THIS ON THURSDAY
10.15.26 | #75
Hi Reader,
Every October, the same thing happens. The weather turns, a store puts out its holiday display way too early, and my brain starts making a list all on its own. Gifts. Menus. Who’s hosting what. Which weekend we’re traveling.
Last year I decided to get ahead of it. I wrote about five do-ahead steps I take in October, so December doesn’t swallow me whole: sorting the decorations, starting on gifts, sketching out menus, setting my calendar before it sets me, and getting cards handled early.
Some my list-making was truly helpful. I did a lot fewer grocery runs for forgotten items. The rest? Let's just say there's still some room for improvement . . .
This week I updated that post, with one big change. Before I begin making the list, I’m asking myself a different question first.
"How do I get it all done?” Instead? "What is this season actually for? For me, for my family.”
Because here’s what I noticed. Getting organized early, helped. It really did. But if the list is too long, starting in October just means you’re busy for three months instead of one.
So the updated post starts with three honest questions:
- Who do I actually want to give gifts to?
- Which decorations really feel like the holidays?
- Which invitations do I look forward to, and which ones do I dread the minute they arrive?
👉 Read: Holiday Planning in October: 5 Do-Ahead Steps for a Simpler Season
A shorter list. A fuller season
If you’d like a place to write those answers down, that’s exactly what Your Simple Season is for. It’s my free guide to deciding what matters this holiday season, and then keeping it from getting buried once December starts pulling you toward more.
It’s short. You can work through it with one cup of coffee.
🤶 Get Your Simple Season
One more thing. If you could step back and see your own life clearly for a moment, what's one thing you'd refresh? Hit reply and let me know. I read every note.
🩷 Warmly, Susan
Create a life you love.
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