In this episode, we're breaking down exactly how to tackle your holiday planning so you can stop white-knuckling your way to January. And we're starting with something that might surprise you—we're celebrating what you've already done.

Then we'll walk you through our full system: from making your Ta-Da List, to creating your Tackle List for those tasks you dread, building an intentional to-do list, and timing everything so you're not cramming it all into the last two weeks of December.

Plus, we're sharing bonus lists that will save your sanity—like Early Bird Tasks you can knock out now, "one and done" decisions that eliminate decision fatigue, and our favorite TV Tasks for productive relaxing.

Highlights from the episode:

[00:55:00] - Tradition Spotlight on annual Christmas ornaments

[00:07:00] - Make your Ta-Da List

[00:11:20] - Make your Tackle List

[00:14:04] - Make your To-Do List

[00:15:48] - Other helpful lists

[00:20:49] - This week’s Get-A Headstart Tip for preparing for guests

[00:21:49] - What’s on our to-do lists this week

[00:27:52] - Our Nice Lists

Resources:

• Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray
• Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar
• Grab The Holiday Headstart Playbook
• Take the Holiday Profile quiz
• Follow on Instagram @theholidayheadstart 
• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! 

If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love these too:

• The 5 Step Action Plan for Traditions [Episode 6]
• Unlock the Power of the 3 Cs: Your Ultimate Guide to Holiday Planning [Episode 7]
• How to Use a Task Docket to Make Managing Your Holiday To-Dos Easy Peasy [Episode 12]

More About The Holiday Headstart:

Welcome to The Holiday Headstart podcast, where we get intentional about kicking overwhelm to the curb and bringing joy back to your holidays (and every day). We’re Heidi and Emily, two sisters and former elementary school teachers, who’ve taken the simple strategies and practical tips we mastered in the classroom and put them to work in our personal lives. 

And we’re here to help you do the same! Join us each week as we share how, with a little planning and a little prep, you can ensure that the days that make life special don’t become the days that make you stressed.