I know it's time to celebrate the New Year, but before I move on to New Year's stuff, Christmas is still on my mind as we are taking down decorations. There are a few lessons learned form both this Christmas and Christmas' past I would like to share. Each year I try to be a little more prepared for the next Christmas. It really helps to minimize the busyness and to be able to really enjoy the season with my family rather than having lots of things on my to do list. This week I will be sharing these lessons and things I am going to be doing to prepare for Christmas 2012.
Lesson #1: Gifts
We are a gift giving family. I love giving gifts. I also want to find the best deals possible. In order to do this, I must be on the lookout for deals throughout the year. I have a Christmas spreadsheet with every family member & friends name that we make things and/or buy for. When Christmas ends, I save another version of the spreadsheet for the following year and make any necessary changes or additions. Here's a snapshot of the spreadsheet:
I track how much I spend for budgeting purposes. I also fill the wrapped box with a color to indicate when wrapping has been done. Next year I am going to try and wrap throughout the year. Luckily I have decluttered a lot and have some empty bins in the garage to store gifts. I buy wrapping supplies after Christmas at great discounts. This year I needed some sticky bows and labels, both which I found at 50% off. I am a gift bag lover - they store so well. For the past few years we have been lucky enough to receive enough gift bags in great reusable condition to recycle for the next year. The Notes column of the spreadsheet is handy for things like needing to buy additional accessories like batteries, or if I need extra supplies for items I am making.
I also love making gifts. This year I found myself scrambling to make them at the last minute. I was still making my gifts in the jar Christmas Eve! For 2012, I am choosing what gifts I am going to make now. This saves me the decision making process and allows me to even make the gifts throughout the year, (as long as they are not perishable!) I also would like to choose a cookie recipe to make. I will be choosing that ahead of time as well. If you give cookies or other baked treats for the Holidays, get to the clearance aisles now to stock up on tins & other great holiday containers! I have heard of some people even making a Christmas binder to organize these Christmas things. For now, I am just going to make a Christmas tab within our family binder. Under this tab will be a paper version of my spreadsheet, my notes & supplies needed for my homemade gifts, and the recipe for my Christmas cookies. I am also going to have an envelope for any gift cards or cash I get throughout the year to spend specifically on gifts.
Throughout this week I will be sharing more Christmas Lessons. I hope they inspire you to have an amazing Holiday Season 2012!
Cheers to a New Year and New Organized You! :)
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