The holiday season is a time of joy, family, and traditions, but it can also bring a lot of stress and chaos. With so many things to plan and prepare for, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and forget important tasks. That’s where a Christmas planner comes in handy. 

A Christmas planner is a tool that helps you stay organized and on top of your holiday planning. It can help you keep track of your to-do list, budget, gift list, meal planning, and more. In this article, we will share some tips and tricks on how to use a Christmas planner to make your holiday season stress-free and enjoyable.

Why use a planner during the Holidays and Christmas?

Using a planner during the holidays and Christmas can bring a multitude of benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety, staying organized and on track with tasks and events, and ensuring that nothing important is forgotten.[1] It can also help with budgeting, meal planning, and gift shopping, making sure that everything is planned out ahead of time and within your means. A planner can also serve as a memory keeper, allowing you to jot down special moments and memories that you can look back on for years to come. By using a planner, you can fully enjoy the holiday season and focus on spending time with loved ones, rather than feeling overwhelmed and stressed.[2]

What kind of Supplies will you need for making the planner?

Making a Christmas planner yourself at home is a great idea as it allows you to customize it according to your preferences and needs. It also gives you the opportunity to save money as store-bought planners can be expensive. Additionally, making a planner yourself can be a fun and creative project, and you can involve your family members or friends in the process. It also helps you stay organized and on top of your holiday preparations, which can reduce stress and increase enjoyment during the holiday season.[3][4] Here’s what you need to make one:

Paper – You may need lined or graph paper, as well as plain paper for notes and brainstorming.

Pens and Pencils – Use pens and pencils to write down ideas, to-do lists, and important dates in your planner.

Highlighters – Use different colored highlighters to mark important events, deadlines, and tasks.

Sticky Notes – These can be used to add reminders or mark pages in your planner.

Stickers – Add a festive touch to your planner with Christmas-themed stickers.

Washi Tape – Use washi tape to decorate your planner pages and create tabs for different sections.

Scissors – Use scissors to trim paper or washi tape to fit your planner pages.

Hole Punch – If using a binder, a hole punch is needed to add pages to your planner.

Ruler – Use a ruler to create neat lines and grids on your planner pages.

Free holiday planner cover

Here’s how you can make a beautiful free cover for your holiday and Christmas planner: [5]

1. Choose a high-quality image or graphic related to the holiday season, such as a snowman, Christmas tree, or a winter landscape.
2. Open a design software such as Canva or Adobe Illustrator, or use a word processing software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
3. Create a new document in the size of your planner cover (usually 8.5 x 11 inches).
4. Import your chosen image or graphic into the document.
5. Add text to the cover, such as “Holiday Planner,” “Christmas Planner,” or “Season’s Greetings.”
6. Choose a font that complements the image and adds to the overall look and feel of the cover.
7. Adjust the size and placement of the text as needed.
8. Add any additional elements such as a border or decorative accents.
9. Save the document as a high-resolution PDF or image file.

10. Print the cover on high-quality paper or cardstock, and attach it to the front of your planner using adhesive.

Get your own Christmas planner

If you are looking to buy a new planner from the market, here are some tips to consider: [6]

Size:

Consider the size of the planner and how much space you need for planning your Christmas activities.

Layout:

Look for a planner with a layout that suits your planning style, such as daily, weekly, or monthly.

Material:

Check the quality of the paper and binding to ensure the planner can withstand regular use.

Design:

Choose a design that speaks to your personal style and festive spirit.

Features:

Look for additional features that might be useful, such as pockets for holding Christmas cards, stickers for decorating your planner, or tabs for easy navigation.

Price:

Consider your budget and shop around for a planner that meets your needs within your price range.

Reviews:

Read reviews from other customers who have purchased the planner to get an idea of its durability and functionality.

How to use the planner during the Holidays and Christmas?

Here are some tips for getting organized during the holidays and Christmas with a planner:[7][8]

Set Goals:

Write down your goals and priorities for the holiday season. This will help you stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Create a Schedule:

Use your planner to create a schedule for holiday activities and events. This will help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss anything important.

Keep Track of Gifts:

Use your planner to keep track of gift ideas, budgets, and purchases. This will help you stay within your budget and ensure that you don’t forget anyone on your list.

Meal Planning:

Use your planner to plan your holiday meals, including menus, shopping lists, and prep schedules. This will help you avoid last-minute trips to the grocery store and ensure that you have everything you need.

Schedule Some “Me Time”:

The holiday season can be busy and stressful, so make sure to schedule some time for yourself. Use your planner to schedule in some self-care activities, such as a massage or a relaxing bath.

Stay Flexible:

While it’s important to have a plan, remember that things don’t always go as planned during the holidays. Stay flexible and be willing to adjust your plans as needed.

References:

• https://alexandriagiftbaskets.ca/blogs/posts/10-reasons-to-start-christmas-planning-early
• https://theorganisedhousewife.com.au/holiday-seasons/christmas/the-benefits-of-early-christmas-organisation/
• https://www.southernplate.com/turn-any-notebook-into-the-ultimate-christmas-planner/
• https://thestressfreechristmas.com/christmas-planner/
• https://www.instructables.com/DIY-Christmas-Planner/
• https://thediymommy.com/the-ultimate-free-printable-christmas-planner/
• https://thestressfreechristmas.com/christmas-planner/
• https://thestressfreechristmas.com/christmas-planner/