Tackling a busy Fall Schedule:
Let’s Create a Game Plan Before the Holidays Hit
Fall always seems to sneak up on us. One minute we’re buying school supplies and labeling backpacks, and the next—pumpkin patches are open, football season is in full swing, and holiday planning is staring us right in the face. Between back-to-school routines, after-school sports, weekend festivities, and prepping for the holidays, it’s easy to feel like your schedule is running you instead of the other way around.
Set Your Priorities Early
I cannot stress this one enough. Not every invitation or event needs a “yes.” I can honestly say I’m guilty of this one. Always agreeing knowing I either need to look at a schedule first or want to commit to another project even if I didn’t finish the first 23,567 of them. Look at the calendar now and decide what’s most important to your family—maybe it’s making it to every football game, picking the perfect pumpkins, or having one quiet weekend at home before the holiday rush. Knowing your “must-dos” keeps the rest of your schedule flexible.
Create a Family Calendar
I’ve said this before but this literally keeps all six of us on the same page in our house (for the most part). Sports practices, after-school clubs, school meetings, and weekend activities can pile up fast. A shared calendar—whether it’s on the fridge or synced on everyone’s phone—helps avoid last-minute scrambles. Color-coding each family member’s schedule makes it easy to see at a glance what’s coming up. We have a giant calendar in kitchen with everything written out so nothing is missed. Trust me you’ll thank me later.
Build in Buffer Time
With that being said, holidays quickly approaching mean longer to-do lists: costumes, holiday cards, teacher gifts, and family gatherings. Don’t forget to give yourself breathing room. Leave small blocks of unplanned time in your week for last-minute errands or just to rest. You don’t have to do everything, sometimes doing nothing gets more things accomplished.
Meal Plan with the Season in Mind..
Between soccer games and Friday night lights, dinners and lunches can feel rushed. Think crockpot chili, sheet pan dinners ( potatoes are the easiest ) , or very “on brand” pumpkin muffins for grab-and-go snacks. Seasonal comfort food can still be quick and stress-free.
Remember: You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup
Amid the sports schedules, school events, and holiday planning, don’t forget about yourself. Build in small moments of self-care—whether that’s a coffee run alone, an early morning walk, or simply saying “no” to one extra obligation. Keeping your energy up makes everything else smoother.
Fall doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By planning ahead, prioritizing what matters, and leaving room for rest, you can actually soak up the best parts of this season—the crisp air, football games, family traditions, and even the quiet moments in between. Instead of surviving the busy months ahead, you’ll be enjoying them.