Why You Should Plan for Next Summer Now and A Free Printable
It’s officially September and despite my previous attempts to realign society’s understanding of the seasons, Fall is officially here. Ok, maybe not officially, but even a glance at social media or a craft store will let you know that summer is over.
I’m not letting go so easily. I’m going to enjoy every last moment of sunshine and warm weather before a long, cold, grey winter arrives. But, the swimming pool is closed for the season, the kids are back at school and the temperature in the evening is beginning to dip. So yeah, I guess summer is over.
I’m probably not alone in saying that this past summer flew by. I know we always say that, but for our family, it seemed particularly true. July was a blur. August went by in a flash. We had an amazing summer, but there were so many things that I wanted to do that didn’t get accomplished.
So, this week, I’m borrowing from a holiday tradition of mine and I’m making my Summer 2020 bucket/goals list now. Let me explain:
A few years back, during the first week of January (officially still the Christmas liturgical season) I realized that the Christmas season (both the commercialized version, as well as Advent and most of actual Christmas) had passed too quickly. We had traveled, visited with friends and family, enjoyed beautiful meals and liturgy, but it hadn’t felt intentional.
Do you know what I mean? It was one of those seasons of life when you get on the “treadmill” of to-do lists and google calendars and suddenly a few weeks later you find yourself wondering where the time went. Or, you’re kicking yourself because you spent too much time worrying about trivial stuff and not enough time being in the moment. Or, somewhere between the choir concert and the orchestra concert and oops I forgot to light the Advent candles again, you realize you meant to send Christmas cards that year.
I decided to be a bit more intentional and organized the following season and I sat down to write myself a letter. I quickly jotted down some goals and reminders for the next holiday season and stuck it on the top of the decorations box to be opened the day after Thanksgiving the following November. It worked. If you’d like to hear more about the process, let me know in the comments.
Fast forward to this week and my plan is to do the same thing for next summer. I’ll include a few logistical things I want to remember (plan to stay in town for sailing camp and not drive back and forth), a few goals (more picnics), and “bucket list” items: camping, vacation ideas, etc.
You could write down summer dinner ideas that worked well or a reminder to schedule family photos on the beach. The point is, think about what would make next summer more successful, stress-free and fun. Then write it down. You can stick it in an envelope on the top of the sand toys you’re getting ready to pack away. Or, you stash it somewhere safe and write a note in your planner. Just remember to read it.
Consider reading it in January in case any items need early planning, like a vacation or camp. Then, get it out again a week or two before Memorial Day and see if last year’s intentions still match this year’s reality.
The point is, be intentional. Do a little planning now while the memories of what worked and what didn’t are still fresh in your mind. A full calendar year of life, school, work, etc. tends to dull the memory of last year’s success and failures. Write it down now and be all the happier that you did next summer!
A blank sheet of paper would work, but if you’re in need a bit more format, check out the free printable below to help you get started with your summer 2020 planning:
