Getting Organized

In my last post I shared my gift chart. In this post, I want to share a website that may help you get organized. I came across this site last year, but was already so deep into my own organizational tools that I didn't really get into their tools. After Christmas this year, I revisited the site and found several pages that would fit in well with my way of organizing. The site is Organized Christmas. They have lots of free downloadable pages that can help you get organized and stay organized for the holidays.

I printed out several pages on some leftover Christmas letter stationery. I bought a pretty lavender 3-ring binder at Office Max and I'm working at getting it all together. I will post photos of it when complete.

In the meantime, check out Organized Christmas. It's a very cool site!

Getting Ready for Christmas 2012

The banner at the top of my blog says there are 338 days until Christmas 2012. Time to get started!

The first step I take each year to prepare for a stress-free holiday is to make up my gift chart. I used Publisher, but you can use any program that has a table element. Or you can make one up manually. The format I use is to list each person's name at the top of a column. The yellow highlighted area is for stocking stuffers. The pink and blue highlighted areas are under my grandkids' names. I buy each grandchild a maximum of four gifts each Christmas.

As I purchase a gift, I write it in the column under the receiver's name along with how much I paid for it. I immediately wrap each gift and place gift tags on. I do not apply ribbons or bows or embellishments at the time of purchase. I don't want them to be squished or tired looking in December! I highlight the gift when it is wrapped. I then place the wrapped gift in a tub in a closet of my house. When I have spent my budget for each person I am done with that name.

I've been using this technique for over 15 years. It works for me. I never forget where the presents are stored. I never forget what I bought for who. I rarely go over budget (if I do, it's a conscious decision). I am always done by Thanksgiving. I don't have to participate in the stressful hustle and bustle of shopping between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I can enjoy the season... stress-free!

A photo of my chart is included below. As always, I would love to hear how you organize your Christmas. Please share!

The Twelve Days of Christmas Gift

So, after all my rambling, and planning, and scheming, and creating, and agony over what my TDofC gift was going to be for my folks... it all fell apart at the last minute. A couple of weeks before the first day of the gift, my mom told me that they would really appreciate it if the gift only contained gift cards. What?! My budget would not stretch to cover 12 days of gift cards. Plus, I had already begun buying the gifts I already had planned.

I fussed and stewed over it for a couple of days. Then I graciously grudgingly lovingly went to Plan B. I chose four places that I knew they liked and I bought three $10 gift cards for each place. I had purchased some Twelve Days of Christmas greeting cards from Current Stationery a few years ago. I placed one gift card in each greeting card. I decorated the envelopes and left little clues or sayings in each greeting card. I tied the stack together with ribbon and voila! I delivered the Twelve Days of Christmas gift to them on time.

I'm glad I don't have to think about TDofC until May 25, 2012... but I'm probably gonna go with the gift cards again now that I know that's what they really want and need. At least I have time to think it through better and maybe I can up my budget. Oh yes, what did I do with the gifts I had already purchased? I wrapped them and gave them to my folks at our family Christmas.

After Christmas Finds

On Monday my daughter, Jessica, and I went to downtown Glendale to antique shop. If you ever come to Phoenix and you're into antiques, be sure to make a stop there. There are lots of great antique shops in the old downtown buildings and even more in the houses in the surrounding area. It is like taking a step back in time.

Anyway, I didn't even think about the fact that some of the shops might still be offering after Christmas bargains. But the first two we walked into had 50% off sales going. Jessica and I both scored some bargains. And they are unique too. I have got to put on my list for 2012 Christmas a reminder to go Christmas shopping in downtown Glendale.

What Color Christmas Lights Are You?

You Are Green Lights

Your holidays are a time of rest and solace.
You take time to reflect on the year that's passed.

You also enjoy connecting with friends and family you've lost touch with.
The holidays are your opportunity to remember what's important in your life.

I found this quiz over at Cheryl's blog. For some reason when I tried to copy the html into my blog, it didn't work. Click over to Cheryl's blog and she has the link to the quiz. Just a little fun quiz for today.