We’ve officially hit that part of the year where time moves at warp speed. You look up and realize there are holiday parties, Thanksgiving plans, Friendsgivings, office gift swaps, family visits, light shows, tree lightings, cookie exchanges, and approximately 47 “We should totally get together before the year ends!” texts.
If you want to actually do the stuff you want to do — and not just accidentally become a person-shaped couch pillow under a weighted blanket — here’s how to plan the next few weeks with intention and zero stress.
1. Make the “Yes List”
Pull out your phone and list out everything you actually want to do — not the things you feel obligated to do.
Light show? Yes.
Make Grandma’s stuffing recipe? Yes.
Go to your coworker’s cousin’s neighbor’s ornament swap? Hard pass.
If it doesn’t spark joy, a good memory, or a good snack — it’s off the list.
2. Schedule It Now
If it’s not on the calendar… it isn’t happening.
Like, at all.
Put dates on the things your future self will thank you for, whether that’s your annual Thanksgiving-eve pizza night, the drive-through light display, or a cozy Sunday to do nothing but watch holiday movies and drink questionable flavored hot beverages.
3. The 2-Day Rule
Don’t stack events on back-to-back nights unless you have the stamina of a golden retriever on espresso.
Plan a “recharge day” every other day you’re doing something social. It’s cozy season — honor the sweatpants days.
4. Gift Early = Save Money
Prices go up, shipping gets weird, and suddenly you're stress-ordering something called a “Gourmet Ham Experience” at 3AM.
Grab gifts or experiences now while your brain is still functioning.
Future you will be like, “Wow… look at us being responsible.”
5. Pre-Plan the Traditions
Traditions don’t happen because of magic — they happen because somebody texts the group chat and says,
“Hey, same time as last year?”
If you want the gingerbread bake-off, the annual Friendsgiving, the holiday-market trip — send the message today.
You just became the hero of the season.
This time of year can feel chaotic, but if you choose your joy on purpose — instead of sprinting through December like you’re in a gift-bag obstacle course — you’ll actually get to enjoy the season.
Less rushing. More moments.