Showing posts with label Get Organized Now for Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Get Organized Now for Christmas. Show all posts
Monday, October 12, 2009
Christmas Before Halloween
Why start thinking about Christmas even before Halloween? Every wonderful experience starts with a vision. In October, we're going to figure out what our holiday season will look like and we'll take November to make it happen.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 23 - Gifts, Gifts, Gifts
The greatest gift is a portion of thyself.
~~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~~
Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients
of a truly merry Christmas.
~~ Peg Bracken ~~
You don't have to be rich to share lavish gifts. Gifts created are usually he most treasured.
Paint It
Buy a plain shirt and print/paint on it. Or make a iron-on via an ink jet printer. Create your own design on the computer or use a favorite picture.
Monogram It
Use the sewing machine to create a monogram using the recipient’s initials and add the monogram to a set of bath towels.
Bake It
Give cookies and breads. Buy or recycle seasonal containers -- boxes, tins, etc. -- and package your homemade goodies.
Cook It
Offer to make one meal a month for a single-parent family. Double your recipes for a few days and put the extra in the freezer. When needed, unthaw the dinner and deliver to your friends.
Be It
Give some of your time. Offer to drive an elderly neighbor to an appointment. Offer to shovel the sidewalk for your grandfather. Offer to help with the Christmas decorations for a handicapped friend. Offer to read a story or two at the local library. Offer to teach a class at your local church.
Donate It
Drop off the kids' extra toys and books to the library, doctor's office, or Head Start classroom.
Donate It Again
Make a donation in someone’s name. If the person you would buy for has plenty and does not need or want more, give a donation in their name.
Carol It
Get a few friends or family together and set up a time to go to the local hospital or senior citizen's center and sing Christmas carols. The patients/residents don't care if you sing off-key.
Craft It
There are many crafts to make and create. Below is a very brief list from the 1000s of sites on the Internet.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 22 - Involve the Whole Family
Ask each person in your household questions about Christmas, such as:
What is your favorite Christmas food?
What is your favorite Christmas activity?
What is your favorite Christmas song?
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
When you compile the answers, it will give you ideas about what is important to those closest to you. You might just be surprised at what makes the holidays special to those around you. With this information you might want change some things. For example, if it is important to the children to have a movie night as a family activity and not go ice skating, save the money and rent a Christmas movie and enjoy the evening together as a family.
By asking the above questions you can create a Christmas celebration around things everyone in the family enjoys and not just what you think they want to do.
What can your family help you with? Have the kids help make the Christmas goodies with you -- will they be perfect -- no, is that OK -- yes. Have the teenagers help with running errands. Have your husband help with wrapping gifts. This is one way to help reduce your Christmas stress . . . just let go and involve your family.
What is your favorite Christmas food?
What is your favorite Christmas activity?
What is your favorite Christmas song?
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
When you compile the answers, it will give you ideas about what is important to those closest to you. You might just be surprised at what makes the holidays special to those around you. With this information you might want change some things. For example, if it is important to the children to have a movie night as a family activity and not go ice skating, save the money and rent a Christmas movie and enjoy the evening together as a family.
By asking the above questions you can create a Christmas celebration around things everyone in the family enjoys and not just what you think they want to do.
What can your family help you with? Have the kids help make the Christmas goodies with you -- will they be perfect -- no, is that OK -- yes. Have the teenagers help with running errands. Have your husband help with wrapping gifts. This is one way to help reduce your Christmas stress . . . just let go and involve your family.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 21 - Traditions
What is it about traditions, especially Christmas traditions, that make them so important to us? We all help decorate the big traditional tree, we bake the same cookies every year, we read Christmas stories or do a small activity every night in December . . . the list goes on and on.
Traditions provide great value. Family traditions provide great value, and the value lasts far beyond the moment. The value of a tradition isn't in completing the ritual; the value comes from what it provides for those who participate.
Traditions provide stability. Activities that are observed year in and year out become a means by which family members can build trust and security. Regardless of what else may happen, the traditions will not change. So much in our lives these days is temporary. Family traditions provide something for every person to hold on to and to rely upon.
Traditions give us a sense of identity. They are one of the things that make us unique to other families. I remember reading about a person who recalled his childhood Christmas traditions. The writer was clearly moved by thoughts of his mother's Ambrosia Salad that was served every Christmas Eve. In this article, he commented that he experienced a "normal American Christmas." For him, Ambrosia Salad was the crowning glory of Christmas.
Although our Christmas traditions may have some commonality with other families, each household still has their own way of living out those traditions. That is what is so special about them. Each family's unique twist is what gives that family its identity and helps the members bond with one another. Ethnic foods, decorations, special activities, all help families become distinctive.
Traditions provide continuity between generations. It can be difficult to keep up with extended family members these days, and, of course, it is impossible to touch those who are long gone. But traditions create a bridge between the young and the old, between the past and the present. We have some Christmas decorations that have been passed down through the years. What better way for the generations to mix and mingle than over a table laden with foods made from well-loved family recipes?
Traditions provide goodness for families. We can build memories and share stories so that we draw near to one another.
With everything there is to do these days, how can a family determine which activities ought to become traditions?
Here are some tips to help you figure out what will work best for you:
Traditions provide great value. Family traditions provide great value, and the value lasts far beyond the moment. The value of a tradition isn't in completing the ritual; the value comes from what it provides for those who participate.
Traditions provide stability. Activities that are observed year in and year out become a means by which family members can build trust and security. Regardless of what else may happen, the traditions will not change. So much in our lives these days is temporary. Family traditions provide something for every person to hold on to and to rely upon.
Traditions give us a sense of identity. They are one of the things that make us unique to other families. I remember reading about a person who recalled his childhood Christmas traditions. The writer was clearly moved by thoughts of his mother's Ambrosia Salad that was served every Christmas Eve. In this article, he commented that he experienced a "normal American Christmas." For him, Ambrosia Salad was the crowning glory of Christmas.
Although our Christmas traditions may have some commonality with other families, each household still has their own way of living out those traditions. That is what is so special about them. Each family's unique twist is what gives that family its identity and helps the members bond with one another. Ethnic foods, decorations, special activities, all help families become distinctive.
Traditions provide continuity between generations. It can be difficult to keep up with extended family members these days, and, of course, it is impossible to touch those who are long gone. But traditions create a bridge between the young and the old, between the past and the present. We have some Christmas decorations that have been passed down through the years. What better way for the generations to mix and mingle than over a table laden with foods made from well-loved family recipes?
Traditions provide goodness for families. We can build memories and share stories so that we draw near to one another.
With everything there is to do these days, how can a family determine which activities ought to become traditions?
Here are some tips to help you figure out what will work best for you:
- Recognize that some traditions just happen. When my children were young, I started Christmas morning by singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. I hadn't planned on this becoming a tradition; it just happened.
- Traditions need to include everyone. We usually have a quiet Christmas morning with the children and I. Grandparents visit and friends drop by. Activities that can easily accommodate different numbers of people are more apt to make for good traditions. One tradition we observe is reading The Night before Christmas by Clement Clark Moore on Christmas Eve. It is a good time for everyone to quiet down, enjoy being together, and everyone can participate.
- Choose activities that reflect faith. We also read the story of Jesus' birth from the Gospel of Luke on Christmas Eve.
- Choose activities that will serve others. Christmas is a great time to practice generosity. Over the years my children have bought gifts for disadvantaged children, donated books to the local library, baked cookies for the local firefighters, collected hats and mittens for disadvantaged children, provided holiday foods for others, and participated in the Samaritan's Purse program.
- Choose activities that are fun and will relieve stress. This may seem obvious, but sometimes we get caught up in the idea that we need to provide a perfect Christmas for our families. We don't. We need to give them homes that are happy and filled with love and joy. One of the best decisions I ever made was when I decided not to travel from parent to parent to grandparent to grandparent's house (up to 7 houses) on Christmas Day. Every year I panicked as I travelled snow-filled roads to see every family member ON Christmas Day. I finally realized that I was the only one who cared about all of that.
- Choose activities that are easily reproduced year after year. The Lord Himself created the idea of traditions and yearly festivals. In Numbers 28:6 and Deuteronomy 16:1-17, He commanded the people to observe specific holy days and rituals every year. What is important is not that the traditions be elaborate, but rather that they be lived out repeatedly.
All of us have holiday memories. Some of those memories are hard and painful. If a loved one is no longer living, Christmas can be something that is dreaded rather than anticipated. Some of our memories are good as we remember a special gift, a fun event, or a moment when it seemed that all of life came together and we held it in our hands. We cannot plan all of those moments for our families. Through creating and maintaining family traditions, we can offer stability, identity, and continuity to our loved ones. We can look to the past and not be afraid of remembering those who are no longer with us. We can enjoy the present, knowing that we are building strong families. We can look forward to the future, when our children will sit by the fire in their homes and tell stories of their Christmas traditions.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 20 - Mailing
The sooner you mail packages the less money you will have to pay because you can use the longer shipping methods. Consider mailing packages the day after Thanksgiving because the lines at the post office are often short as most people are out shopping.
Remember that if you are late in getting that package mailed you still have the option of Express Mail (overnight) and Priority Mail (1-2 days) and it is guaranteed from the post office to be delivered on time, including Saturday and Sunday. They even deliver on Christmas day but it will cost you more. Check out United States Postal Service site for more information.
Consider condensing gifts into one box if multiple people are going to one location during the holidays. For example, if you and your siblings all go to your parents' home during the holiday season (even if it is not at the same time), send all the gifts to your parents' home instead of each individual family's house. This will save you time and money on shipping!
Purchase your Christmas stamps for cards now before the post office gets busier.
Save on postage by hand delivering cards to friends and others you see on a regular basis. If you still want to send something in the mail consider mailing Christmas postcards.
Remember that if you are late in getting that package mailed you still have the option of Express Mail (overnight) and Priority Mail (1-2 days) and it is guaranteed from the post office to be delivered on time, including Saturday and Sunday. They even deliver on Christmas day but it will cost you more. Check out United States Postal Service site for more information.
Consider condensing gifts into one box if multiple people are going to one location during the holidays. For example, if you and your siblings all go to your parents' home during the holiday season (even if it is not at the same time), send all the gifts to your parents' home instead of each individual family's house. This will save you time and money on shipping!
Purchase your Christmas stamps for cards now before the post office gets busier.
Save on postage by hand delivering cards to friends and others you see on a regular basis. If you still want to send something in the mail consider mailing Christmas postcards.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 19 - Baking
One of my favorite things to do every year is to bake things for other people and to have baked treats at home.
Many cookie doughs, cakes, pies and candies can be made ahead and frozen. Even if you do not want to freeze some items you can mix up the dry ingredients ahead of time and they will be ready for you to mix with the wet ingredients and bake. There are definite time savers that you can put into action for your holiday baking with just a little planning.
It is important to plan. What items do you want to give? Narrow it down to one or two items for person/family to help make baking your gifts a little easier. What type of packaging will you use? How do you plan to deliver the gifts? Add your notes and ideas to your notebook.
When do you plan to deliver/mail your baked gifts? Mark your calendars now.
Plan a day or two to do all of your baking. Schedule an extra day or two in case of scheduling conflicts.
An idea:
Think about organizing a day devoted to this task and involve your family and friends followed with a dinner from the crockpot and a few "samples" from your baking gifts for dessert.
Many cookie doughs, cakes, pies and candies can be made ahead and frozen. Even if you do not want to freeze some items you can mix up the dry ingredients ahead of time and they will be ready for you to mix with the wet ingredients and bake. There are definite time savers that you can put into action for your holiday baking with just a little planning.
It is important to plan. What items do you want to give? Narrow it down to one or two items for person/family to help make baking your gifts a little easier. What type of packaging will you use? How do you plan to deliver the gifts? Add your notes and ideas to your notebook.
When do you plan to deliver/mail your baked gifts? Mark your calendars now.
Plan a day or two to do all of your baking. Schedule an extra day or two in case of scheduling conflicts.
An idea:
Think about organizing a day devoted to this task and involve your family and friends followed with a dinner from the crockpot and a few "samples" from your baking gifts for dessert.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 18 - Crafting
Does this sound like your house . . . fabric piled high in one corner, yarn piled in a basket, soap making supplies spilling off the shelf and scrapbook supplies tower over you? Many of us purchase items to make gifts for others, yet not all of us give the gifts because we do not get around to making these special items.
Now is the time to start planning what you want to make and who to make it for. To help get a handle on your crafting for the holidays here are several steps to follow:
Examine your gift list and mark the people you think would appreciate your handmade gifts from the heart. Be honest with yourself about the people you mark -- not everyone appreciates or values the time and dedication it takes to handcraft a gift.
As you go through your supplies use two boxes to sort your craft supplies. In one box put items you want to use for this year's holiday crafts. In the other one put items you will not use. Take the second box to a senior center, day care center, public library, Girl Scout troop, or preschool where those supplies will get used. It will also clear out much needed space in your house while serving a useful service for a group who could put them to good use.
Make a list of things you would like to make for the holidays. Add this list to your notebook.
Make a list of needed items to complete each craft. Make a notation indicating which items you need to purchase and which you have on hand.
On your calendar select days to work on different crafts to ensure you have your gifts completed by the needed date. Give yourself an extra day or two in case of scheduling conflicts.
Now is the time to start planning what you want to make and who to make it for. To help get a handle on your crafting for the holidays here are several steps to follow:
Examine your gift list and mark the people you think would appreciate your handmade gifts from the heart. Be honest with yourself about the people you mark -- not everyone appreciates or values the time and dedication it takes to handcraft a gift.
As you go through your supplies use two boxes to sort your craft supplies. In one box put items you want to use for this year's holiday crafts. In the other one put items you will not use. Take the second box to a senior center, day care center, public library, Girl Scout troop, or preschool where those supplies will get used. It will also clear out much needed space in your house while serving a useful service for a group who could put them to good use.
Make a list of things you would like to make for the holidays. Add this list to your notebook.
Make a list of needed items to complete each craft. Make a notation indicating which items you need to purchase and which you have on hand.
On your calendar select days to work on different crafts to ensure you have your gifts completed by the needed date. Give yourself an extra day or two in case of scheduling conflicts.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 17 - Traveling
If you plan to travel during the holidays, now is the time to finalize your plans and book your flights & accommodations. Make any other travel arrangements like informing your sister that you are coming, buying a special game for the kids to keep them entertained while traveling, and gathering all your medical cards & medical information (in case of emergency).
Shop now for any accessories you might need during your travel.
Write down your packing list so you don't forget anything. Take the
list with you in your luggage so you remember everything to bring
back home.
Shop now for any accessories you might need during your travel.
Write down your packing list so you don't forget anything. Take the
list with you in your luggage so you remember everything to bring
back home.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 16 - More Christmas Photos
Use these tips to capture great photos of Christmas, Hanukkah, or the mid-winter holiday of your preference.
Whether you are photographing the symbolic subjects of the holidays or your friends and family, get creative. This means paying special attention to how you organize the various elements in each photo. There are two main concepts to keep in mind when composing the scene artistically:
(1.) Off-center your main subject.
Instead of placing your main subject in the center of the scene - with a lot of dead space around it - move your camera until this subject is off to the side. This works especially well if you can balance your main subject with something in the background, on the other side of the picture. For example, if you are photographing a beautiful candle, try placing it on the right with the Christmas tree (or an equivalent supporting element) blurred softly in the background on the left. This will result in a photo that both records the candle in all its beauty and does so in an artistic, creative way.
(2.) Move in close.
Moving in close is the one thing that will make the biggest difference in the success of your picture-taking. The simple fact is the audiences are always more impressed when the subject is huge and impossible to miss. Therefore, you want your subject to fill the frame. Say you are photographing the candle mentioned above, but don't have a Christmas tree (or its equivalent supporting element) in the background. In this case, you might want to instead move in as close as you can. Causing the entire frame to be filled with your subject will inevitably result in a photo that has true impact on your viewer.
Whether you are photographing the symbolic subjects of the holidays or your friends and family, get creative. This means paying special attention to how you organize the various elements in each photo. There are two main concepts to keep in mind when composing the scene artistically:
(1.) Off-center your main subject.
Instead of placing your main subject in the center of the scene - with a lot of dead space around it - move your camera until this subject is off to the side. This works especially well if you can balance your main subject with something in the background, on the other side of the picture. For example, if you are photographing a beautiful candle, try placing it on the right with the Christmas tree (or an equivalent supporting element) blurred softly in the background on the left. This will result in a photo that both records the candle in all its beauty and does so in an artistic, creative way.
(2.) Move in close.
Moving in close is the one thing that will make the biggest difference in the success of your picture-taking. The simple fact is the audiences are always more impressed when the subject is huge and impossible to miss. Therefore, you want your subject to fill the frame. Say you are photographing the candle mentioned above, but don't have a Christmas tree (or its equivalent supporting element) in the background. In this case, you might want to instead move in as close as you can. Causing the entire frame to be filled with your subject will inevitably result in a photo that has true impact on your viewer.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 15 - Christmas Photos
Will you be including Christmas photos of your family with your cards? Do you take annual photos so you can show how big the kids have gotten or how much weight you lost? Plan now! What will you wear? Who will take the photo? Fancy studios are nice, but photos you take yourself are just as pleasant. If going to a studio, get it scheduled today. If doing the photo yourself, check the batteries and get the family together this week to get the photo done so you have time to get the photo printed, purchase frames, etc., for mailing and gifts.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 14 - More Gift Giving
Are you someone who likes to give a little something to everyone? Maybe just a loaf of homemade bread or a jar of jelly.
In your notebook, make a page for homemade gifts, whether it is a plate of cookies, homemade cinnamon ornament, a craft you make, a homemade Christmas card or other small gifts. Under each gift write the names from your gift list that you want to give this special homemade gift to. If you know you want to give 20 people homemade jelly but only have 10 jelly jars you can put the word out to friends that you need 10 jars or be on the watch for them at yard sales.
Homemade Gifts
There are many Internet sites and cookbooks with recipes for homemade mixes/dry mixes to make everything from bean soups to bread mixes to hot chocolate. Put in a jar, fabric gift bag, or cellophane bag.
In your notebook, make a page for homemade gifts, whether it is a plate of cookies, homemade cinnamon ornament, a craft you make, a homemade Christmas card or other small gifts. Under each gift write the names from your gift list that you want to give this special homemade gift to. If you know you want to give 20 people homemade jelly but only have 10 jelly jars you can put the word out to friends that you need 10 jars or be on the watch for them at yard sales.
Homemade Gifts
There are many Internet sites and cookbooks with recipes for homemade mixes/dry mixes to make everything from bean soups to bread mixes to hot chocolate. Put in a jar, fabric gift bag, or cellophane bag.
- Dry Soup Mixes at All Recipes
- Bread and Muffin Mixes at CD Kitchen
- Beverage Mixes at About.com
- Dry Mix Recipes at Bitsey's Kitchen
- Hot Chocolate Mix at Cooks.com
Craft Gifts
There are 10os of Internet sites and craft books with step by step instructions on how to make ornaments with the kids help.
- Christmas Crafts at Christmas Craft Freebies
- Christmas Ornaments at Kaboose
- ChristmasCrafts.com
- A Homemade Christmas at Family Fun
- Christmas Crafts at AmazingMoms.com
Give of Yourself this Christmas
Do you have someone on your list who could use a night of baby sitting, a ride to the grocery store, snow shoveled, or other gifts of time? Many people today would love to have something like this.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 13 - Gift Giving
What does gift giving really mean to you? There are many ways to give gifts during the Christmas season, some require money, but others do not.
Ornaments from your own childhood, ornaments the kids make, photo albums and journals from grandparents, scrapbooks, bags full of things from around the house my children collected together . . . all of these are treasured gifts. When you put a little thought behind your gifts -- most people will be honored no matter what the cost. Christmas should not be about how much money you can spend on someone, but rather how much love is poured into the gift.
Take a look around your house and think about the things that mean a little extra to you and why it has that sentimental value to it. Is there items in your house that people on your gift list would cherish because of a memory they have with the item that you have? If so, consider giving it as a Christmas gift to that person, especially if you are not currently using it. That gift will probably be one of their most cherished gifts this Christmas.
Ornaments from your own childhood, ornaments the kids make, photo albums and journals from grandparents, scrapbooks, bags full of things from around the house my children collected together . . . all of these are treasured gifts. When you put a little thought behind your gifts -- most people will be honored no matter what the cost. Christmas should not be about how much money you can spend on someone, but rather how much love is poured into the gift.
Take a look around your house and think about the things that mean a little extra to you and why it has that sentimental value to it. Is there items in your house that people on your gift list would cherish because of a memory they have with the item that you have? If so, consider giving it as a Christmas gift to that person, especially if you are not currently using it. That gift will probably be one of their most cherished gifts this Christmas.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 12 - Cooking
Flip through the cooking section of your notebook. Take out any recipes you tried that you &/or the family didn't like. Add notes to the recipes you do like, such as 'add more cheese next time' or 'needs more peppermint.'
If you want to try something new for Thanksgiving or Christmas Day, try it now to make sure the family will like it.
If you want to try something new for Thanksgiving or Christmas Day, try it now to make sure the family will like it.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 11 - Camera Ready
Get all those summer photos of vacations and pool time downloaded and off your digital camera to free up the memory for the upcoming school dances, Halloween parties, Thanksgiving feasts, and, of course, Christmas activities and Christmas day.
If you are using a 35mm camera then start buying rolls of film.
If you are using a 35mm camera then start buying rolls of film.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 10 - Shopping Budget
Do you have a place where you keep the gifts you purchase all throughout the year? If you do, I bet you have items in there that are not assigned to anyone yet. I know I do. If this is the case with you, do what I do -- shop from within my home. What exactly does this mean? Before you purchase items at the store, evaluate all the items in your gift closet to see if there is someone on your gift list you can give that gift to. This will save you a trip out to the store, reduces the amount of items in your gift closet, and saves you money.
The sooner you mail packages the less money you will have to pay because you can use the longer shipping method.
Shop using the Internet, catalogs, &/or TV. In today's world you can buy everything from groceries to Christmas trees, from greenery to gifts via these methods. Shop early to avoid having to pay expedited shipping charges. Be sure to search out coupons, deals of the day, and sales to make your shopping dollar go even further.
The sooner you mail packages the less money you will have to pay because you can use the longer shipping method.
Shop using the Internet, catalogs, &/or TV. In today's world you can buy everything from groceries to Christmas trees, from greenery to gifts via these methods. Shop early to avoid having to pay expedited shipping charges. Be sure to search out coupons, deals of the day, and sales to make your shopping dollar go even further.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 9 - General Budgeting
As the economy gets more uncertain everyday some may be dreading Christmas because of what you feel you cannot do because of money issues. Money does not equal a merry Christmas. Having a merry Christmas comes from within . . . Christmas is a time about sharing love and time with family and friends and there are many ways to reduce the cost of the holiday season.
Budget is a word many people want to forget at Christmas-time, but it is an important part of our holiday celebration.
To come up with a realistic figure to work with for holiday shopping this year, crunch your numbers. Be realistic about the amount. Dave Ramsey recommends a plan that I have adapted where you write down all the different things you need to purchase for the Christmas season. Examples may include baking ingredients, photographs, activities, charity donations, church donations, clothing, hostess gifts, decorations, postage,
Christmas cards, and gifts. Add any items items you normally spend money on during the holidays.
Gifts need a sheet all to itself. On your this page, break down the types of
gifts you give, such as, gifts for home, gifts for immediate family outside of home, gifts for extended family, stocking gifts, gifts for friends, gifts for teachers, gifts for church family, etc. This will help give you an idea of everyone you would like to give gifts so you can judge whom to cross off the gift list when money gets tight.
Now that you have your categories, divide up the amount of money you have to spend on Christmas and budget each section out. Your total budget has to match the CASH you have on hand.
Remember that you do not have to spend a lot of money to have a wonderful Christmas season— gifts come in many forms throughout the season.
Budget is a word many people want to forget at Christmas-time, but it is an important part of our holiday celebration.
To come up with a realistic figure to work with for holiday shopping this year, crunch your numbers. Be realistic about the amount. Dave Ramsey recommends a plan that I have adapted where you write down all the different things you need to purchase for the Christmas season. Examples may include baking ingredients, photographs, activities, charity donations, church donations, clothing, hostess gifts, decorations, postage,
Christmas cards, and gifts. Add any items items you normally spend money on during the holidays.
Gifts need a sheet all to itself. On your this page, break down the types of
gifts you give, such as, gifts for home, gifts for immediate family outside of home, gifts for extended family, stocking gifts, gifts for friends, gifts for teachers, gifts for church family, etc. This will help give you an idea of everyone you would like to give gifts so you can judge whom to cross off the gift list when money gets tight.
Now that you have your categories, divide up the amount of money you have to spend on Christmas and budget each section out. Your total budget has to match the CASH you have on hand.
Remember that you do not have to spend a lot of money to have a wonderful Christmas season— gifts come in many forms throughout the season.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 8 - Activity and Event Planning
Get out the calendar and look ahead to all the upcoming events and parties you will be attending.
Make a list of all of the places you are going, especially those places where you'll be expected to bring a dish. List each dish you will be making and gather all of the ingredients. Do you have everything you need? Do the shopping now (or schedule it now) for the missing ingredients so won't have to rush out at the last minute.
Are you hosting an event this year . . . a cookie exchange, an open house, a dinner? Plan your menu. Schedule your shopping, crafting, cooking, and baking days.
Remember no matter how big or small the activity or event mark it down on your calendar.
Activities play an important part of most people's holiday celebrations and traditions. In your Christmas Notebook, journal about the following:
Make a list of all of the places you are going, especially those places where you'll be expected to bring a dish. List each dish you will be making and gather all of the ingredients. Do you have everything you need? Do the shopping now (or schedule it now) for the missing ingredients so won't have to rush out at the last minute.
Are you hosting an event this year . . . a cookie exchange, an open house, a dinner? Plan your menu. Schedule your shopping, crafting, cooking, and baking days.
Remember no matter how big or small the activity or event mark it down on your calendar.
Activities play an important part of most people's holiday celebrations and traditions. In your Christmas Notebook, journal about the following:
- Write down all the holiday activities you and your family did last year. Be sure to include church, school, community, and family activities.
- What activities are a must for our family every year?
- Are there new activities that I would really like to do this year?
- Ask every member of your immediate family what their three favorite activities are during the Christmas season and write it in your notebook. Incorporate at least one thing from everyone's list into your holiday planning. Remember this is their Christmas too!
- What things from your childhood do you remember doing? Is this something you could do today?
These questions will help determine what activities to add to your calendar for this Christmas season.
Some ideas for activities at home:
Christmas Parties
Cookie Baking Night
Cookie Exchange
Movie Night
Gift Wrapping Night
Dinner with the Family
Christmas Pictures at Your House
Happy Birthday Jesus Party
Christmas Open House
Advent Activities
Pot Luck Christmas Meal
Christmas Caroling
Plus many more . . .
Monday, October 27, 2008
Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 7 - Cards, Cards, Cards
Make your card list, including friends, family, colleagues, children's friends, church family, teachers, school staff, children's classmates, online groups, mailman, hair dresser, sorority sisters, high school friends, neighbors, -- all those people who you want to keep in touch with. Complete your list as thoroughly as you can.
Next, rate the people on your card list:
A = have to send
B = want to send
C = would like to send
Then, go around your house with a basket and gather up all of your address books, old Christmas card envelopes, scraps of paper, etc., to get the addresses for your cards. Transfer the updated addresses to your address system (whether it be a computer address book, file cards, or hand-written address book).
When making or addressing your cards you will start with group A. If you have time during the Christmas season, then move on to group B and then group C.
If you decide to hand-make your cards, create a card now to see how time-consuming the individual cards are and to see if you have the supplies you need. If you are buying your cards, purchase them this week.
If creating your own cards, determine how many you need (see above) and what date you want to have all your cards mailed. Remember that cards going overseas need mailed 1 to 2 weeks earlier to arrive in time for Christmas. Divide the number of cards needed by how many weeks are left (depending on your own personal due date). For example, if mailing on December 6th you have 4 weeks (from today) to create your cards, so each week you should be creating 50 cards if you are mailing 200 cards total. This means each day you should create 7-8 cards.
Use the same formula above to determine how many cards need addressed and stamped each day.
Next, rate the people on your card list:
A = have to send
B = want to send
C = would like to send
Then, go around your house with a basket and gather up all of your address books, old Christmas card envelopes, scraps of paper, etc., to get the addresses for your cards. Transfer the updated addresses to your address system (whether it be a computer address book, file cards, or hand-written address book).
When making or addressing your cards you will start with group A. If you have time during the Christmas season, then move on to group B and then group C.
If you decide to hand-make your cards, create a card now to see how time-consuming the individual cards are and to see if you have the supplies you need. If you are buying your cards, purchase them this week.
If creating your own cards, determine how many you need (see above) and what date you want to have all your cards mailed. Remember that cards going overseas need mailed 1 to 2 weeks earlier to arrive in time for Christmas. Divide the number of cards needed by how many weeks are left (depending on your own personal due date). For example, if mailing on December 6th you have 4 weeks (from today) to create your cards, so each week you should be creating 50 cards if you are mailing 200 cards total. This means each day you should create 7-8 cards.
Use the same formula above to determine how many cards need addressed and stamped each day.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 6 - December Dinners
Whether you choose to eat out a different restaurant every night in December, a sit down meal each night or something in between, it is important to plan. During this holiday season, you will need to come up with between 30 and 37 different meals. It does not mean it has to be meals that you cook yourself. You do need to list what is for dinner each night on your calendar, whether you go out to eat or dine in.
Personally, I like to do batch cooking in order to prepare myself for the Christmas season. Beginning in the fall, I double dinner for a month or so in order to fill up my freezer. Then I have all my meals planned out so I am not slaving away in the kitchen while everyone else watches the beginning to my favorite Christmas movie(s). Not only does planning your meals save you time cooking but also can help you save money.
Some great sites for freezer cooking/batch cooking information and recipes:
Ellen's Kitchen - http://www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/index.html
Feed the Freezer - http://organizedhome.com/freezer-cooking-guide
Robbyn's Friendly Freezer - http://snider.mardox.com/OAMC.htm
Small Notebook - http://smallnotebook.org/2008/08/08/batch-cooking-a-collection-of-tips/
Wise Bread - http://www.wisebread.com/assembly-cooking-for-newbies
Personally, I like to do batch cooking in order to prepare myself for the Christmas season. Beginning in the fall, I double dinner for a month or so in order to fill up my freezer. Then I have all my meals planned out so I am not slaving away in the kitchen while everyone else watches the beginning to my favorite Christmas movie(s). Not only does planning your meals save you time cooking but also can help you save money.
Some great sites for freezer cooking/batch cooking information and recipes:
Ellen's Kitchen - http://www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/index.html
Feed the Freezer - http://organizedhome.com/freezer-cooking-guide
Robbyn's Friendly Freezer - http://snider.mardox.com/OAMC.htm
Small Notebook - http://smallnotebook.org/2008/08/08/batch-cooking-a-collection-of-tips/
Wise Bread - http://www.wisebread.com/assembly-cooking-for-newbies
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Get Organized Now for Christmas - Day 5- Start Planning
Start to get an idea for what you need. Look at your budget. Do you need ideas for presents? Do you need ideas for cards and tags or do you have the perfect one ready to make?
Write up the gift list. Write every family, friend, colleague, group you purchase for. This includes your children, spouse, children's class mates, swaps, etc. Write down any ideas you have for gifts. If you have already bought gifts get them written down in your notebook now.
If creating your own wrapping paper, get the all the supplies bought such as ribbon/twine, Kraft paper, stamps, stickers, etc.
If creating your own cards and tags, get all the supplies bought such as cardstock, stickers, embellishments, stamps, ink, etc.
Write up the gift list. Write every family, friend, colleague, group you purchase for. This includes your children, spouse, children's class mates, swaps, etc. Write down any ideas you have for gifts. If you have already bought gifts get them written down in your notebook now.
If creating your own wrapping paper, get the all the supplies bought such as ribbon/twine, Kraft paper, stamps, stickers, etc.
If creating your own cards and tags, get all the supplies bought such as cardstock, stickers, embellishments, stamps, ink, etc.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
