Buy a notebook large enough so that it is hard to lose, yet small enough
to carry with you from now until Christmas. Record family & friends clothing
sizes, shoe sizes, etc.
Write down everything in your notebook under its proper category: Shopping,
gifts, entertaining, cards, family, cooking & baking, decorating.
Allow a page in your notebook for every day of DECEMBER.
Write down all the things you dislike about the holiday season. Next, go
through the list and cross off as many things as possible.
Have a family meeting and plan what other members of the family are willing
and able to do.
Plan any entertaining you would like to do during the holiday season. Then
eliminate at least one occasion. We usually think we can do more than we actually
can at holiday time. Make out guest lists and menus, too.
Decide on your cards. Buy them and address them as soon as possible. Stamp
them early.
Set deadlines for yourself ..."__".... by September 1st. ...."___"
by October 1st, etc.
Buy and make as many gifts as possible as early as possible.
Wrap and tag gifts when purchased or made. Be sure to note hiding places
in notebook!
Try to look ahead to food items you can store properly. Buy olives, pickles,
nuts, etc. as they are on sale, even at summer picnic time. Save time and
money later.
If you find a perfect gift at a perfect price, why not buy several and give
to different people on your list. Same rule applies to gifts you make.
When shopping, begin early in the day, wear comfortable shoes, carry a fold
up shopping bag and empty your purse of everything except what you need for
this shopping trip. Don't forget your notebook.
Make some gifts from your kitchen during the summer. Jams, pickles, canned
fruit or relishes, make lovely gifts.
Check over your decorations and list all the items you need or would like
to add. Then make them or purchase as soon as possible.
Set aside a basket, box or shopping bag for a wrapping center. Keep paper,
ribbon, scissors, tap and name tags in it and place it in a handy closet or
corner.
Plan well ahead when ordering by mail and keep all information until items
are received.
Plan some "family gifts" instead of buying a gift for each member
of a family. Try a game or a basket of lovely homemade food items with a handmade
ornament tucked in too.
Plan to have as many of your "December" meals in the freezer as
possible. Make two casseroles, prepare several meatloaves at a time and double
favorite recipes and freeze half.
Schedule time for the family and especially for the children. Baking with
children might take longer but the memories last forever!
