’s so much easier when the big-ticket items and anything that needs shipping are purchased by early December. Trust me, you don’t want to be stressing about shipping deadlines! Plus, tackling the bigger purchases early helps you stay on budget.

This is also the perfect time to get your Christmas cards done and in the mail. It’s such a satisfying item to check off your to-do list! I like to have mine sent out by the first week of December. Since I hand-make my cards, it feels extra good to finish this creative project early—and as a bonus, it gets my craft room all tidied up for the next round of holiday fun!

3 Weeks Out – Celebrate!

By this week, aim to have all your packages and cards in the mail to ensure they arrive on time. Shipping delays are no joke, and being proactive means one less thing to worry about. (Pro tip: If you’re short on time, let companies wrap and ship gifts directly for you. It’s not cheating—it’s smart!)

This is also the ideal time to give your fridge a deep clean before all the cooking, baking, and party prep begins. Freeing up space now will save you so much time and hassle later. Once my fridge is spotless, I like to stock up on baking essentials so I’m ready for my big cookie-baking weekend. That’s when I finish all my Christmas treats and assemble my cookie plates for gifting—it’s such a fun and festive tradition!

Remember, this season is about joy, connection, and love—not perfection. Let’s embrace the little moments and make this December one to remember!