How to Keep Christmas Organized and Enjoyable

Christmas is a time of peace, joy and celebration. It is a time that should be spent relaxing and enjoying the company of your loved-ones. Unfortunately, for many people, Christmas has also become a time of tedious obligations, frenzied last-minute shopping and slaving away in the kitchen. Its time to take back Christmas! With a little prior planning and organization, you can rediscover joy this holiday season.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A notebook or journal for list making

1. Make a list of gift recipients, including family, friends, neighbors, teachers, co-workers and charities. As you think of a gift for each recipient on your list write it down next to their name. Keep your gift list with you at all times so you can look for items whenever you are in a store.

2. Create a menu by making a list of dishes you are responsible for contributing to Christmas dinner. Write down which serving dishes and utensil you will use for each dish.

3. Create a grocery shopping list from the items on your menu. Be sure to include the ingredients necessary to make each dish. Each time you head to the grocery store between now and Christmas pick up a few items from your Christmas grocery list.

4. Create a schedule for preparing the dishes on your menu. If any prep work can be done a day or two ahead, schedule the time to do it, leaving as much free time as possible on Christmas day.

5. Create a Christmas card list and begin making out your cards as early as possible, doing a few at a time to keep from getting overwhelmed. If you receive a card from somebody who is not on your list, add their name to your list and send them a card. Keep your card list for next year and you will already be one step ahead.

6. When you pull out your Christmas decorations this year, sort through them and dispose of any that you do not use. If they are broken, throw them away. If they are intact, put them aside for a garage sale or donate them to charity. If you do not have proper storage containers for your Christmas decorations, purchase some after Christmas when those types of items are on sale. Take care when putting your Christmas decorations away this year and you will be organized and ready to go for next year.

7. If you will be traveling this Christmas, create a packing list to ensure that you bring everything you need. Lay out your suitcase a couple of weeks ahead of time and start packing items as time permits. This will prevent you from running around at the last minute, forgetting things and not getting out the door on time - all of which can lead to unnecessary stress.

[favefive]

on 12/10/2007 Excellent tips. Christmas should always be enjoyable...no need to stress out so much :)