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NEW! - Keywords For This Page:   Holidays

Make The Holidays Easier Next Year


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.


CREATE A GIFT WRAP STATION

  • keep all of your gift-giving supplies in one place
  • set up gift center nearest the point where you normally wrap gifts
  • set up a long under-bed box for rolled wrapping paper
  • set up smaller tubs for tags, bows, ribbon, etc.
  • be sure to include scissors, tape, and a pen
  • also store the gifts you plan to give in the same place
  • set up one storage tub for "kid gifts" and another for "adult gifts"
  • make sure to include a flat surface for wrapping

KEEP TRACK OF RECIPES YOU ENJOYED

  • get copies of recipes from friends or family
  • cut out recipes from magazines or newspapers
  • make photocopies of recipes from cookbooks
  • create a ring-binder notebook for holiday recipes
  • include dividers for each section (veggies, bread, desserts, etc.)
  • put each recipe into a sheet protector page in the right section
  • store either with your cookbooks or holiday decorations

LIST POTENTIAL GIFT IDEAS

  • pay attention to items people mention they want
  • keep a running "wish list" of gift ideas for each person in your life
  • cross off each gift as you give it or know they have received it
  • use this as your shopping list as the holiday season begins

NOTE THINGS THAT DID AND DID NOT WORK

  • some plans go smoothly and some do not
  • make a note of items that didn't work out and what went wrong
  • include all the details so you can avoid those pitfalls next time
  • also note any particular successes or great ideas you had
  • include all the details so you can recreate it next year
  • store with your holiday decorations and supplies

PACK YOUR DECORATIONS THE RIGHT WAY

  • don't just throw everything in a box in a rush to get packed up
  • wrap lights around a piece of cardboard so they won't get tangled
  • wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or tissue paper
  • get rid of the 60,000 little boxes your ornaments came in
  • store ornaments in a holiday box with individual divided sections
  • store like items together (ornaments, snowmen, candles, etc.)
  • label all of your boxes clearly
  • keep temperature, moisture, and insects in mind
  • don't store items where they will melt, mildew, or get ruined

SHOP FOR GIFTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

  • with your wish list, you don't have to wait until December to shop
  • keep an eye out for sales throughout the year
  • pick up both specific and generic (for anyone) gifts
  • set aside a closet or storage tub for holding gifts you've purchased
  • wrap and tag them as soon as you get home to save time

START A CHRISTMAS CLUB ACCOUNT

  • contact your bank about special holiday savings accounts
  • generally, you can't touch the money until December
  • plan to put aside a small amount each month
  • can use just for gifts or for all holiday spending
  • adjust your contribution level accordingly
  • promise yourself not to spend more than you have in your account
  • the easiest way to plan ahead, avoid debt, and stick to a budget

STOCK UP AT AFTER-CHRISTMAS SALES

  • many holiday items are only available during the holidays
  • more expensive at the start of the season and cheaper later on
  • shop for lights, wrap, gifts, etc. at "after Christmas" sales
  • create a storage space in your home for these seasonal items
  • can save tremendously by planning ahead for the next year

TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR HOUSE DECORATED

  • the easiest way to remember how you had everything laid out
  • take photos from several angles and points within your house
  • take a full shot of the exterior
  • include shots of table setting, mantelpiece, and other focal points
  • make notes on the back of each picture about items used
  • store with your holiday decorations

UPDATE YOUR HOLIDAY ADDRESS LIST

  • go through cards you received and double check addresses
  • make any changes for new addresses or people who have moved
  • add to list and delete those you no longer want to send cards to
  • make any revisions while they are still fresh in your mind
  • if you have access to a computer, automate your address list
  • put your list in a program that prints letters, envelopes, and labels

 

Copyright Ramona Creel, all rights reserved-- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.

Ramona Creel is a modern Renaissance woman and guru of simplicity -- traveling the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. As a Professional Organizer and Accountability Coach, Ramona will help you create the time and space to focus on your true priorities -- clearing away the clutter other obstacles and standing in the way of that life you've always wanted to be living. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a travel writer, social commentator, and blogger, she shares her experiences and insights about the world as we know it. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. And be sure to follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.


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