The Holiday Headstart

Heidi and Emily, Holiday Planning

Do you want to make the holidays magical and memorable but life gets in the way and things end up feeling stressful instead of special? You’re in the right place. Co-hosts Emily and Heidi are two sisters and former elementary school teachers who have cracked the code on how to keep up with all the annual holidays, events, and day-to-day to-dos.  They’ve learned how to bring their experience and planning in the classroom into their personal lives - and now they want to share their best tips with you. Tune in weekly to learn how to work just a little at a time so the days that you look forward to most don’t get sacrificed to the busyness of daily life. They’ll talk holiday planning (hello, Christmas!), traditions, and ordinary days too…because those should feel just as significant! Whether you’re a mom or not, this podcast will give you the headstart you need to not only plan unforgettable moments, but enjoy them too! Follow along on Instagram @theholidayheadstart.

  1. 26 ΑΥΓ

    5 August Tasks to Make Your December So Much Easier [Episode 34]

    August is the sweet spot for getting ahead without the pressure. This month, we're sharing five practical tasks that will make your December so much smoother: from coordinating gift exchanges early to booking photographers before they're booked solid. Plus, we'll help you tackle DIY gifts before the last-minute panic sets in and make sure those fall birthdays don't get lost in the holiday shuffle. If you've been following along with our monthly prep series, you're already ahead of the game—and these five tasks will keep that momentum going strong. Episode Highlights: [00:01:05] - Tradition Spotlight on back-to-school pencil cookies [00:04:50] - Task 1 - Draw names now for gift exchanges [00:05:55] - Task 2- Start shopping for advent calendars [00:07:38] - Task 3 - Buckle down on DIY gifts [00:09:25] - Tip 4 - Book your family photographer  [00:10:49] - Tip 5 - Plan any birthdays from September to January [00:13:07] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for using Miss Freddy’s tips to organize and store kid memories [00:16:19] - What’s on our to-do lists this week [00:20:24] - Our Nice Lists Resources Mentioned: Allermi Allergy SprayGrab The Holiday Headstart PlaybookTake the Holiday Profile quizFollow on Instagram @theholidayheadstart Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!  If you enjoyed these episodes you'll love these too: Episode 20: 5 Things for JanuaryEpisode 23: 5 Things for FebruaryEpisode 27: 5 Things for MarchEpisode 28: 5 Things for April Episode 30: 5 Things for MayEpisode 31: 5 Things for JuneEpisode 32: 5 Things for July More About The Holiday Headstart: Welcome to The Holiday Headstart podcast, where we get intentional about kicking overwhelm to the curb and bringing joy back to your holidays (and every day). We’re Heidi and Emily, two sisters and former elementary school teachers, who’ve taken the simple strategies and practical tips we mastered in the classroom and put them to work in our personal lives.  And we’re here to help you do the same! Join us each week as we share how, with...

    24 λεπτά
  2. 12 ΑΥΓ

    33. The Back-to-School Roadmap for Busy Moms

    What if instead of white-knuckling your way through supply lists and schedule changes, you could actually feel prepared, maybe even excited, for the new school year? We're taking our proven 10-step holiday planning framework and applying it to back-to-school season. Because just like Christmas, back-to-school isn't a single day, it's a season with its own rhythms, demands, and thousand tiny decisions. In this episode, we're giving you a roadmap to approach this season with more clarity and way less chaos, even when you can't hit pause on regular life to deal with all of the changes coming your way. Highlights from the episode: [00:00:24] - Tradition Spotlight on Backwards Back-to-School Dinner [00:03:25] - Starting with what matters [00:08:57] - How to make back-to-school feel special  [00:10:36] - Figuring out logistics [00:18:43] - Making a game plan to get it all done [00:22:55] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for connecting with your child’s teacher early [00:24:39] - What’s on our to-do lists this week [00:26:33] - Our Nice Lists Resources Mentioned: Grab The Holiday Headstart PlaybookTake the Holiday Profile quizFollow on Instagram @theholidayheadstart Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!  If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love these too: Episode 4: How to Craft Your Holiday Values for a More Meaningful Christmas SeasonEpisode 7: Unlock the Power of the 3 Cs: Your Ultimate Guide to Holiday Planning More About The Holiday Headstart: Welcome to The Holiday Headstart podcast, where we get intentional about kicking overwhelm to the curb and bringing joy back to your holidays (and every day). We’re Heidi and Emily, two sisters and former elementary school teachers, who’ve taken the simple strategies and practical tips we mastered in the classroom and put them to work in our personal lives.  And we’re here to help you do the same! Join us each week as we share how, with a little planning and a little prep, you can ensure that the days that make life special don’t become the days that make you stressed.

    29 λεπτά
  3. 30 ΙΟΥΛ

    32. 5 Tasks for July to Save Your Sanity in December

    In this episode, we're sharing five gentle ways to get ahead on holiday prep while you're still enjoying those pool days and popsicles. From stocking up during back-to-school sales to finally starting that wishlist you always forget about, these low-key tasks are all about making December feel more joyful and way less stressful. No tinsel required—just a little July planning that will make your future self want to send you a thank-you card. Episode Highlights: [00:00:22] - Tradition Spotlight on a summer picnic [00:01:02] - Tip 1 - Stock up on school supplies for stockings [00:02:03] - Tip 2 - Start making your gift lists [00:04:55] - Tip 3 - Make your own wish list [00:06:37] - Tip 4 - Think about how you want to spend the week after Christmas [00:09:22] - Tip 5 - Inventory the supplies you have for hosting guests [00:11:56] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for starting your planning in the right place [00:14:50] - What’s on our to-do lists this week [00:19:03] - Our Nice Lists Resources Mentioned: Splendor DuelSomebody Feed Phil on NetflixGrab The Holiday Headstart PlaybookTake the Holiday Profile quizFollow on Instagram @theholidayheadstart Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!  If you enjoyed these episodes you'll love these too: Episode 20: 5 Things for JanuaryEpisode 23: 5 Things for FebruaryEpisode 27: 5 Things for MarchEpisode 28: 5 Things for April Episode 30: 5 Things for MayEpisode 31: 5 Things for June More About The Holiday Headstart: Welcome to The Holiday Headstart podcast, where we get intentional about kicking overwhelm to the curb and bringing joy back to your holidays (and every day). We’re Heidi and Emily, two sisters and former elementary school teachers, who’ve taken the simple strategies and practical tips we mastered in the classroom and put them to work in our personal lives.  And we’re here to help you do the same! Join us each week as we share how, with a little planning and a little prep, you can ensure that the days that make life special don’t become the days that make you stressed.

    22 λεπτά
  4. 28 ΙΟΥΝ

    31. 5 Holiday To Dos You Can Check Off in June

    We're six months out from the holidays. It’s too early for tinsel, but we’re just in time for some smart prep! In this episode, we share five simple tasks you can tackle now to make December feel a whole lot lighter. From freezing cookie dough to drafting a household "Minimum Upkeep Plan," these June-friendly ideas are all about giving your future self the gift of breathing room. Trust us—your December self will thank you. Episode Highlights: [00:00:20] - Tradition Spotlight on Choosing Your Song of the Summer [00:03:22] - Tip 1 - Make and freeze cookie dough [00:05:32] - Tip 2 - Draft holiday menus [00:06:23] - Tip 3 - Plan non-holiday meals that fall near the holidays [00:08:05] - Tip 4 - Schedule your Elf antics [00:09:26] - Tip 5 - Make your household’s Minimum Upkeep Plan [00:12:13] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for cleaning berries [00:14:27] - What’s on our to-do lists this week [00:18:02] - Our Nice Lists Resources Mentioned: Guide to freezing doughGuide to cleaning berries in hot water:NY TimesThe KitchnGrab The Holiday Headstart PlaybookTake the Holiday Profile quizFollow on Instagram @theholidayheadstart Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!  If you enjoyed these episodes you'll love these too: Episode 20: 5 Things for JanuaryEpisode 23: 5 Things for FebruaryEpisode 27: 5 Things for MarchEpisode 28: 5 Things for April Episode 30: 5 Things for May More About The Holiday Headstart: Welcome to The Holiday Headstart podcast, where we get intentional about kicking overwhelm to the curb and bringing joy back to your holidays (and every day). We’re Heidi and Emily, two sisters and former elementary school teachers, who’ve taken the simple strategies and practical tips we mastered in the classroom and put them to work in our personal lives.  And we’re here to help you do the same! Join us each week as we share how, with a little planning and a little prep, you can ensure that the days that make life special...

    22 λεπτά
  5. 28 ΜΑΪ́

    30. The Easiest To Do List: 5 Ways to Plan Christmas from Your Couch This May

    Welcome to the 100 Days of May—also known as May-Cember, the month that feels like it never ends! In this episode, we’re talking TV Tasks—easy, screen-friendly activities you can do on your phone while relaxing on the couch. We’ve rounded up a handful of low-effort, high-payoff tasks you can tackle during your downtime. If you’re looking for calm, cozy ways to get a little head start, this episode is here to help. Episode Highlights: [00:01:02] - Tradition Spotlight on planting pumpkins [00:04:37] - Tip 1 - Organizing Pinterest [00:07:40] - Tip 2 - Look for new holiday recipes  [00:09:23] - Tip 3 - Find holiday playlists [00:12:45] - Tip 4 - Track down addresses [00:14:36] - Tip 5 - Find book titles for December [00:08:04] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for making a TV Task List [00:20:28] - What’s on our to-do lists this week [00:23:20] - Our Nice Lists Resources Mentioned: Holiday Romcom List Grab The Holiday Headstart PlaybookTake the Holiday Profile quizFollow on Instagram @theholidayheadstart Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!  If you enjoyed these episodes you'll love these too: Episode 20: 5 Things for JanuaryEpisode 23: 5 Things for FebruaryEpisode 27: 5 Things for MarchEpisode 28: 5 Things for April More About The Holiday Headstart: Welcome to The Holiday Headstart podcast, where we get intentional about kicking overwhelm to the curb and bringing joy back to your holidays (and every day). We’re Heidi and Emily, two sisters and former elementary school teachers, who’ve taken the simple strategies and practical tips we mastered in the classroom and put them to work in our personal lives.  And we’re here to help you do the same! Join us each week as we share how, with a little planning and a little prep, you can ensure that the days that make life special don’t become the days that make you stressed.

    26 λεπτά
  6. 26 ΑΠΡ

    29. How Knowing Yourself Better Can Bring More Joy to Your Holiday Planning

    In this episode of Holiday Headstart, we dive into how understanding yourself through Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies framework can completely change the way you plan for Christmas—and reduce your stress while you're at it. We break down each of the four tendencies—Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, and Rebel—and explore how your response to expectations shapes your ability to plan, prep, and actually enjoy the holidays. Whether you love a checklist or resist all structure, this episode will help you create a holiday planning system that works with your natural tendencies, not against them. We’ll share personalized tips for each tendency, including how to build in flexibility, avoid analysis paralysis, use accountability to your advantage, or embrace your inner maverick. If you’ve ever felt like your holiday prep always falls short or leaves you burnt out, this episode might just be the mindset shift you need. Plus, check the show notes for a link to Gretchen Rubin’s quick Four Tendencies quiz so you can discover your own type and start planning smarter today! Episode Highlights: [00:01:03] - Tradition Spotlight on a Today’s Your Special Day plate [00:02:51] - Introduction to the 4 Tendencies [00:08:26] - Using your tendency to thrive [00:10:16] - Tips for Upholders [00:12:38] - Tips for Questioners [00:15:49] - Tips for Obligers [00:19:07] - Tips for Rebels [00:21:37] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for getting holiday tasks done in advance [00:24:37] - What’s on our to-do lists this week [00:27:47] - Our Nice Lists Resources Mentioned: Gretchen Rubin’s 4 Tendencies QuizKitchen ShearsYou Are Special Today plateGrab The Holiday Headstart PlaybookTake the Holiday Profile quizFollow on Instagram @theholidayheadstart Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!  If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love this too: Episode 25 - Why You Should Write Yourself a Permission Slip for the Upcoming Holidays

    30 λεπτά
  7. 9 ΑΠΡ

    28. 5 Tasks To Do in April to Get Ahead for Next Christmas

    We’re back with five more simple tasks to help you chip away at holiday prep throughout the year! Whether you’re just joining us or have been following along, these tips are designed to make the holiday season less overwhelming and more enjoyable. In this episode, we share five simple tasks you can complete in April to prepare for the holiday season. By tackling these small, manageable tasks throughout the year, you can reduce the stress and overwhelm that often comes with the holiday rush. This month's tasks include creating a wrapping station, listing fourth-quarter grocery needs, completing a holiday values exercise, inventorying winter items, and assembling a "Need-to-Know Box" for essential holiday items.  Let’s break the holiday chaos into manageable pieces and give ourselves the gift of a calmer, more joyful season! Episode Highlights: [00:01:01] - Tradition Spotlight on the Shepherd Supper [00:04:38] - Tip 1 - Make a wrapping cart [00:09:28] - Tip 2 - List your fourth-quarter grocery needs [00:12:35] - Tip 3- Complete the holiday values exercise [00:14:51] - Tip 4- Inventory winter items [00:16:16] - Tip 5- Assemble a “Need to Know” box [00:18:44] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for storing wrapping paper [00:20:38] - What’s on our to-do lists this week [00:22:18] - Our Nice Lists Resources Mentioned: Gramercy Cart from Michaels 4-section file organizerMail holderSlap braceletsEmma M. Lion SeriesFollow on Instagram @theholidayheadstartLeave us a review on Apple Podcasts! If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love these too: Episode 20: 5 Things You Can Do in January To Get Ahead for Next ChristmasEpisode 23: 5 Easy Tasks to Do in February to Get Ahead for Next ChristmasEpisode 27: 5 Things for MarchEpisode 4: Holiday Values ExerciseEpisode 6: The Need-to-Know Box More About The Holiday Headstart: Welcome to The Holiday Headstart podcast, where we get intentional about kicking overwhelm to the curb and bringing joy back to your holidays (and every day). We’re Heidi and Emily, two sisters and former elementary school teachers, who’ve taken the simple strategies and practical tips we mastered in the

    26 λεπτά
  8. 19 ΜΑΡ

    27. Do These 5 Easy Things in March to Get Ahead for Christmas!

    Planning ahead for Christmas can feel overwhelming, but small steps now can make the holiday season smoother and happier. In this episode, we’re sharing five practical ways to get ahead on holiday planning in March. From crafting a personal recovery kit to selecting a holiday decoration theme, we’ve got loads of actionable tips to prevent stress from stacking up in December.  Episode Highlights: [00:00:44] - Tradition Spotlight on gentle April Fools jokes [00:04:20] - Task 1: Stock a personal recovery kit [00:07:40] - Task 2: Pick a decorating theme [00:11:47] - Task 3: Organize your garage before it gets hot [00:12:32] - Task 4: Edit your Christmas card list [00:13:46] - Task 5: Search for ideas of traditions you might like  [00:14:34] - What’s on our to-do lists this week [00:16:55] - Our Nice Lists What's Next? Need motivation to get started? Try scheduling a Holly Day this month to focus on holiday prep! Resources Mentioned: The Fall Risk by Abby JiminezPaperian Brilliant Weekly SchedulerFollow on Instagram @theholidayheadstartLeave us a review on Apple Podcasts! If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love these too: Episode 20 - 5 Things You Can Do in January To Get Ahead for Next ChristmasEpisode 23 - 5 Easy Tasks to Do in February to Get Ahead for Next Christmas More About The Holiday Headstart: Welcome to The Holiday Headstart podcast, where we get intentional about kicking overwhelm to the curb and bringing joy back to your holidays (and every day). We’re Heidi and Emily, two sisters and former elementary school teachers, who’ve taken the simple strategies and practical tips we mastered in the classroom and put them to work in our personal lives.  And we’re here to help you do the same! Join us each week as we share how, with a little planning and a little prep, you can ensure that the days that make life special don’t become the days that make you stressed.

    20 λεπτά

Σχετικά με το podcast

Do you want to make the holidays magical and memorable but life gets in the way and things end up feeling stressful instead of special? You’re in the right place. Co-hosts Emily and Heidi are two sisters and former elementary school teachers who have cracked the code on how to keep up with all the annual holidays, events, and day-to-day to-dos.  They’ve learned how to bring their experience and planning in the classroom into their personal lives - and now they want to share their best tips with you. Tune in weekly to learn how to work just a little at a time so the days that you look forward to most don’t get sacrificed to the busyness of daily life. They’ll talk holiday planning (hello, Christmas!), traditions, and ordinary days too…because those should feel just as significant! Whether you’re a mom or not, this podcast will give you the headstart you need to not only plan unforgettable moments, but enjoy them too! Follow along on Instagram @theholidayheadstart.

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