ten
ways to make the holidays
easier next year
by Ramona Creel of OnlineOrganizing.com
What does your holiday season usually look like -- a lot of rushing
around at the last minute? The holidays really don't have to require
so much effort -- if you plan ahead and spread the work out throughout
the year. Here are ten tips for making your next holiday season
a snap:
PACK YOUR DECORATIONS THE RIGHT WAY
I know you will be in a rush to get the house back in
order after the holidays are over -- but don't just throw everything
in a box. Take time to wrap your lights so they won't get tangled,
to pack fragile items carefully, and to store like items together
(ornaments, snowmen, candles, whatever). And be sure to label all
of your boxes!
UPDATE YOUR HOLIDAY ADDRESS LIST
If you have access to a computer, make it a priority to computerize
your address list -- preferably in a program which will allow you
to print labels. Whether you keep your list on the computer or by
hand, double check your addresses against the envelopes from the
cards you received this year. If you see any mistakes or people
you forgot, add them in while it's still fresh in your mind.
TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR HOUSE DECORATED
Do you have a hard time remembering how you had everything laid
out from year to year? Or did you do a particularly spectacular
job of decorating this year and want to replicate it again in the
future? Take a photo and stash it away with your decorations --
you'll have a built-in reference the next time you set up for the
holidays.
KEEP TRACK OF ANY RECIPES YOU ESPECIALLY
ENJOYED
If you just adored Aunt Martha's cranberry cobbler or your next
door neighbor's cheese ball -- ask for the recipe. You can keep
a special notebook of holiday recipes that you would like to make
again year after year. This will save you a lot of time searching
through cookbooks saying, "Now where was that recipe?" You can store
your holiday notebook with your other recipes (if you might want
to use it at other times during the year) or in with your decorations.
KEEP A LIST OF GIFT IDEAS
During the holiday season, people pay close attention when loved
ones mention an item they might like to have. But we seem to turn
our radar off after that point. Keep a wish list of gifts you may
give this year -- but don't throw it out after the holidays are
over. Cross off any items you know were already given, and continue
to add to your list throughout the year. When Christmas comes around
next year, you don't have to wonder what gifts you should buy.
START A CHRISTMAS CLUB ACCOUNT
There is nothing uglier than coming up on the holidays knowing that
you are going to go into serious debt. We can certainly debate the
merit of spending huge amounts of money on gifts -- but the easiest
way to deal with holiday bills is to plan ahead. Banks used to (and
still may) offer "Christmas Clubs" -- savings accounts that you
add to throughout the year and can't touch until December. If your
bank doesn't have such a creature, set up a separate account that
you treat as a Christmas club. Put aside a small amount each month,
and swear not to spend it on anything except the holidays. Then
promise yourself that you won't spend any more than you have in
your account.
STOCK UP AT AFTER-CHRISTMAS SALES
Some things -- like greeting cards and wrapping paper -- can only
be purchased during the holiday season. But if you buy them right
at the start of the holidays, you will end up paying an arm and
a leg. I always head out to the day after Christmas sales to stock
up on wrappings, lights, cards, and other goodies -- all at least
half off. I can even find potential gifts for the next year at huge
savings. Then I store all of my bargains away with my decorations,
ready for action next holiday season.
SHOP FOR GIFTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Armed with your gift list and Christmas club account, you are in
an excellent position to take advantage of sales and specials throughout
the year. Keep an eye open for items that you think would make good
holiday gifts -- and pick them up while the price is reduced. Then
designate a spot in a closet or cabinet as your gift center -- a
place to stash your goodies until next year.
SET UP A GIFT WRAPPING STATION
Of course, another great way to cut down on holiday chores is to
do your wrapping ahead of time. Since you are buying gifts throughout
the year, consider setting up a wrapping station along with your
gift center. Then, when you bring home a present, you can wrap it
and tag it right then, instead of waiting until the last minute.
And this will also keep prying eyes from sneaking a peak at their
gifts!
MAKE A LIST OF THINGS THAT WORKED AND DIDN'T
WORK
It always happens during the holidays -- some things go smoothly
and others do not. Maybe you tried to have a huge family buffet
and all of the food got cold before everyone could eat it. Or you
thought fresh greenery would be nice -- but all the needles fell
off a week after you set out the garlands. On the other hand, you
may have found a great pattern for a gingerbread house, or discovered
a fabulous community event that you would like to attend again next
year. Make a note of these pluses and minuses and stash your list
with your decorations. Then review your list next year and plan
your holiday accordingly.
Ramona
Creel is the founder of OnlineOrganizing.com
-- offering "a world of organizing solutions!"
Visit OnlineOrganizing.com
for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau -- and even
get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you. And if you
are interested in becoming a Professional Organizer, we have all
the tools you need to succeed. (Copyright 2000, Ramona Creel)
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