Holiday Planning Survival Guide: Stress-Free Tips to Make the Season Merry

The holiday season is filled with joy, but between prepping, decorating, cooking, and planning activities, things can get a little hectic. But not to worry—Betty has your back. We’re here to help you slay that seasonal to-do list and make your holiday planning not only easier but also so much more fun! With a little organization and some clever tips, you’ll be able to breeze through even the biggest tasks so you can focus on holiday fun.

This survival guide is designed to help you stay on top of everything from decorating to meal prepping, and we’ve even included a free printable calendar and checklist to keep you organized. Ready to make the holidays festive and stress-free? Let’s get started!

When it comes to holiday planning, preparation is everything. It can be a bit overwhelming to think about all the tasks you need to accomplish at once, but it’s all a little easier when you break larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. This not only makes your to-do list feel more achievable but it also gives you time to enjoy the planning process and reduce stress. Here are some tips to help you prioritize your tasks.

Set a Timeline for Key Tasks

Start your holiday prep early! Create a timeline with key dates for shopping, cooking, or sending out invitations if you’re hosting a holiday party. Here are some suggestions to get you started, and don’t forget to download our holiday checklist for a handy breakdown of all your holiday tasks that you can cross off as you go. 

• 6 weeks out: Plan your gift list and start shopping. Check out Betty’s Gift Guides for some thoughtful, creative inspiration.
• 4 weeks out: Finalize your holiday menu and make any reservations or travel plans.
• 2 weeks out: Send out party invitations, start decorating, and double-check your kitchen supplies.
• 1 week out: Prep make-ahead dishes like casseroles or cookie dough.

Stock Up on Essentials

Avoid last-minute trips to the store by taking stock of what you need early. Check your pantry for baking staples like flour, sugar, and spices, and check your pantry to make sure you have enough plates and glasses for serving guests. And don’t forget about holiday wrapping paper, tape, and other essentials. Hosting overnight guests? Set up your guest rooms early and stock up on extra toiletries so everything will be just right when people start to arrive. Stocking up on key items early means you won’t be scrambling the day before. 

Plan Your Holiday Menu

Craft your holiday menu ahead of time so you can enjoy a stress-free celebration. Include a mix of classic holiday dishes and guaranteed crowd-pleasers, as well as the new recipes you’ve been wanting to try. Plan appetizers, mains, sides, desserts, and drinks, and leave room for some easy, make-ahead dishes like casseroles, pies, or cookie dough.

Try making cookie dough in advance and freezing it. This will allow you to bake fresh cookies without the last-minute stress. Make sure you have all the right equipment, like these baking sheets and cute cookie cutters, to make baking a breeze. And don’t forget serving trays to display your baked goods beautifully.

Decorating for the holidays is one of the best parts of the season, and it’s so much more fun when you plan ahead. Here’s how to decorate your home with ease while still creating a cozy, festive atmosphere.

Declutter Before decorating

Before you break out the holiday decorations, take some time to clear out the clutter. A clutter-free home will feel more open and ready for all the festive touches, plus you’ll reduce stress and make decorating a breeze.

Start with a Theme

Choosing a theme or color scheme will give your holiday decor a cohesive, polished look. Whether you go for the traditional red and green, a rustic woodsy theme, or a minimalist winter white, sticking to a theme will make decorating easier and more intentional. Once you’ve settled on your theme, pick up items like wreaths and ornaments that match the vibe.

DIY and Store-Bought decor

Not all decorations have to come from a store. Get crafty and add a personal touch by making some of your own holiday decor. For some simple and fun ideas, Betty has plenty of DIY projects, like these Holiday Felt Place Mats and Napkin Rings. Or, this super simple Jolly Snowman Wreath comes together in no time. Try this Grapevine Wreath with Pillar Candle for an easy and festive centerpiece. Or, find out How to Make a Cupcake Liner Garland with items you likely already have in your pantry. The holidays are the perfect time to get crafty!

A mix of DIY and store-bought decorations allows you to customize your home for the season without going over budget or feeling overwhelmed. 

Create the Perfect Tablescape

Set the stage for your holiday feast with a beautifully decorated table. For tips on setting a stunning holiday table, Betty has you covered with this article: How to Create the Perfect Tablescape. Or, for a refresher course on the basics, this helpful rundown of How to Set A Table is a great read. Add items like festive napkins and centerpieces for an extra dose of holiday flair.

Gather Your Outdoor Decor 

Don’t forget to spread holiday cheer outside! Remember, you don’t have to go all out. Simple outdoor decorations like string lights, wreaths, and festive door mats can go a long way in giving your home instant curb appeal. For a quick and easy touch, add a wreath to your front door or hang a few strings of twinkle lights around your entryway.

Organizing Your decor

Plan how to organize your decor once it’s time to take it down for the season. Keep your holiday decor organized by placing it in storage bins or boxes and labeling it by room or area. This will make decorating (and undecorating after the holidays) much easier next year, allowing you to know exactly where everything goes. Now might be a good time to stock up on boxes and labels, so you’re extra prepared when the time comes!

The holidays are all about spending time with loved ones, and planning fun activities can help create lasting memories. Here are some easy activity ideas that are sure to bring the family together:

• Host a holiday movie night: Set up a cozy space for a marathon of your favorite holiday movies. Complete the viewing experience with extra holiday touches like hot cocoa and popcorn.
• Play interactive games: Fun and festive games are great for bringing your friends and family together. Plan games that guests of all ages can enjoy, such as holiday-themed trivia, charades, or Secret Santa gift exchanges.
• Get crafting with the kids: Get the little ones involved with easy holiday crafts that can double as gifts or decor. For inspiration, check out these Betty Crocker articles:  Guide to Decorating Cookies, How to Make a Classic Gingerbread House, and How to Make Sugar Cookie Sticks for Every Holiday. 
• Go outdoors: There’s serious seasonal fun to have when you take it outside! Take advantage of the winter weather by sledding, building a snowman, or taking a family walk to admire holiday lights.
• Gather virtually: No need to worry if in-person celebrations aren’t possible or some friends and family can’t make it. Simply set up a virtual gathering to connect with loved ones through video chats or virtual games.

Of course, no holiday survival guide would be complete without food! Whether you’re prepping for a small family gathering or a large holiday party, these tips will help make cooking and baking stress-free and fun.

Make-Ahead Meals

The key to stress-free holiday cooking is making dishes ahead of time. Prep casseroles, pies, and sides that can be stored in the fridge or freezer until it’s time to cook them. For tips on pulling off a perfect holiday meal, check out Betty’s guide on How to Pull Off the Perfect Thanksgiving.

Easy Holiday Treats

Keep holiday baking fun and simple with easy dessert recipes. Betty Crocker has tons of simple cookie and dessert ideas that are perfect for the holidays. Our selection of Classic Christmas Cookies has everything from gingerbread to cutout cookies. And our tips on How to Build the Perfect Cookie Tray are super helpful for assembling a sweet holiday assortment for everyone on your list.

Cooking for a Crowd

If you’re hosting a large gathering, timing is everything! Learn how to manage preparing dishes for a crowd with these helpful hints on Holiday Food and Wine Pairings. When in doubt, opt for a traditional spread that features festive holiday favorites. And for help getting the portions right, read up on Honey Glazed Baked Ham Crowd Size. And don’t forget the classic sides like this Best Green Bean Casserole and Scalloped Potatoes.

These dishes are not only crowd-pleasers but can also be prepped in advance, giving you more time to focus on other holiday tasks. Whether you’re cooking for two or twenty, Betty’s recipes will help you create delicious, memorable meals without the stress.

One of the most valuable tools in your holiday survival kit is a solid plan. Our free printable checklist is designed to keep you on track through every stage of your holiday prep. From gift shopping to recipe prep, use this guide to help break down your tasks and check off items as you go, ensuring you stay organized and stress-free throughout the holiday season. Download the checklist today and keep it handy on your fridge or desk!

Betty Is Here for You This Holiday Season

Planning for the holidays doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting early, prioritizing tasks, and relying on helpful tools like our printable calendar, you can keep stress at bay and enjoy the magic of the season. From decorating your home with ease to cooking delicious, crowd-pleasing meals, these simple tips will help you sail through the holidays feeling organized and in control. 

Don’t forget—Betty’s always got your back! Whether you need holiday recipe inspiration, or tips for decorating, we’re here to help every step of the way. Be sure to follow @BettyCrocker on social for even more holiday inspiration and if you have fun holiday tips or tricks of your own, share them below or with #BettyCrocker.