Getting Organized for the Holidays: A Guide for Those with ADHD
The holiday season is often packed with social events, gift-giving, and an endless list of to-dos. For those with ADHD, this time of year can bring extra challenges—between juggling holiday planning, remembering tasks, and managing social commitments, staying organized can feel overwhelming. But with the right approach, strategies, and tools, it’s possible to navigate the season with confidence and even find moments of calm.
At ProADHD Coaching, we understand how the holidays can affect people with ADHD. In this article, we’ll walk through practical tips for building a holiday planning toolkit, managing to-do lists, and setting realistic goals. By creating a system that works for you, you can reduce holiday stress and focus on what truly matters.
Creating a Holiday Planning Toolkit
A toolkit of simple, ADHD-friendly tools can make a big difference in staying on track during the holidays. Here are some suggestions:
- Planner or Calendar: Having a dedicated planner or calendar for the holiday season can help you keep track of dates, events, and important tasks. Physical planners work well for many people with ADHD, allowing you to see everything at a glance, but a digital calendar with reminders can also be helpful.
- Sticky Notes or Visual Reminders: Sticky notes or colorful visual cues can act as prompts to remind you of tasks, deadlines, or appointments. Placing sticky notes in visible areas (like the fridge or your workspace) can help keep important tasks top-of-mind.
- Reminder Apps: Apps like Todoist, Google Keep, or reminders on your phone allow you to set alarms for tasks or deadlines, helping you stay on schedule. Setting multiple reminders, especially for time-sensitive tasks, can prevent last-minute stress.
- Holiday-Specific Checklist: Consider creating a checklist specifically for holiday tasks, such as buying gifts, decorating, sending cards, or planning meals. Breaking tasks down into smaller, actionable steps can prevent them from feeling overwhelming.
Managing To-Do Lists Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A to-do list is a holiday essential, but it can easily become overwhelming if not managed thoughtfully. Here are tips to help you break down your to-dos into manageable steps:
- Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Large tasks can feel daunting, so try breaking them down into smaller steps. For example, if you’re planning a holiday gathering, list individual tasks like “buy groceries,” “set up decorations,” and “clean the living room.” Completing smaller steps feels more achievable and provides a sense of progress.
- Prioritize Essentials: With so much to do during the holidays, it’s helpful to focus on essential tasks first. Identify which tasks are top priorities and put them at the top of your list. This way, you can accomplish the most important things even if your energy or time is limited.
- Delegate When Possible: You don’t have to do everything on your own! Ask friends or family members for help with tasks like cooking, shopping, or wrapping gifts. Delegating tasks can lighten the load and make the season more enjoyable.
- Use a “Done” List: Celebrate your progress by keeping a list of tasks you’ve completed. A “done” list reminds you of how much you’ve accomplished and can motivate you to keep going.
Setting Realistic Goals and Accepting “Good Enough”
Holiday perfectionism can add unnecessary stress, especially when managing ADHD. Setting realistic goals can help reduce pressure and make it easier to focus on what truly matters.
- Set Simple, Attainable Goals: Instead of trying to achieve every holiday tradition or expectation, set goals that feel achievable. For example, aim to attend one or two events instead of all of them, or focus on a few quality gifts rather than an extensive shopping list. Setting realistic goals can make the season feel more manageable.
- Embrace “Good Enough:” Remember, things don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. The holidays are about connection and joy, not perfection. Embracing a “good enough” mentality can relieve pressure and allow you to enjoy the season without feeling overwhelmed.
- Focus on What’s Important to You: Holiday traditions and events can be enjoyable, but they should align with what’s meaningful to you. Take a moment to think about what truly matters this season—whether it’s time with family, simple decorations, or cooking one special meal. Prioritizing what’s meaningful makes it easier to let go of less important tasks and keep your personal goals moving forward.
Practical Tips for Staying on Track
Once you have a toolkit, a to-do list, and realistic goals in place, here are some practical tips for staying on track:
- Set Timed Breaks: Set a timer for 25-30 minutes to focus on a task, followed by a short 5-minute break. This approach, known as the Pomodoro Technique, can help you maintain focus and prevent burnout.
- Use Visual Reminders for Motivation: Display visual cues, such as a holiday countdown or checklist, to keep yourself motivated. Seeing your progress visually can provide encouragement and help you stay focused on your tasks.
- Create Mini-Rewards for Accomplishing Tasks: Give yourself small rewards for completing holiday tasks. For example, after wrapping gifts, take a short walk or enjoy a favorite holiday treat. Mini-rewards can help you stay motivated and make each accomplishment feel more rewarding.
Conclusion
Getting organized for the holidays with ADHD can feel challenging, but with a toolkit, manageable to-do list, and realistic goals, it’s possible to reduce holiday stress and focus on what’s most meaningful. Remember, the holiday season is about connection and joy—not perfection.
If you need additional support for managing ADHD during the holidays, consider reaching out to ProADHD Coaching. Our team is here to offer guidance on skill building, application of strategies and the right tools for you, and personalized support to help you navigate the season with confidence and calm.