Last week, I found myself anxiously watching the clock, eager for it to hit the hour when I could dive onto my computer to secure tickets for the “Hot Cocoa with Anna and Elsa” event at our local park district farm. Yup, you read that right—August! And while summer is still holding on, trust me, the “-ber” months are sneaking in fast, which means the holiday season is just around the corner. A little unsettling, isn’t it?
As much as you might want to enjoy these final warm days, the truth is, if you want to make the most of the holidays, planning ahead is essential. Thankfully, I stumbled upon an incredible resource that’s turning the chaotic holiday prep into a breeze. Meet Gem, the mastermind behind the TOM app, who’s got a refreshing approach to getting ready for the season called “Organized Christmas.” Her philosophy is all about helping you embrace the joy of the holidays rather than feeling buried under the stress of to-do lists.
In a recent TikTok that caught my eye, Gem humorously acknowledges that the idea of holiday planning might initially make some of us cringe. “Now, immediately, I know that lots of you will recoil in horror,” she chuckles. I felt that! She’s right; it can seem overwhelming, especially with everything else we juggle in our daily lives. However, it’s not about cramming everything into a single weekend of panic. Instead, Gem’s approach is gentle and gradual. “It’s a way to get ready for Christmas without really even noticing that you’re doing it,” she explains.
Each week, she breaks down tasks into bite-sized pieces, making them manageable so they don’t disrupt our busy lives. “Tick them off, move on, and get on with the rest of your week. Forget about it,” she suggests, and that sounds like a much-needed relief! Imagine rolling into December with your tree up and presents wrapped instead of battling the last-minute rush.
So now that we’re in September, it’s game time. The first set of tasks is ready for us, starting with one key point: research and book holiday events. Whether it’s Christmas lights, festive markets, or that special event you and your family have been dying to experience: put it on your to-do list for this week. Gem encourages us to reflect on those activities we always think about but never manage to schedule, saying, “This is your year.” How empowering is that?
Next up? Take a peek at your local school’s calendar. Are there any Christmas fairs, plays, or other events your kids will be a part of? It’s easy to lose track of when these things are happening amid the holiday chaos, particularly if you work irregular hours or find yourself swamped. Gem urges us to note these dates early on so we can carve out the valuable time we need to be present.
And let’s be real—food shopping isn’t always a walk in the park, especially around the holidays. Gem reminds us that many grocery and delivery services offer priority slots for Christmas orders. Mark your calendar to grab these slots when they open up. “It just makes it so much easier,” she assures us. And who wouldn’t want to save a bit on those delivery fees while ensuring you get all your holiday favorites?
The positive responses to Gem’s video are pouring in, with thousands of TikTok users sharing their excitement for her method. One woman, who was beaming as she mentioned being 32 weeks pregnant, said, “I always get overwhelmed at Christmas, but this will help me massively!” Another chimed in, “I usually leave everything until the last minute, but not this year!” It’s refreshing to see so many people eager to embrace a stress-free holiday season and truly enjoy time with their loved ones.
Just three simple tasks a week feels totally doable, doesn’t it? If those small actions can shape a smoother transition into the holiday spirit, I’m all in! So let’s lighten that load and make this year’s holiday season a memorable one—together.
Image Source: Unsplash
