What I'm doing in October to make Christmas feel effortless and magical - The Producer's Wife

In the spirit of radical candor, I don’t think that the holidays are ever “effortless”. As a mother, a memory maker, and someone who just cares A LOT, I don’t know that I want them to be. This is my job, and more than that, this is the fun part of my job, what I look forward to all year around.

That being said, I am starting my Christmas planning in October this year in an effort to maximize Christmas. I’m typically good about getting gifts ordered on time, but I feel like it takes me forever to decorate the house and I never end up doing the thing I dream about (sitting by my tree with a hot drink actually WATCHING a Christmas movie). More of this!

Christmas Planning in October

I usually build a good old fashioned google sheet every year, mine has our Christmas card address list, another tab with gift lists, shipping status and budgets. I will also add a tab for my to do list and this year I will have one specifically for our Christmas party.

My mom prefers a paper notebook (I do too, but I find myself updating and rewriting too much, so digital it is), there are all kinds of printables and worksheets available online. Find what works for you. I think the best thing to do is to write everything down you can think of, then edit, and then see what things can be done early, do them and you’re on your way!

Christmas Planning in October To Do List:

BRAINSTORM AND CALENDAR UPDATE: List out everything that comes to mind for the next 3 months, then edit. Start to fill in the calendar of dates and events that are happening. Purchase tickets for any events that you plan to attend before they sell out.
BOOK FAMILY TRAVEL: Flights and car rentals now while there is still good availability.
CHRISTMAS LISTS: I make a list of everyone who we buy gifts for and then ideas. I then update with the actual idem, shipping details and check it off my list! Each year I use Mixbook to make photo books for the grandparents and couldn’t recommend this more as a gift! (my favorite size is the 8.5×8.5 hardcover )
SEND MY CHRISTMAS WISH LIST TO JOSH: He recently informed me that I give him “a scavenger hunt, not an actual list” and this was the most accurate thing I’ve ever heard. He has requested that I send him a list with links (I did this in 2023 with very good results.) I’m sending it out early so there is time to order any personalized items. (Or search for my white whale, the Barbour X ERDEM Peplum Jacket from several seasons back…)
CHRISTMAS PARTY: We have lofty intentions of our first annual Christmas party happening this year. However we have an entire movie to shoot before that happens. Prep for this party truly starts now if we want to pull it off.
SCHEDULE CHRISTMAS INSTALL: Set a date for installing all of your Christmas decor. I’m planning to do this in 3 stages. First, outdoor lighting in October, then indoor lights and faux garlands and finally our real Christmas tree after Thanksgiving.
DEEP CLEAN HOUSE: A little pre-holiday clean and purge!
CLEAN AND ORGANIZE KIDS TOYS: I find this very helpful before we write the boy’s wish lists and new toys start coming in.
BOOK CHRISTMAS CARD PHOTOS: Book a photographer, order the outfits and get it done in October. We can order the cards next month.
ORDER MATCHING CHRISTMAS PJS: We are big Christmas pj fans over here. Most sizes and patterns will still be in stock at this point. I love these because I have a big kid and a baby and finding both sizes matching is a challenge.
KEEP AN EYE ON SALES: Some of the good toys will be on sale now and promos will be running through the month, it’s a great time to buy and put away for later.