Every December, holiday to-do lists start out looking innocent enough. A few gifts to buy. Cards to send. A tree to decorate. But like a strand of lights tucked in the attic all year, the second you touch them, they seem to knot themselves into something bigger. That’s because your holiday to-do list has a secret life.
Here are a few timely insights from Sarah Robinson of HUM Concierge.
Secret #1: One task isn’t really one task. “Buy teacher gifts” sounds simple, but between brainstorming, shopping, wrapping, and delivering, that “quick errand” can eat up three hours.
Secret #2: Every errand has hidden travel time. That “10-minute return” can stretch to 90 minutes once you factor in traffic, parking, and lines. Multiply that a few times, and you’ve lost a full day.
Secret #3: Some tasks multiply overnight. Holiday cards look harmless, but after picking the design, tracking down addresses, and mailing, you’ve spent four to six hours — not to mention capturing the perfect family photo.
Secret #4: Procrastination adds hours (and dollars). Last-minute travel or catering can mean hours of juggling flights, vendors, and backup plans — plus higher costs.
Secret #5: Every list item carries emotional weight. Decorating may sound like fun, but hauling boxes, untangling lights, and fussing over placement can easily stretch into a full weekend. All those “quick” tasks add up fast — often 60 to 80 hours of hidden work in an already packed December.
The trick, Sarah says, is to be honest about what really matters. Make a list. Circle the things that bring you the most joy, let go of what’s nonessential, and hand off tasks when you can. Because the holidays were never meant to be a checklist — they’re meant to be lived.
That’s where HUM Concierge comes in. Whether it’s wrapping and delivering gifts, handling returns, shopping, coordinating catering, or taking errands off your plate entirely, Sarah and her team help make the season smoother and more magical — so you can spend more time making memories with the people you love most.
Learn more about HUM Through the Holidays services at humconcierge.com.