I’ve learned a new word . . . it is chaordic. Chaotic and Order = Chaordic.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t intend to live in a chaordic state just because it’s December. Just like everyone else, I have a lot to do, a lot that I want to do and a lot that I would like to do. And this, my friends, is why it is so important to have a system.
Avoid the chaos by planning now. My December calendar includes everything I normally do every other month of the year, plus three Christmas parties, baking, extra school activities, extra church activities, the continued development of a new business and what we so lovingly call “life”.
No worries though, we’ve got this covered! No chaos allowed.
The key to avoiding Holiday/December chaos is to plan ahead. Take a look back at years past and make sure that you don’t miss out on your family traditions. And how does this happen if your calendar, like mine, continues to get new appointments and activities tacked onto it? It is pretty easy…
1. Open your calendar to the entire month of December and put all of your important activities, dates, etc. on the calendar.
2. Now, look back at everything that you just put onto the calendar. What do you need to do to prepare for each event? For example, do you have a party that will require a babysitter or arrangements for children to spend the night with family or friends? If so, create a deadline to make that arrangement. That is one little detail that can ruin the party.
3. Do you have baking on your calendar? Maybe your family spends a Saturday morning or afternoon baking. Put the shopping required for the baking onto your calendar. I’m willing to bet that your baked goods include some pretty special things that you may not normally carry in the cabinets, so schedule a time and day to go shopping.
4. Now, take another step back and make that list that you need to go shopping. Don’t wait until the day of (or while you are at the store) to think of exactly what is on grocery shopping list. A great idea is to put this list on an app or calendar that is shared by you and at least another family member, so that they can do the shopping for you. (You don’t have to do it all yourself.)
5. Follow steps three and four for every other activity that you put onto your calendar.
Do all of this within the next few days. I don’t know about you, but I do most of these type of activities on the weekend. That makes it even more important that you plan ahead to make the best use of your time.
Want to avoid Chaordic during the holidays? Give us a shout at 540-220-5912! We’ll help you remove the Chaos and develop Order.
More of Linda’s Columns
Do More in Less Time: Create a Workflow
Why Organizing Doesn’t Work
Columns on Fredericksburg.Today are recurrent features on specific topics or by regular contributors. Guest writers present their own point-of-view and may not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Fredericksburg.Today.
