Here we are smack dab in the middle of Holiday Season!! This time of year has a way of turning even the most carefully organized planner into a jumble of lists, events, and last-minute tasks.
When life starts to feel too busy, I’ve learned that the best approach is to simplify rather than try to fit more in. Instead of stuffing my planner with extra inserts or overly detailing my plans, I scale things back and focus on clarity. I even moved into this lovely Franklin Covey Compact binder with 20mm rings to force myself to stay focused.
Here are a few small tweaks that I make during December:
1. Prioritize just three tasks a day – This time of year my days are unpredictable, so choosing a “Top 3” keeps things manageable while still moving the important things forward.
2. Use a master list for holiday-specific tasks - Rather than scattering gift ideas, shopping lists, menus, and event reminders across multiple lists on various days, I dedicate one simple master list for all things holiday. It keeps the chaos in one place. I use a Franklin Covey Progressive Task List for this because it’s sturdy card stock and I can move it easily around in my binder.
3. Keep your weekly view light - Instead of planning out every hour, I note down only important appointments, key errands, and family commitments. This white space gives me room to breathe and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
4. Do a 5-minute nightly tidy - A quick flip through each night before bed to check tomorrow’s schedule, migrate unfinished items, and clear out sticky notes keeps everything feeling under control and I find that clearing my head like this even helps me to sleep better.
5. Give yourself permission to let your planner be “good enough” – This one is tough for me and my Type A personality, but December is not the month for perfection! I simply don’t worry if I forget to pick up my planner for a day or two amongst the chaos, nor do I bother trying to make everything look neat and/or pretty
My goal for 2026 (and the rest of this year) is to allow my planner to support me rather than pressure me. This holiday season is proving to be great practice!
As always on Fridays, feel free to discuss anything ring planner related.
I’m lucky in that we usually have s very relaxing Christmas period. The only thing is travelling home to visit family, but nowadays I often do that before or after the main holidays.
ReplyDeleteThe most stressful thing is probably tidying up loose ends in work before Christmas, especially since everyone else seems to go on holiday earlier and earlier each year.
I love spending the weeks between Christmas and New Years setting up my planner for the new year! It’s something I’ve done every year since I was a kid. :)
Thanks Eve - this is EXCELLENT advice. :)
ReplyDeleteQ: how often do you 'go through' your Franklin progressive task list (or: do you write your tasks in pencil)?
ReplyDeleteWise advice indeed, and if things don’t get done it really doesn’t matter!
ReplyDelete