If you're like many people, every year you dream of the perfect Christmas. The house is decorated beautifully, the light strands all work and don't get tangled, each gift is thoughtfully purchased and wrapped weeks in advance without blowing your budget, the holiday meal is divine, and thank you cards are promptly sent out before New Year's Day arrives. However, reality often has you stressed out, battling the crowds at the mall on Christmas Eve, staying up all night to wrap everything, burning dinner because you were too tired to remember the timer, and losing your thank you note list before the end of the day. This year, take steps to organize your holiday season so you can truly enjoy the magic of Christmastime. Here's a few ideas to get you started.
* Create a holiday binder. Three-ring binders are inexpensive and you can even order them with customized designs. In this binder you will organize everything. It doesn't have to be perfect, you'll have plenty of time to tweak it later. For now simply add some paper, dividers, and an envelope.
* Divide and conquer. Within your notebook, create a section for keeping track of holiday items. You'll want sections for gifts, decorations, menus, events, and anything else you want to keep track of.
* Gifts. During this time of year, we are buying and wrapping masses of presents. It's easy to lose track and purchase the same thing twice or forget someone. In this section of your holiday binder, make a list of everyone for whom you're purchasing a gift. Include how much you want to spend on each person and maybe even a few ideas for them. Take this list with you when you go to the store and stick with it. After you've purchased an item, mark down the amount and check them off the list. Place all receipts in your envelope.
* Decorations. Holiday décor often ends up in a box in the basement or garage. If you haven't labeled it, you're stuck with the task of locating one box among many. Do yourself a favor and get a festive red and green storage bin to keep your décor in; it will make it much easier to find. Now, in your decorations section, write down what décor goes in each room. This way you won't have to remember every year where you put everything. Also in this section make a note of anything you want to add or replace for next year. The day after Christmas is a great time to stock up on holiday décor.
* Menus. Do you cook the same dishes every year? Why not compile all those recipes into one spot? In this section, you can also make up a list of everything you'll need to make those dishes. Having a list makes it easy to check your pantry for what you have and what you'll need. Shopping early allows you to watch for the best deals on all your holiday favorites. And you won't get stuck driving around on Christmas Eve looking for canned pumpkin.
* Events. Every year around this time, holiday events abound. There are Christmas tree lightings, light shows, tastings, concerts, and more. These are often printed in your local newspaper or found online. Having a current list of these offerings gives you a selection of activities to choose from throughout the Christmas season. When your out-of-town guests want something to do at the last minute, you'll be able to flip to this section and see what's happening that night.
* Divide and conquer. Within your notebook, create a section for keeping track of holiday items. You'll want sections for gifts, decorations, menus, events, and anything else you want to keep track of.
* Gifts. During this time of year, we are buying and wrapping masses of presents. It's easy to lose track and purchase the same thing twice or forget someone. In this section of your holiday binder, make a list of everyone for whom you're purchasing a gift. Include how much you want to spend on each person and maybe even a few ideas for them. Take this list with you when you go to the store and stick with it. After you've purchased an item, mark down the amount and check them off the list. Place all receipts in your envelope.
* Decorations. Holiday décor often ends up in a box in the basement or garage. If you haven't labeled it, you're stuck with the task of locating one box among many. Do yourself a favor and get a festive red and green storage bin to keep your décor in; it will make it much easier to find. Now, in your decorations section, write down what décor goes in each room. This way you won't have to remember every year where you put everything. Also in this section make a note of anything you want to add or replace for next year. The day after Christmas is a great time to stock up on holiday décor.
* Menus. Do you cook the same dishes every year? Why not compile all those recipes into one spot? In this section, you can also make up a list of everything you'll need to make those dishes. Having a list makes it easy to check your pantry for what you have and what you'll need. Shopping early allows you to watch for the best deals on all your holiday favorites. And you won't get stuck driving around on Christmas Eve looking for canned pumpkin.
* Events. Every year around this time, holiday events abound. There are Christmas tree lightings, light shows, tastings, concerts, and more. These are often printed in your local newspaper or found online. Having a current list of these offerings gives you a selection of activities to choose from throughout the Christmas season. When your out-of-town guests want something to do at the last minute, you'll be able to flip to this section and see what's happening that night.
This may seem like a lot of work but a little preparation will go a long way. Take care of these things while December is still fresh and you'll be able to relax and enjoy the holidays with your family. What are you waiting for? Go get started organizing!
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