How to Reverse Engineer Your Holiday Season for Less Stress & More Joy

We all desire a perfectly peaceful holiday season, though what that looks like can vary for each of us. For me, it’s all about being surrounded by family and friends. I need warm holiday energy and good vibes with everyone gathered together. Some "organized chaos" makes it even better!

Tip #1: Embrace Your End Goal

What does a perfect holiday season look like for you? Being intentional about setting your true vision and desires for the season is key to creating an amazing holiday. Is it about being organized and prepared? Having a beautifully decorated home? Or is it about creating a memorable feeling for your guests? That’s the priority for me—I want everyone to feel a sense of belonging and be part of something bigger than their usual routine.

Tip #2: Let Go of Past Frustrations

It took me some time and reflection to understand what truly makes a holiday feel great. Looking back at past frustrations or moments of holiday blues helped me identify what I needed to create the energy and atmosphere I craved during this season. Do you tend to stress over the details? Think about what you can do ahead of time to minimize that stress and keep your holiday spirit intact.

Tip #3: Plan the Season in Advance

Start with the end in mind! Work backward from the holiday date, mapping out key steps to reach your holiday goals. For me, this means sending invitations well in advance. And then, of course, planning the details so that it is "organized chaos." I keep a running list of tasks that need to be completed and map them out in advance. I also use a spreadsheet for main meals, tracking who’s responsible for each dish, and a checklist for gifts and cards to stay on top of things. Holiday tasks add up fast, so planning is essential!

Tip #4: Call in the Professionals

If you’re feeling the holiday crunch, don’t hesitate to ask for help! This could mean asking friends or family to pitch in or even hiring professionals to swap and organize your seasonal wardrobe, handle the decorations, and take them down after the new year. One key piece of advice: request help sooner rather than later! For example, our team at OBK books up early every year for holiday assistance. In fact, we’re introducing a new membership next year that includes holiday support—stay tuned for details!

Ready to bring some peace back to your holiday season? Contact us, and let’s get started!

Warmly,

Keli