Become organized this Christmas
For most of us, we are so busy living our lives that we forget
just how quickly Christmas is upon us.
Here is a list of 6 simple strategies to help you be organized
this Christmas and enjoy the festive season.
1. Take the time to plan ahead this Christmas. Set aside a
morning in the last week of December or first week in November.
Get yourself a cup of coffee a notepad and pen. Take the phone
off the hook, organize the children so you aren't interrupted
and take half an hour to make lists for the following:
(a) Gift giving (b) Christmas Cards (c) Christmas Decorating
2. First let's deal with the Card List Now that you have written
out the Christmas card list, when you shop next buy the required
amount of Christmas cards.
The following day divide your list into say 5, and then over the
next 5 days write out your Christmas cards until the list is
complete. In the last week of November post out your cards.
3. The Gift Giving List This project is a little bigger than the
last, however if you are organized it can be fun and done in a
couple of weeks.
Sit down and go through the list of people you will be giving or
sending a gift to this year. If you have family or friends who
will need their gifts sent through the mail then they need to be
put at the top of the list as you will want to take care of
their presents first. (Aim to post their presents within the
next two weeks)
If you have been buying gifts throughout the year go through the
gifts and assign them to the appropriate people on your list.
(Shopping for Christmas at sale time is an excellent idea as it
makes the burden a lot easier and also helps with the family
budget).
Take a look again at your list, no doubt you have whittled away
a few of those names. If you have presents that haven't been
assigned in the Christmas gift box leave these in case you have
forgotten someone or a friend drops around, then you have
something to give to them.
For the remaining names I break these into smaller lists.
Presents that need to be purchased and presents that I can make.
I personally think that giving a present made by you is
something special. Now before you say... I can't make anything
have you thought about a "gift basket" or "gifts in a jar". They
are very easy and simple to make; they look fantastic and are
always well received by the recipient.
4. With list in hand - Go Shopping This can be as easy as going
to your favorite website and ordering your presents so they are
delivered to your door. Otherwise, head off to your local
shopping mall and buy only those presents that you have on your
list.
If you have decided to make your own gift baskets here are a few
simple and easy suggestions.
For a family gift make a nice Christmas-themed cookie jar. Fill
it with Christmas candy or cookies! Every year when the family
gets out the Christmas cookie jar, they will think of you!
Grandparents love to receive anything that grandchildren make.
Do a video of the children, include a bath time, them reading or
playing at school. A few minutes taken over a month or two will
make an interesting video. How about a collage of photos of the
grandchildren!. The children can help with this project.
A coffee cup filled with a coffee blend, some chocolate and DVD.
How about a pampering gift basket for mom or your sister?
5. Wrapping
A time saving tip...when you return from shopping, wrap and
label as many gifts as you can and store them away until the
"big day".
Presents that are being posted, need to be wrapped and posted
ASAP.
6. Christmas Decorations
Personally I hate dragging the decorations out each year and
putting up the tree. But the look on my son's face when the
house and tree have been decorated is worth the effort.
Each year when you are putting away the decorations, make sure
they are working. If not, throw them out - don't pack broken or
unwanted items. I add an item to the tree each year for my young
son. This allows us to reminisce about what has happened over
the last year and spend some quality family time together.
Put aside an afternoon and make a decoration with your children
it doesn't have to be expensive. I have little boxes under the
tree that have their hand prints and a special message.
Lastly enjoy Christmas. With a little bit of planning, everyone
can participate in wrapping presents, giving the presents and
mostly, enjoying the family time together.