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It’s the week before Christmas, and the whirlwind is real. Your to-do list is long, your time is short, and the pressure feels intense. But here’s the truth: Christmas isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection, joy, and being present for the moments that matter most.
Today, we’re here with a pep talk to help you find peace in the chaos. Join us as we share helpful strategies for slowing down, focusing on what really matters, and finding those precious pockets of joy. So tune in, take a deep breath, and let's navigate this holiday season together with intention and calm.
Highlights from the episode:
[1:53] - Slow down and breathe
[3:33] - Write it all down
[5:46] - Find pockets of joy
Resources:
Grab The Holiday Headstart PlaybookTake the Holiday Profile quizFollow on Instagram @theholidayheadstart Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!What’s Next?
Plan Your Reset: Set aside time after the holidays to reflect, recharge, and gently ease back into your routines.Reflect & Learn: Jot down what worked well this season and what you’d like to adjust for next year. Use tools like the Holiday Headstart Playbook to capture those insights.If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love these too:
Episode 12 - How To Use a Task Docket to Make Managing Your Holiday To Dos Easy PeasyEpisode 14 - Top Christmas Tip: Use a Script to Save Your Sanity on the Big DayMore 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.
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Do you feel overwhelmed trying to keep track of everything during the holidays? Today, we’re sharing one of our best-kept teacher secrets: creating a script for big days like Christmas. A script is more than a plan—it’s a minute-by-minute outline that acts as your safety net, support system, and freedom-giver during hectic events. Listen in as we unpack how this simple tool can help you stay organized, enjoy the holiday, and preserve your energy.
Highlights from the episode:
[01:04] - Tradition Spotlight on Christmas Night adventures
[05:09] - 3 Reasons you need a script
[08:16] - How to write your Christmas Day script
[13:19] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for making a Christmas Morning basket
[15:59] - What’s on our to-do lists this week
[17:42] - Our Nice Lists
Resources:
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 12 - How to Use a Task Docket to Make Managing your Holiday To-Dos Easy PeasyEpisode 13 - Holiday Housekeeping: How a December Upkeep Plan Will Save Your SanityShow Notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/hh-podcast/holiday-planning-script/
Mentioned in this episode:
Take our FREE holiday profile quiz at https://quiz.theholidayheadstart.com/
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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In this episode, we tackle the stress that comes with the holiday season and explore proactive strategies to manage overwhelm. Instead of waiting for the inevitable meltdown, we’ll discuss how to build a plan that simplifies your responsibilities while ensuring your home stays functional and festive. From revisiting your personal holiday values to crafting a Minimum Upkeep Plan (MUP), you’ll walk away with practical tools to navigate the season with more joy and less chaos.
If you have the Holiday Headstart Playbook, grab it now to follow along. Don’t have it yet? Download it here.
Highlights from the episode:
[01:00] - Tradition Spotlight on Grinch Dinner
[09:43] - What a Minimum Upkeep Plan (MUP) is and why it’s essential during December
[13:54] - Cleaning styles: Beat-the-Buzzer, One-and-Done, and Bespoke Cleaning
[14:57] - Tools and pages in the Holiday Headstart Playbook to streamline your routines
[16:31] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for planning for Winter Break
[17:37] - What’s on our to-do lists this week
[18:49] - Our Nice Lists
Resources:
Muslim man celebrates first ChristmasGrinch PlaylistBook Club HotelMDesign Shower CaddyGrab 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 PlanningShow Notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/hh-podcast/holiday-housekeeping-december-upkeep-plan/
Mentioned in this episode:
Take our FREE holiday profile quiz at https://quiz.theholidayheadstart.com/
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In today's episode, we are diving into the festive yet sometimes daunting task of holiday planning. From managing the expectations and potential pitfalls of putting up your Christmas tree to smart strategies for tackling your gift lists and holiday checklists, we've got you covered. Learn how to streamline your holiday tasks with our unique approach to task dockets, helping you to turn overwhelming lists into manageable actions. Plus, discover a fun tip for getting a head start on next year's plans. Get ready to embrace an organized and joyful holiday season with practical tips and ready-made strategies!
Highlights from the episode:
[01:09] - Tradition Spotlight on decorating the tree
[04:38] - Introduction to the Task Docket
[09:22] - Filling out your to-do lists
[16:05] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for getting ahead on your decorating
[18:05] - What’s on our to-do lists this week
[19:34] - Our Nice Lists
Resources:
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 6 - The 5 Step Action Plan for TraditionsEpisode 7 - Unlock the Power of the 3 Cs: Your Ultimate Guide to Holiday PlanningShow Notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/hh-podcast/holiday-tasks-docket/
Mentioned in this episode:
Take our FREE holiday profile quiz at https://quiz.theholidayheadstart.com/
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Welcome back to the Teacher Approved podcast! In today's episode, we're sharing 10 easy steps for starting a new tradition. We discuss the significance of traditions in building a healthy, happy, connected life and provide a comprehensive guide to starting new traditions with purpose and intention.
Plus, stick around for our "Get a Head Start Tip" on planning your holiday sensory experiences and an insight into what we're personally working on this week. Join us as we unfold the magic and reduce the stress of the holiday season.
Highlights from the episode:
[01:03] - Tradition Spotlight on Sinterklaas
[03:58] - Importance of Traditions
[05:56] - 10 Steps for starting a new tradition
[16:45] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for planning your holiday sensorium
[18:28] - What’s on our to-do lists this week
[20:17] - Our Nice Lists
Resources:
Really Big Coloring Book Faking ChristmasBook Buddy app Touch of Dutch 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 6 - The 5 Step Action Plan for TraditionsShow Notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/hh-podcast/create-new-holiday-traditions
Mentioned in this episode:
Take our FREE holiday profile quiz at https://quiz.theholidayheadstart.com/
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Managing the Christmas Elf tradition can feel daunting, especially as the holidays get busy. In this episode, we explore a 5-step process to create Elf Magic that keeps things joyful and manageable. With the help of our Elf Magic Made Easy planner, we’re giving you the tools to make elf planning a plug-and-play experience.
Join us as we explore the magic of holiday traditions and share creative tips for managing them without stress. Make it a season full of joy for both you and your family!
Highlights from the episode:
[01:11] - Tradition Spotlight on Stir-Up Sunday
[06:19] - Step 1 for Creating Elf Magic: Clarify Your Mindset
[08:09] - Step 2 for Creating Elf Magic: Build Your Framework
[10:47] - Step 3 for Creating Elf Magic: Know Your Limits
[13:19] - Step 4 for Creating Elf Magic: Gather Your Ideas
[16:06] - Step 5 for Creating Elf Magic: Make Your Plans
[18:19] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for recording Elf memories
[20:02] - What’s on our to-do lists this week
[21:41] - Our Nice Lists
Resources:
Elf Magic Made Easy PlannerGrab The Holiday Headstart PlaybookHot Fudge Pudding CakeLivLab BinsSanta's First ChristmasTake 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 6 - The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Holiday TraditionsShow Notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/hh-podcast/elf-on-the-shelf
Mentioned in this episode:
Take our FREE holiday profile quiz at https://quiz.theholidayheadstart.com/
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In this episode, we reflect on where we stand with our holiday preparations. With Halloween behind us and Thanksgiving quickly approaching, this is the perfect moment to pause, celebrate what we've accomplished, and figure out what still needs to be done before Christmas. We follow a simple, three-step process: first, we evaluate our progress so far, then make some course corrections, and finally, create a plan for moving forward.
We share some of our wins, like staying on track with the Holiday Head Start playbook and prepping gifts for our neighbors. There are things we wish we had done earlier, but we’re managing our expectations and not aiming for perfection. Of course we share plenty of practical tips for how listeners can make their own holidays a little less stressful.
We hope listeners will be encouraged to evaluate their own progress, manage expectations, and consider making Thanksgiving dishes in advance to enjoy more downtime during the holidays.
Highlights from the episode:
[01:15] - Tradition Spotlight on Pie Night
[03:34] - Taking Stock week
[17:17] - Course correcting
[21:39] - Plan for moving forward
[24:06] - Reflection questions for taking stock
[26:04] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for making Thanksgiving dinner in advance
[28:23] - What’s on our to-do lists this week
[29:53] - Our Nice Lists
Resources:
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 SeasonShow Notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/hh-podcast/holiday-prep-check-in
Mentioned in this episode:
Take our FREE holiday profile quiz at https://quiz.theholidayheadstart.com/
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Ready to kick off your holiday baking season? Join us as we dive into the joys and challenges of holiday baking! From long-cherished traditions to finding that perfect recipe, we’re sharing tips and stories to inspire your festive creations.
Not a cooking enthusiast? You're not alone! But there's something magical about holiday treats. Discover how to prioritize your favorite recipes, plan ahead with premade doughs, and balance the joy of baking with the hectic holiday schedule. Plus, a fun chat on festive traditions and our favorite seasonal treats.
Get ready to make your holidays delicious, memorable, and perfectly planned. Tune in to the episode and get all of our tips for creating your personalized holiday baking plan.
Episode Highlights:
[01:01] - Tradition Spotlight on making a meaningful Thanksgiving decoration
[02:30] - Baking memories
[03:44] - Baking priorities
[07:28] - Making a baking plan
[18:32] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for making upcoming grocery lists
[20:00] - What’s on our to-do lists this week
[22:10] - Our Nice Lists
Links & Resources:
Hallmark Better Together Plush CharactersCozy Flameless CandlesGrab 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 5 - How to Organize Your Holiday Gift ListShow Notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/hh-podcast/christmas-baking-game-plan/
Mentioned in this episode:
Take our FREE holiday profile quiz at https://quiz.theholidayheadstart.com/
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The holiday season is just around the corner, and we're here to help you make it your best one yet! In our latest episode of the Teacher Approved podcast, we explore the 3 Cs of Holiday Planning: Calendaring, Confirming, and Coordinating. These are your secret weapons for turning holiday chaos into a well-orchestrated holiday celebration!
Get those important holiday events on your calendar now so you won't miss out on the magic. Remember, it's not about scheduling a perfect December, but about ensuring you enjoy what's truly important to you.
Stay ahead by keeping everyone in the loop. Whether you're hosting a party or coordinating family gatherings, early communication is key!
Discover how to collaborate effectively with family and friends to make the holiday season smooth and enjoyable for all.
For those who love a good planning system, check out the Holiday Headstart Playbook for seamless scheduling. Transform chaos into coordinated Christmas cheer!
Episode Highlights:
[01:02] - Tradition Spotlight on Halloween Fashion Show
[03:42] - Using the 3 Cs to ensure holiday plans become reality
[04:10] - Calendaring
[10:50] - Confirming
[12:01] - Coordinating
[13:52] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for creating a Holiday Command Center to optimize holiday planning
[15:17] - What’s on our to-do lists this week
[16:38] - Our Nice Lists
Links & Resources:
Grab The Holiday Headstart PlaybookTake the Holiday Profile quizVelvetizer from Hotel ChocolatBlue Lily Candles on EtsyFollow 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 6 - The 5 Step Action Plan for TraditionsShow Notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/hh-podcast/guide-to-holiday-planning/
Mentioned in this episode:
Take our FREE holiday profile quiz at https://quiz.theholidayheadstart.com/
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In this exciting episode, we're diving into the planning and preparation of holiday traditions. Have you ever considered all the details that go into planning traditions or activities? We have! And our Holiday Headstart Action Plan is the perfect tool for getting all the details out of your head and into reality. Join us as we put our Action Plan into action and use it to plan our new Reindeer Games Tradition.
We walk through the big details (when and where is this happening?) and the tiny details (are we going to have enough pretzels?) to make sure that we’ve accounted for all the ups and downs that come with planning a family activity.
We also reflect on last year's highlights and explore new ideas to make this year’s event even more memorable. Stay tuned for tips on managing holiday traditions, fun activities, and how to maintain a low-stress, high-fun environment. Let’s get a head start on making this holiday season unforgettable!
Highlights from the episode:
[01:21] - Tradition Spotlight on offering potatoes to trick-or-treaters
[02:45] - Diving into holiday activities and traditions
[04:15] - Our 5-step action plan
[06:52] - Planning our Reindeer Games tradition
[23:05] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for creating a Need To Know box (this can be a real lifesaver!)
[25:16] - What’s on our to-do lists this week
[26:48] - Our Nice Lists
Resources:
Filtered ShowerheadShark Hair DryerCanistersGrab 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 5 - Making a Plan for Gift GivingShow Notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/hh-podcast/action-plan-for-holiday-traditions/
Mentioned in this episode:
Take our FREE holiday profile quiz at https://quiz.theholidayheadstart.com/
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In this episode, we explain how to approach holiday gift giving with an intentional plan. Our Holiday Headstart method includes:
Listing and categorizing recipients.Deciding who will receive single or multiple gifts.Determining the type of gift each person will receive—personal, thoughtful, or friendly.We explain how to use the "Holiday Head Start Playbook" for detailed organization. And we share a tip for inventorying the gifts you already bought before your holiday shopping ramps up.
Episode Highlights:
[01:20] - Tradition Spotlight on Emily’s Harry Potter dinner
[05:48] - Your “Who To Give To” List
[11:29] - 3 Tiers of Gifts - personal gift, thoughtful gift, or friendly gift
[13:53] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for inventorying your gift stash
[15:06] - What’s on our to-do lists this week
[17:15] - Our Nice Lists
Links & Resources:
Paprika Recipe Manager AppGrab 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 - Crafting your values for a more meaningful holidayShow Notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/hh-podcast/making-a-plan-for-gift-giving
Mentioned in this episode:
Take our FREE holiday profile quiz at https://quiz.theholidayheadstart.com/
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In this episode of "The Holiday Headstart," we identify and organize our core holiday values using a structured exercise from our Holiday Headstart Playbook. Then we use our values to craft a purpose statement to help guide our holiday planning.
Episode highlights:
[01:04] - Tradition Spotlight on Fall Drives
[05:21] - Starting with the Why of planning
[14:17] - Writing a Holiday Purpose Statement
[21:37] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for scheduling time to plan
[24:13] - What’s on our to-do lists this week
[25:55] - Our Nice Lists
Resources:
Only Murders In The BuildingThe Peek Nest AppGrab 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 3 - How to Plan Your Ideal HolidayShow notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/hh-podcast/meaningful-christmas-values/
Mentioned in this episode:
Take our FREE holiday profile quiz at https://quiz.theholidayheadstart.com/
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Have you ever thought about what truly matters to you during the holiday season? Sometimes as adults, we end up with default holidays instead of our ideal holidays, especially at Christmas! For example, maybe your Christmas celebrations are full of traditions that you grew up with, or traditions that you see others doing, but they don’t really bring you enjoyment.
On this podcast, we want to create space that helps you create a clear vision of what it would look like to have the kind of holiday that you look forward to celebrating. The first step in crafting this vision, and making it a reality, is to take our Holiday Profile Quiz.
This quiz will clearly identify what matters most to you when it comes to the holidays…and what matters the least! Then you will be able to start planning your ideal holiday. It’s never too early to start your holiday preparation!
Episode Highlights:
[01:00] - Thinking about different Christmas traditions
[02:54] - How to figure out your full holiday profile
[06:51] - Important conversations to have with your loved ones to ensure the holidays are enjoyable for everyone
[09:23] - Our “Get A Headstart Tip” for adding to your wallet now to help with holiday spending later
[11:59] - What’s on our to-do list this week
Links & Resources:
Gramercy Rolling CartGame: Cover Your AssetsFollow on Instagram @theholidayheadstart Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!Show Notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/hh-podcast/plan-your-ideal-holiday/
Mentioned in this episode:
Take our FREE holiday profile quiz at https://quiz.theholidayheadstart.com/
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Having intentions to make the holidays feel special and actually bringing your ideas to life are two very different things! Whether you tend to leave things to the last minute, let overwhelm take over, or struggle to be present for the moments that matter most, we can relate.
There was a time where we resisted the need to plan ahead for holidays, but now we want to help you learn from our mistakes. Just like we created our own curriculum for the classroom when we saw a need, we’ve mastered the art of systems for holiday prep.
In today’s episode, we’re sharing how we discovered a need for step-by-step holiday prep that keeps stress levels down. Plus, you’ll hear how to utilize Pinterest for getting organized without getting overwhelmed.
Episode Highlights:
[01:03] - Why we care so much about planning and preparing for the holidays
[02:42] - How we learned to keep stress levels down during holiday planning
[07:43] - A “get a headstart tip” for using Pinterest to get organized
[11:09] - What’s on our to-do list this week
Links & Resources:
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, by Beth BrowerSomebody Feed Phil on NetflixFollow on Instagram @theholidayheadstart Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!Show Notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/hh-podcast/holiday-planning-mistakes-episode/
Mentioned in this episode:
Take our FREE holiday profile quiz at https://quiz.theholidayheadstart.com/
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Welcome to the very first episode of The Holiday Headstart, where we help you plan and prepare for all your celebrations so that you can truly enjoy them! We love any excuse to celebrate, so we’ll be covering so much more than major holidays like Christmas.
We know it’s Spring, but trust us, this is actually the perfect time to start preparing for the holiday season. Inside this episode, we dive into the power of traditions, the benefits of planning your holidays early and share a practical tip for organizing your holiday lists.
Don’t forget to tap the follow or subscribe button in your podcast listening app so that you never miss an upcoming episode. We can’t wait to share more holiday prep with you in the weeks to come!
Episode Highlights:
[00:50] - Welcome to the show
[02:36] - Where so many of us go wrong in our planning
[03:47] - This week’s “get a headstart” tip to help you keep track of your lists
[05:28] - What we’re working on this week to get ahead
[07:00] - What’s made it on our nice list this week
Links & Resources:
Ready or Not, by Cara BastoneNamponsFollow on Instagram @theholidayheadstartLeave us a review on Apple Podcasts!Show Notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/hh-podcast/plan-your-holidays-early/
Mentioned in this episode:
Take our FREE holiday profile quiz at https://quiz.theholidayheadstart.com/
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Holidays are great, but the stress that comes with them? Not so much.
It’s time for a change! Welcome to The Holiday Headstart, the podcast that’s here to revolutionize the way you approach your celebrations!
We’re your hosts, Heidi and Emily. We’re two sisters and former elementary school teachers who are on a mission to help you reclaim the joy in your holidays.
On this podcast, you’ll learn how to master the art of planning and prep to ensure that the days that make life special don’t become the days that make you stressed. We’ll share our secrets for getting ahead with all your holiday planning, from Christmas to Birthdays, and everything in between.
Don’t forget to follow or subscribe within your listening app so you never miss an episode!
Join us on Instagram and be part of the conversation @theholidayheadstart.
