Every year, friends ask how I manage to enjoy the holidays and still get it all done. My honest answer: planning. A simple plan does the heavy lifting so you can focus on what actually matters.

I start early and map the details so little things don’t turn into big emergencies. (Yes, I’ve lost the scissors mid-wrap more times than I care to admit.) I rent what saves time, ask for help when it makes sense, and protect a few quiet moments so I don’t run out of steam. That rhythm—calm, prepared, and still full of joy—is what I call Grace Under Garland.

Let’s be honest, the holidays can feel like a marathon with twinkling lights. Calendars fill up, lists multiply, and somehow the oven timer always knows when you’ve sat down. That’s why a clear plan is my secret weapon. It keeps the chaos in check, saves time and money, and leaves space for joy.

I’m sharing my foolproof plan—the same checklist I use every year—to help you glide through the season with ease and intention.

Here’s to a season that feels joyful because you planned for it. Wishing you a little Grace Under Garland.