Fall is one of my favorite times of year, especially as a fantasy romance writer working on my Seasonally Spellbound Series. The crisp air, the festive decorations, and the excitement of Halloween and Thanksgiving provide endless inspiration. But as much as I love the magic of this season, it can be overwhelming to balance holiday prep with my writing schedule. Between decorating the house for Halloween, planning Thanksgiving meals, and staying on top of homemaking tasks, finding time to write requires a bit of planning—and a lot of flexibility!
Here’s how I’m managing to write during this festive season while keeping my home ready for the holidays:
1. Organize Your Holiday Tasks with Themed Lists
One of the best ways I stay on track is by organizing my holiday tasks into categories. I create separate lists for each holiday, which helps me see what needs to be done without feeling overwhelmed. For example, I have a “Halloween Haunt” list for decorations and party prep and a “Thankful Tasks” list for Thanksgiving meal planning and cleaning. This approach not only keeps me organized but also makes it fun to tackle my to-dos when they’re themed for the season.
Advice: Write out your holiday tasks at the start of each week. Whether it’s buying Halloween candy or planning a Thanksgiving menu, having it written down helps you stay focused and accountable.
2. Plan Ahead for Major Holiday Events
When it comes to bigger events, like hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or throwing a Halloween party, I map out my deadlines well in advance. I set specific dates for tasks like putting up Halloween decorations or finalizing the Thanksgiving menu. By planning these out early, I avoid the last-minute scramble, which leaves me more time to focus on my writing.
Advice: Use a planner to schedule when you’ll tackle holiday-related chores. If you know you’ll be busy the week of Thanksgiving, for instance, front-load your writing during less hectic weeks so you can enjoy the festivities guilt-free.
3. Stick to a Consistent Writing Routine
Even with the holiday buzz, I try to stick to my regular writing routine, especially in the mornings. I find that if I can write for just an hour every morning, I can still make progress on my Seasonally Spellbound Series, even when the rest of the day is full of holiday prep. Some days, my writing session is short—just 500 words—but it keeps the momentum going.
Advice: Protect your writing time like any other important appointment. Whether it’s early in the morning or late at night, carving out that time will help you stay connected to your creative work during the busiest parts of the season.
4. Blend Holiday Prep with Writing Inspiration
As a fantasy writer, the fall season offers endless creative fuel. Decorating for Halloween and planning Thanksgiving meals often inspires new ideas for my characters and stories. For example, while setting up spooky decor, I might get inspired for a scene in my witchy romance. Or while thinking about Thanksgiving, I might dream up a magical, cozy dinner between my characters.
Advice: Let the holiday atmosphere feed your creativity. Whether you’re writing a Halloween scene or a cozy Thanksgiving chapter, allow the energy of the season to inspire your work.
5. Delegate Tasks Where You Can
This is one I’m still learning to master, but delegating holiday tasks can be a game-changer. Involving my family in decorating or meal planning has given me a little more breathing room for writing. For instance, while my child helps with simple decorations, I can use that time to jot down ideas or write a few sentences.
Advice: Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s enlisting family members to pitch in with holiday chores or ordering pre-made items to save time, it’s okay to lighten your load to make room for creativity.
6. Use Holiday-Themed Writing Prompts
On days when I’m pulled in a million directions, it can be hard to focus on writing. When that happens, I use seasonal writing prompts to get my creative juices flowing. Halloween and Thanksgiving are perfect for inspiring magical or romantic moments in my stories. Even if I’m short on time, jotting down a quick, holiday-themed scene helps me stay connected to my writing.
Advice: If you’re feeling scattered, try using holiday prompts to spark your imagination. Write about a spooky Halloween party or a magical Thanksgiving dinner—anything that connects to the season and your creative world.
Final Thoughts
Balancing holiday prep with writing can be challenging, but with a little organization and a lot of planning ahead, it’s absolutely doable. By staying consistent with my writing routine, using the holidays as inspiration, and delegating tasks when I can, I’ve found a way to enjoy the festive season while still making progress on my creative work. And remember, it’s okay to slow down during the holidays—every word you write adds up, no matter how busy life gets.
If you’re also juggling holiday prep with your creative projects, I’d love to hear how you’re finding balance this season! Leave a comment below and share your tips for staying productive during the fall holidays.
Elizabeth Yuen 