Feeling behind on your holiday prep? Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and September is the perfect month to hit reset. In this episode of The Holiday Headstart Podcast, we’re taking a step back from our usual “5 tasks” format and reviewing everything we’ve covered so far this year—40 holiday prep tasks in total! From budgeting to baking, from gift lists to game plans, we’re laying it all out in one place.But here’s the twist: you don’t need to tackle all 40. Instead, your challenge this month is to choose the 5 tasks that will have the biggest impact on your December. Think of it as holiday triage—focusing on what will matter most to you and your family. Whether you’re just starting now or you’ve been following along all year, this episode will help you prioritize, simplify, and move into fall with confidence and clarity.Highlights from the episode:[00:01:04] - Tradition Spotlight on an apple cider bar[00:01:43] - Tasks for September[00:03:54] - Money and Planning Tasks[00:05:40] - Systems and Organization Tasks[00:09:27] - Food and Entertaining Tasks[00:10:56] - Gift Tasks[00:12:28] - Experience and Traditions Tasks[00:14:19] - Logistical Tasks[00:16:08] - Your Top 5 Tasks[00:18:19] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for making holiday prep time more enjoyable[00:19:26] - What’s on our to-do lists this week[00:20:37] - Our Nice ListsThe Complete List: Holiday Prep Tasks by CategoryMoney & PlanningSet up automatic savings transfer for Christmas fundInventory winter clothing needs (coats, boots, gloves)List 4th quarter grocery needs and extra expensesSystems & OrganizationWrite yourself notes for what to do differently next timeUpdate your Pinterest boardsSet up stocking bags for year-round gift collectingStock up on discounted school supplies for stocking stuffersCreate hiding places for presents (try moving bags!)Sort holiday decoration bins Organize holiday items in the garage/attic while weather is niceDonate holiday items you don’t use anymorePlan strategic un-decorating for next yearChoose decorating theme and color schemeMake a wrapping stationCreate a Need-to-Know Box for essential holiday itemsDeclutter crafting area before DIY projectsBuy advent calendars early (best selection available now!)Food & EntertainingGather all holiday recipes in one placeMake and freeze cookie doughDraft holiday menus (including non-holiday meals around Christmas)Find and test new holiday recipesGiftsStart gathering gift idea for everyoneStart working on DIY gifts NOW (seriously!)Create gift lists for loved ones and yourselfDraw names for gift exchangesExperiences & TraditionsReflect on last holiday season (what worked/didn't work)Stock a personal recovery kit for post-holiday recuperationDream about traditions that support your holiday purposeComplete the holiday values exerciseFind holiday playlists and book listsPlan the week after Christmas (Twixmas!)LogisticsOrganize holiday photos into albumsEdit Christmas card list and track down addressesBook family photographer before they're completely bookedPlan for fall and winter birthdaysPrep guest room/space for holiday visitorsFigure out Elf plans (if...

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