Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Why am I talking about holiday planning when it's still September? Because I've finally learned that planning for the holidays early isn't the same thing as DOING the holidays early.
I'm not decorating for Christmas. I'm not buying every gift. And I'm definitely not trying to finish an enormous holiday to-do list before fall even begins. I'm simply giving myself something that I know I'll have a lot less of once November and December arrive:
Space to think.
In today's video, I'm creating a cozy seasonal planner spread while chatting about why September has become my favorite time to start thinking ahead to the holidays. With three busy kids, sports, marching band, family traditions, work, and all the regular responsibilities of life, I've learned to stop assuming that "Future Elisa" is somehow going to have more free time. 😂
Instead, I use this quieter part of the season to think about what's ahead. What traditions really matter to us? What events are already on the calendar? What do I want to remember? What usually sneaks up on me? And maybe most importantly—what DON'T I need to do this year?
Holiday planning isn't about squeezing more into the season.
For me, it's about doing a little thinking now so I can be more present later. At the end of today's video, I'm also doing a simple 5-minute Holiday Brain Dump, and I'd love for you to join me! No giant to-do list required. Just grab a piece of paper and write down everything about the upcoming holiday season that's already floating around in your head.
🎄 IN THIS VIDEO:
• Creating a cozy seasonal planner spread
• Why I start holiday planning in September
• Planning early vs. doing early
• Reducing holiday mental load
• Deciding what actually matters this season
• My 5-minute Holiday Brain Dump
• Creating more space to enjoy the holidays
✨ THE HOLIDAY PLANNING SYSTEM
Throughout September, I'll be sharing how I'm using my Holiday Planning System to help me plan ahead, manage the busy days, and capture the memories along the way.
PLAN IT: Holiday Headquarters
LIVE IT: Daily Dashboard
REMEMBER IT: Memory Keeper 2.0
Three simple tools designed to help you plan the season, live the moments, and remember the memories.
🛍️ Explore The Holiday Planning System: scrappywife.com
Next week, we're taking that messy Holiday Brain Dump and giving it somewhere to live! I'll be doing a full setup of my Holiday Headquarters and sharing how I'm using it to organize the upcoming holiday season.
💬 LET'S CHAT:
When do YOU normally start thinking about the holidays?
September? October? November? Or are you firmly Team December? 😂 Tell me in the comments!
Check out my Patreon - patreon.com/scrappywife
Sign up for my email list - https://mailchi.mp/3d6f4b22b5e7/scrappywifesignup
***Links & Supplies***
Music: soundstripe.com
Blog: scrappywife.com
Instagram: @scrappywifeblog
Supplies: (Some of these are affiliate links...thanks in advance for supporting my channel!)
Common affiliate links:
*The Happy Planner - happyplanner.sjv.io/5gdm9j
*Live Love Posh (Code Scrappy10) - bit.ly/3l1qHYh
*Planything (use code "scrappywife10") - bit.ly/4cqxQaZ
*Scrapbook.com - shrsl.com/3vp3f
*Michaels.com - bit.ly/30svw2K
*Rongrong Devoe - bit.ly/4l34rqP
*Archer & Olive (Code Scrappy10) - bit.ly/4gw86Oh
*The Washi Tape Shop (Code scrappywife10) - bit.ly/3SIP8Zr
*Ana Bean Paper Co. (Use code "scrappy10") - bit.ly/3XuABiK
*Kellofaplan - bit.ly/3lCMLZP
*Cricut - cricut.pxf.io/ann4rM
#HolidayPlanning #ChristmasPlanning #PlannerIdeas #HolidayPlanner #planwithme
holiday planning, holiday planning tips, holiday planner, planning for the holidays, Christmas planning, Christmas planner
Why am I talking about holiday planning when it's still September? Because I've finally learned that planning for the holidays early isn't the same thing as DOING the holidays early.
I'm not decorating for Christmas. I'm not buying every gift. And I'm definitely not trying to finish an enormous holiday to-do list before fall even begins. I'm simply giving myself something that I know I'll have a lot less of once November and December arrive:
Space to think.
In today's video, I'm creating a cozy seasonal planner spread while chatting about why September has become my favorite time to start thinking ahead to the holidays. With three busy kids, sports, marching band, family traditions, work, and all the regular responsibilities of life, I've learned to stop assuming that "Future Elisa" is somehow going to have more free time. 😂
Instead, I use this quieter part of the season to think about what's ahead. What traditions really matter to us? What events are already on the calendar? What do I want to remember? What usually sneaks up on me? And maybe most importantly—what DON'T I need to do this year?
Holiday planning isn't about squeezing more into the season.
For me, it's about doing a little thinking now so I can be more present later. At the end of today's video, I'm also doing a simple 5-minute Holiday Brain Dump, and I'd love for you to join me! No giant to-do list required. Just grab a piece of paper and write down everything about the upcoming holiday season that's already floating around in your head.
🎄 IN THIS VIDEO:
• Creating a cozy seasonal planner spread
• Why I start holiday planning in September
• Planning early vs. doing early
• Reducing holiday mental load
• Deciding what actually matters this season
• My 5-minute Holiday Brain Dump
• Creating more space to enjoy the holidays
✨ THE HOLIDAY PLANNING SYSTEM
Throughout September, I'll be sharing how I'm using my Holiday Planning System to help me plan ahead, manage the busy days, and capture the memories along the way.
PLAN IT: Holiday Headquarters
LIVE IT: Daily Dashboard
REMEMBER IT: Memory Keeper 2.0
Three simple tools designed to help you plan the season, live the moments, and remember the memories.
🛍️ Explore The Holiday Planning System: scrappywife.com
Next week, we're taking that messy Holiday Brain Dump and giving it somewhere to live! I'll be doing a full setup of my Holiday Headquarters and sharing how I'm using it to organize the upcoming holiday season.
💬 LET'S CHAT:
When do YOU normally start thinking about the holidays?
September? October? November? Or are you firmly Team December? 😂 Tell me in the comments!
Check out my Patreon - patreon.com/scrappywife
Sign up for my email list - https://mailchi.mp/3d6f4b22b5e7/scrappywifesignup
***Links & Supplies***
Music: soundstripe.com
Blog: scrappywife.com
Instagram: @scrappywifeblog
Supplies: (Some of these are affiliate links...thanks in advance for supporting my channel!)
Common affiliate links:
*The Happy Planner - happyplanner.sjv.io/5gdm9j
*Live Love Posh (Code Scrappy10) - bit.ly/3l1qHYh
*Planything (use code "scrappywife10") - bit.ly/4cqxQaZ
*Scrapbook.com - shrsl.com/3vp3f
*Michaels.com - bit.ly/30svw2K
*Rongrong Devoe - bit.ly/4l34rqP
*Archer & Olive (Code Scrappy10) - bit.ly/4gw86Oh
*The Washi Tape Shop (Code scrappywife10) - bit.ly/3SIP8Zr
*Ana Bean Paper Co. (Use code "scrappy10") - bit.ly/3XuABiK
*Kellofaplan - bit.ly/3lCMLZP
*Cricut - cricut.pxf.io/ann4rM
#HolidayPlanning #ChristmasPlanning #PlannerIdeas #HolidayPlanner #planwithme
holiday planning, holiday planning tips, holiday planner, planning for the holidays, Christmas planning, Christmas planner
