Crafting a Holiday Fun List for a Memorable Season

As the holiday season approaches, it often brings a unique paradox: it is simultaneously the most festive and the busiest time of the year. In this episode of Before Breakfast, host Laura Vandercam advocates for a proactive approach to the holidays by creating a "holiday fun list." By shifting from passive anticipation to intentional planning, you can ensure that you actually experience the activities that matter most to you and your family.

The Philosophy of the "Holiday Fun List"

The core concept is simple yet transformative: list all the celebratory activities you wish to undertake—ranging from visiting light displays to hosting baking days—and map them onto your calendar. Laura explains that because there are often "more options for shows, light displays and so forth than weekend space available," failing to plan often results in missed opportunities. By mid-November, it is essential to identify what you want to do and, crucially, determine "when you can do these things."

Strategic Scheduling and Flexibility

One of the most practical pieces of advice shared is the importance of looking beyond the Christmas deadline. Many festive activities, such as those at "Longwood Gardens and the New York Botanical Garden," remain open well into January. By acknowledging that the season extends into early January, you alleviate the pressure of cramming every event into the few weekends before December 25th.

Furthermore, not every activity requires a rigid appointment. Tasks like "holiday baking, holiday Lego building, or getting matching Christmas pajamas" are flexible, yet Laura suggests that even these benefit from being assigned a "particular Sunday" or a rough timeframe. This creates a sense of anticipation and ensures that these moments are prioritized rather than lost in the shuffle of daily life.

Balancing Obligations and Intentionality

While the goal is to maximize joy, the podcast warns against over-scheduling. It is vital to leave room for "have-to-dos"—such as holiday shopping and food prep—alongside the "want-to-dos." By being "intentional with our time," you create a clear picture of your actual availability.

This clarity serves a dual purpose:

1. Proactive Planning: It ensures your most cherished activities are locked in.
2. Empowered Boundaries: When last-minute invitations arise, you can look at your calendar and know exactly what time is available, allowing you to say yes or steer people toward open slots instead of declining out of a vague sense of being "overwhelmed."

Creating Lasting Memories

The ultimate goal of the holiday fun list is to avoid the "ho-hum" feeling of January, where one might look back and regret not having made time for meaningful connections, such as a "baking day with friends." By involving family members in the process—asking what they want to do and where they want to go—you foster a shared vision for the season.

In conclusion, the practice of mapping out your holidays is not about restricting your freedom; it is about creating the structure necessary to "make the kind of memories that you want to have." By taking the time today to write your list and align it with your calendar, you turn the chaotic holiday rush into a series of intentional, joy-filled experiences that will resonate well into the new year.