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	12 Steps To An Organized Holiday
	By Tammy Costa

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

• use a binder to create a Holiday Planner
• record addresses under "Greeting Card List"
• track gifts under "Gift List (don’t forget teachers, mail person, etc.)
• include your favorite holiday dishes under "Recipes"
• prepare for dinners and banquets under "Meal Calendar"
• record social events under "Holiday Parties" (with date and time)
• record plans for your own holiday gatherings under "Guest Lists"

• capture the real meaning of the holidays
• donate canned goods to a food bank
• volunteer at your local soup kitchen
• donate an old coat to a homeless shelter
• encourage the kids to pick out toys they feel they can part with
• count your own blessings
• simply smile at a stranger

• when planning your party, ask your guests to bring something
• if possible, let them decide what they want to bring
• it makes the meal more interesting and is fun for all
• don’t forgot to keep a menu planner of who is bringing what

• give the kids duties
• collecting the coats or passing out appetizers
• picking up the wrapping paper from opened presents, etc.

• to reduce the stress on your grocery wallet, shop in large batches
• buy non-perishable foods over a 2 to 3 week period
• avoid the hassles of the mall
• shop online from the comfort of your home
• many retailers offer free shipping or free gifts with your purchase
• then pick up your merchandise at the store
• save on shipping charges and you don’t have to wait in long lines

• relax and enjoy wrapping gifts
• settle in and play some holiday music
• light a fire and drink hot chocolate

• save money at the post office
• buy presents for out-of-town friends and relatives first
• wrap and ship them early to avoid paying high shipping charges

• use the less stress way to decorate and undecorate
• take baby steps
• it doesn’t all have to be done in one day
• come January you want to have fond memories of the holidays
• the goal is not to be glad they are over

• holiday traditions keep families close
• make Christmas cookies together
• jump in the car and drive around town to view all the holiday lights
• make fun crafts as gifts

• to reduce cash flow stress, think ahead to next Christmas
• start a Christmas Club account at your bank
• even if its only $5 or $10 a week
• by next Christmas you could have saved $500 or more

 

Tammy Costa is a New England based Professional Organizer that specializes in residential, home office and small business organizing. Visit her website at organizedconsultant.tripod.com or contact her at .

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