4 Essential To-Dos for November for a Magical and Stress-Free December

As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to feel the pressure building. December can be a whirlwind of decorating, shopping, cooking, and planning, which leaves us stressed and overwhelmed when we should be feeling the magic of the season. That’s why a little preparation in November can make all the difference! By tackling a few key tasks early, you’ll set yourself up for a more relaxed, joyful, and stress-free December. In this post, we’ll cover four simple but impactful things you can do this month to enjoy a holiday season that’s full of precious time with loved ones. Let’s get started!

Task 1: Gather supplies and create a dedicated wrapping station.
Creating a dedicated wrapping station can transform the sometimes tedious task of gift wrapping into an organized, enjoyable, and efficient experience. By setting up a space with everything you need (scissors, tape, wrapping paper, ribbons, tags, and a comfortable surface) you'll eliminate the time wasted searching for supplies each time you wrap a gift. This setup also allows you to wrap in batches a little at a time, which in our opinion, is much better than waiting until Christmas Eve and pulling an all-nighter! Not only does a wrapping station increase productivity, but it can also adds a sense of simplicity to the task, making it feel less like a chore and more like a creative holiday ritual.

We created this mobile wrapping station for one of our clients. We made sure to include some of our favorite wrapping papers of the season, plenty of dream velvet ribbons, easy to add gift toppers & tags, and the tools to get the job done. No more running around the house looking for that missing pair of scissors. When making our “stations” we also like storing our essentials in beautiful containers that we enjoy looking at because well… cute things just make us happier.  Check out some of our favorite wrapping station supplies below.

Task 2: Purchase and print festive digital downloads.
Downloading digital holiday art to print and display in your home is a wonderful way to add festive cheer with minimal effort, and it’s especially convenient in the long run! The first year might take a little bit more time as you browse designs, download, print, and arrange the art to fit your frames. However, once you have a collection of holiday images stored, future years will be a breeze. You can simply swap out the images already in your frames, bringing the holiday art to the forefront.

This quick refresh transforms your home instantly with seasonal warmth and joy, making it easy to enjoy a beautiful holiday look year after year with almost no effort. Plus, digital art allows you to expand your collection affordably (and with minimal storage space needed), giving you endless options to update and refresh your holiday or seasonal decor. Our personal favorite is to add a combination of beautiful winter scenes, favorite songs or quotes, and some simple sketches or prints of seasonal themes like deer, stockings, baby Jesus, or mistletoe.

Want to save a little time? Check out our favorite holiday digital downloads below. Just purchase, print, and fill. We personally love printing our art online through our local Walgreens but their are lots of great options online. Tip for Walgreens: For anything larger than a 8 x 10 size, you’ll want to select the “Posters” option instead of “Prints”.

Task 3: Gather & set aside festive hot cocoa supplies.
Setting up a hot cocoa station in your kitchen is a simple way to bring extra holiday magic to your home this season. There's something about sipping a warm, festive drink that instantly creates a cozy, peaceful vibe, helping everyone unwind and embrace the spirit of the season. Transfer ingredients like hot cocoa mix, peppermint pieces, and marshmallows into pretty jars or containers to make the station feel special and inviting. Add some festive mugs or travel cups, seasonal cookies, and perhaps a sweet holiday sign to really take it up a notch! And if hot cocoa isn’t a family favorite, you can easily adapt this idea for coffee or tea lovers. However you style it, a cozy drink station invites everyone to slow down, savor the season, and enjoy little moments of warmth and contentment.

Task 4: Purchase all the pretty ribbon!
Investing in a variety of beautiful ribbons can be a game-changer for your holiday season! Not only does ribbon add a special touch to gift wrapping, but it can also elevate your home decor in subtle, elegant ways. For instance, try replacing standard ornament hooks or strings with lush velvet ribbons for a more elevated look on your tree. Satin or velvet ribbons also look stunning when tied around wreaths, draped on garlands, or even wrapped around candlesticks for an extra hint of festive charm. The possibilities are truly endless, and ribbons are a simple way to personalize your space. We love using rich, neutral tones to add timeless beauty to our decor, but feel free to choose colors that bring you joy and complement your holiday palette. With the right ribbons, your entire home can feel both festive and effortlessly refined!

Imagine starting December feeling more organized, relaxed, and like the super mom that you are. Trust us, if you spend a little time now to prepare, your future self will be incredibly grateful! We’re right there with you—fellow busy moms juggling a thousand tasks while still trying to sprinkle in that holiday magic. We hope these tips make it just a little easier.

Want to shop any of the products mentioned in this blog? Check out the Product Links below. Neutral Simplicity does receive a small commission from these links, which helps us to continue creating more great content for you!
Wrapping Station
Winter Digital Downloads 
Hot Cocoa Station
Hot Cocoa Bar Printable - Use Code NEWSLETTER for 50% off

​If you have older kids that are starting to ask if Santa is real, check out our Santa Explanation Letter! 
Santa Letter

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