In order for me to truly be able to enjoy all the special moments of the holiday season, I do my best to be as organized as possible in advance of December 1st. This affords me a couple of things:
1. The ability to find things that we need quickly
2. To make good choices for how to spend my time
3. To be present with my family + friends during this special time of the year
The first thing I do every year is pull out my “Christmas Folder.” Stop rolling your eyes! It’s really no more than a manilla folder with magazine tear-outs for gift ideas or recipes and a few lists from years past. I review its contents and add new items I’ve been thinking about for this year. A few years ago I put two lists in e-format. The first is a list of things we like to do during the holiday season. The other is a list of people that we buy or make gifts for each year. After updating these, I start one last list – The Big To-Do list. Writing everything down is essential for me. Not only does it keep all my ideas in one place, I believe my brain actually remembers things better when I’ve physically written them down.
Things we like to do
This list has changed over the years as we had more kids and as they get older. It includes our annual trip to the tree farm in the mountains with a picnic of soup and hot cocoa. Our tradition of reading The Christmas Story by the fireside. Family walks after dinner to look at holiday lights in our neighborhood. Lighting our Advent Wreath + Candles. Family movies to watch or performances we like to attend. This list also includes dates for our ‘official outdoor lighting’ and annual cookie baking day. As well as what this year’s volunteer project will be. I also include here more basic items like the amount of cards we ordered last year, a reminder to buy christmas jammies and a holiday outfit for the kids, update my address list, and order gift wrapping.
Gifts
Each year I say that I am going to keep gift giving simple and this year will be no different. It’s no secret how commercial Christmas can be and that each year I strive to minimize the focus on receiving and ‘wanting’ and place more focus on time together and giving to others. I’ve started talking to my older two about their 4 gifts this year. Informally, I’ve been in the habit of thinking about gifts in terms of a book, an outfit, a fun ‘want’, and a fun ‘need.’ And I guess I’m not alone, seems others are doing the same!
I also take great pleasure in making a handmade gift each year. I’ve made everything from hot cocoa kits, jams, truffles, chocolate bark and candy sticks to soaps, candles, plants, notecards and tea towels. Here are a few I’ve made form the queen of craft, Martha Stewart. For more gift ideas, you can take a peek at my gift idea board on pintrest.
T0-Do
The final step to getting our family ready for the beauty and spirit of the Christmas season is to create a “to-do” list. Like I said, if I have written it down I’m more likely to remember. This way I can also have a plan. Things don’t feel frenzied or stressful when I know that I’ve allocated time to take on some of these items like standing in line at the post office! I like to do what I can before December 1st which allows me to authentically adore and appreciate all that the season means.
√ order holiday cards, photos, stamps, etc
√ think about menus for parties, dinners, or open houses
√ decide on a homemade gift or goodie for friends + neighbors
√ order supplies for homemade gifts, wrapping, thank yous
√ buy non-perishables for baking holiday cookies + treats
√ put favorite or annual activities and get-togethers on your calendar
√ start thinking about gifts and order what you can ahead of time
And for those of you that a simple list isn’t enough, I found a colorful customizable version that you might enjoy with a timeline too.
The main idea here is to keep things simple. Make a plan for being organized and doing as much as you can ahead of time so that you can be present for all the delight that comes with the holidays especially when celebrated and seen through the eyes of children. Stay tuned this week for more holiday ideas. And if you’d like, please check out my holiday pintrest board for some more inspiration
