5 Things to Do in October for a More Organized Holiday Season

October 12, 2026

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, but between family traditions, gift shopping, and all the little details, it’s easy for the season to become overwhelming and stressful.

I love making memories with my family, and I’ve learned that a little preparation ahead of time makes a big difference. Taking care of a few things in October means less scrambling later, and more time to actually enjoying the holidays-traditions and all.

Here are five things I like to take care of in October and early November to make the holiday season feel more manageable and organized:

1. Schedule Family Photos and Order Holiday Cards

I typically schedule my family photos early on in October. That usually gives me enough time to receive the pictures by the end of the month, and order our holiday cards.

Even before the final photos are ready, I can choose a design, update mailing addresses, and prepare the labels. Sending and receiving holiday cards is a lovely tradition! It does however become one of those things that are easily overwhelming due to the many little details. Add it to an-already long to-do list, and it can feel unmanageable if I procrastinate too long.

2. Buy Your Holiday Wrapping Paper Early

I love having coordinating wrapping paper under the Menorah! Sometimes each of my boys gets their own print, and other years I stick with two or three patterns that look good together. Since holiday-themed wrapping paper tends to fly off the shelves in peak holiday season, buying them now guarantees you'll have enough when you're ready to wrap your holiday gifts.

3. Order Matching Holiday Pajamas

Matching holiday pajamas are also one of those little traditions that make the season feel special, but finding the right styles in everyone's sizes can be surprisingly difficult.

As a family of four, I don't want to be searching multiple stores at the last minute, hoping to find matching sets.

Many stores release their holiday collections in early October, so I like to shop early and get everyone's sizes taken care of before the popular styles sell out.

4. Plan a Family Holiday Experience

Every year, one of our kids' gifts is an experience we can enjoy together as a family.

Some years, we've stayed overnight at a hotel downtown. Other years, we've gone to a play or attended a special holiday event, like the Polar Express.

I love having something on the calendar that we can all look forward to. Booking early also gives us more options before tickets and reservations become harder to find.

5. Get Your Holiday Gifts Organized

Gift-giving used to feel a lot less organized for me. Over the past few years, I've developed a system that helps me keep track of what I've purchased, stay within my budget, and avoid buying things at the last minute.

Here's what works for me:

• Keep a running wish list. Throughout the year, I keep a running wish list on Amazon with gift ideas for each family member. When birthdays and special occasions come around, I have a starting point instead of trying to come up with ideas from scratch.

• Shop ahead when it makes sense. I often start holiday shopping during the summer sales season! Having a list of things each child wants or needs makes it easier to take advantage of sales throughout the year and spread out the expense.

  
  

• Track what you've purchased. Whenever I buy a gift or a package arrives, I add it to my list. This helps me keep track of what I have, what I've already purchased for each child, and what I still need. Want an easy way to keep track? I've got you covered! Download this FREE Holiday Gift Tracker!

  
  

• Give the gifts a designated (hidden) home. The gifts stay tucked away from little eyes, and once Thanksgiving rolls around, I can start wrapping them without having to hunt for everything I've bought.

  
  

• Experiences over Physical Gifts. Depending on my boy's wish lists, sometimes they prefer an experience over toys. This is my favorite, as too many toys does little good for thier little minds, and I love to see their faces light up with delight when we pull up to our destination of their choosing! Booking tickets in advance to the circus, zoo or wherever they want to go in advance helps me get them at better rates, and they don't require wrapping.

  
  

My goal is to have most, if not all, of my shopping finished by Thanksgiving. That leaves me with fewer errands to squeeze into December, and more time to enjoy the season!

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

An organized holiday season doesn't mean everything has to be perfect, or that every tradition needs to happen. It's about deciding what matters to your family, preparing for it ahead of time, and making room for the things you actually want to enjoy.

What do you do ahead of time to make the holidays feel less stressful? I'd love to hear your favorite tips and traditions!

If you're feeling overwhelmed by your holiday preparations-you don't have to figure it out alone.

At ClearSpace by Shiffy, I help busy South Florida families create customized organizing systems that are practical, sustainable, and designed around the way they actually live. Because organization shouldn't just look beautiful; it should make everyday life easier.

Shiffy is the founder of ClearSpace by Shiffy LLC, a Professional Home Organizing Business in South Florida, servicing Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. She loves creating systems out of chaos and is known for her attention to detail and ensuring that each project is customized and streamlined to fit the customer's lifestyle. Her projects are easy to maintain long-term, bringing function to any space. She shares her tips and tricks on Instagram @clearspacebyshiffy