Hey mama,

It starts slowly.
One school potluck.
One gift exchange sign-up.
One sweet holiday invite you kind of want to say yes to… until you look at the calendar and realize it’s already overflowing.

The holiday season hasn’t even started, and somehow your planner already needs a nap.

So let’s talk about how to keep your calendar in check — and your nervous system too.

Because this season should feel meaningful, not just jam-packed.

✅ 1. Name What Matters Most to Your Famil

Before you fill your calendar, pause and ask:
What are the top 3 things that really make the holidays feel special to us?

Maybe it’s baking cookies together, doing a puzzle on Christmas Eve, or going to one specific event.
Protect those first. Let the rest be optional.

✅ 2. Use the “One Thing Per Day” Rule

If your calendar looks like a color-coded circus, try this:
Only one holiday thing per day. One event. One errand. One commitment.
Yes, sometimes life doesn’t cooperate. But this simple guideline helps prevent those stacked, back-to-back burnout days.

✅ 3. Block Off Blank Space

Intentionally mark a few days as “no plans” — and treat them like actual appointments.
Use those days to rest, reset, or do absolutely nothing festive.
Blank space isn’t laziness. It’s what keeps the whole season from tipping into chaos.

✅ 4. Say “Let Me Get Back to You”

You don’t have to give an instant yes (or no) to every invitation.
Buy yourself time by saying, “Let me check our schedule.”
Then ask your future self how she’ll feel walking into that event on that day. Tired? Excited? Stressed? Trust her.

✅ 5. Print a Big Calendar

Yep, old-school. Put a paper calendar on the fridge or wall. Let the whole family see it.
Use it to set expectations, build excitement, and most importantly — notice when the month is starting to feel too full.

Final Thought

Your holiday doesn’t have to be packed to be magical.
It doesn’t need to impress anyone.
It just needs to feel like yours

Start small. Say no gently. Say yes intentionally.
And make room for the moments you actually want to remember.