Thanksgiving is one of the busiest holidays of the year. Between cooking, cleaning, and entertaining guests, it can be quite overwhelming. As a busy mom, I truly want to enjoy this special time with my family, without feeling stressed and rushed. Without some type of planning, I know it won’t happen. That’s why I created this free printable Thanksgiving planner to help you stay organized and on top of things during the holiday season. With a little bit of planning beforehand, you can truly relax and enjoy the day with your loved ones.
The Importance of Planning Ahead
We all know that planning is important in our daily lives, and this is especially true when it comes to big events like Thanksgiving. For me having a detailed plan in place saves me time, stress, and money.
By organizing your tasks and activities beforehand, you can ensure that everything runs smoothly (as possible) on the day of the holiday. This also allows for more flexibility and room for unexpected situations.
How to Use a Thanksgiving Planner
Using a Thanksgiving planner is simple and can greatly benefit your holiday experience. Start by downloading and printing out the planner (be sure to scroll down to get your download by entering your email below), or creating your own using a notebook or binder.
Then, fill in important dates and deadlines leading up to Thanksgiving such as grocery shopping, cleaning schedules, and meal prep tasks. You can also use the planner to jot down menu ideas, guest lists, and seating arrangements.
In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, use the planner to break down tasks into manageable chunks. This will help you stay on track and not feel overwhelmed.
Finally, on the day of Thanksgiving, refer to your planner for a stress-free experience. You can check off completed tasks and enjoy the holiday without worrying about forgetting anything.
For me, forgetting is a big part of my stress and so having a planner handy is a life saver. 🙂
Additional Tips for an Organized Holiday
In addition to using a planner, there are other things you can do to ensure a stress-free Thanksgiving. Here are the ones I try not to forget!
Self Care
First, take care of yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, but don’t forget to take breaks and rest when needed. This will help you stay energized and focused. And we all know how important our energy is on Thanksgiving day!
Delegate Tasks
Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to other family members or friends. Thanksgiving is a time for coming together and everyone can contribute in their own way. This will also alleviate some of the workload for you.
Plan Ahead for Leftovers
Thanksgiving leftovers are a delicious part of the holiday, but can also cause clutter in your fridge. Before the big day, plan out containers and labels for leftovers to make cleanup easier.
Give The Kids a Job
Get the kids involved by giving them age-appropriate tasks. This will not only keep them entertained but also teach them valuable skills and give you some extra help. You can also create a kids’ activity area to keep them occupied while you cook.
Set the Table the Night Before
Save time and stress on Thanksgiving day by setting the table the night before. This will ensure that everything is ready to go, and you can focus on cooking and spending time with your loved ones.
Set Realistic Expectations
Lastly, remember that Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be perfect. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have an impeccable holiday. Focus on spending time with loved ones and creating happy memories, rather than achieving perfection.
By following these tips and using a planner, you can stay organized and enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving celebration!
Free Printable Thanksgiving Planner
Now that you have some tips for a stress-free Thanksgiving, it’s time to put them into action with a free planner (get your free planner below). Use this planner to help you stay organized and on track leading up to the holiday.
Weeks Before Thanksgiving
- Finalize the menu and create a grocery list
- Delegate tasks to family members or friends
- Plan ahead for leftovers (containers and labels)
- Set realistic expectations and discuss them with your family
Day Before Thanksgiving
- Set the table
- Prep any make-ahead dishes or ingredients
- Pick up last-minute groceries and supplies
- Create a kids’ activity area to keep them occupied
Thanksgiving Day
- Start cooking early in the day to allow for unexpected delays
- Have designated helpers for tasks such as setting out appetizers, carving the turkey, and cleaning up
- Remember to take breaks and enjoy the company of your loved ones
After Thanksgiving
- Plan ahead for leftovers (recipes or meals using leftover ingredients)
- Clean up and put away decorations
- Relax and enjoy some well-deserved rest after a successful Thanksgiving celebration.
I have created this Free Planner to help you stay organized and stress-free (hopefully as stress-free as possible, lol). Fill in the your email below to get your free planner.
Use it as a guide, but don’t forget to also embrace the imperfections that make Thanksgiving special and memorable. It includes planners for recipes, shopping lists, guest lists, and schedules. You can also plan your cooking and baking schedule so everything is ready at the same time. This will help you stay organized and on track during this busy holiday season.
What’s included:
- Thanksgiving Checklist
- Thanksgiving Timeline
- Thanksgiving To-Do List
- Recipe List
- Thanksgiving Recipe
- Cooking Schedule
- Baking Schedule
- Cooking LIst
- Dietary Recommendations
- Leftover Recipe Ideas
- Turkey Planner
- Budget Breakdown
- Guest List
- Thanksgiving Schedule
- Gratitude List
- Thank You Cards Tracker
- Fall Bucket List
- Shopping List
- November Calendar
Get Your Free Thanksgiving Planner
Enter your email address below to get a copy of your free planner. Can’t download your planner right now? Pin this post to save it for later, and come back when you have time.
Getting organized for Thanksgiving is essential if you want to truly enjoy the holiday. By using a Thanksgiving planner, you can save time, reduce stress, and stay on top of your budget. Plus, having everything written down in one place will help you remember all the important details. So take some time to plan and use this planner to make your Thanksgiving celebration a success! Happy planning and happy Thanksgiving! Remember to give thanks, spread love, and enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones.