12 Ways to Get Organized for Christmas

I believe it’s never too early

to start planning for the holidays. And, as the saying goes, there’s no time like the present! I wanted to share with you some of the things I like to do to stay organized during the hectic holiday season. For me, this means writing everything down in my Holiday Planning binder. Making lists and checking them twice ensures that when the holidays arrive I can focus on decking the halls!

1. Save money. There’s no real getting around it, the holidays can be expensive! Even when I’m trying to be being frugal, all those little things seem to really add up. Rather than trying to pay for everything all in one month or, worse yet, start the new year with loads of holiday debt, I like to try and save whatever and whenever I can beginning at least a few months beforehand. Again, all those little bits can really add up.

2. Make a budget. Gifts, food, alcohol, taxis, parties, hostess gifts, party hosting, overnight guests, school events, special family outings, visiting relatives, charitable giving, need I say more? Try to think about all those little expenses you’re going to incur over the holiday season and estimate an amount for each item. Of course, I find it’s always a good idea to overestimate or add a little extra for items you don’t think of. I keep all of my holiday receipts together in one envelope which helps me easily locate them if I need them later and can also be a helpful guide for the spending I can expect next year.

3. Clean. Once the holiday season is upon us I find I’m too busy visiting to spend much time cleaning, so I like to try and chip away at it whenever I can. Getting it out of the way now will save you from scrambling when your jolly house guests arrive. This also includes a good declutter!

4. Stock up. The more the merrier! I like to stock up on items like toilet paper, paper towels, bath towels, hand soaps, ready-made frozen dinners and snacks so that I can be ready for those jolly house guests.

5. Calendar. I try to communicate with family and friends about gatherings as soon as possible, even to get a rough idea noted into my calendar, to ensure seeing everyone.

6. Shop early when possible and check flyers often. You could end up paying half price for many items and you won’t be stuck in the busy mall at the last minute. I’ve also learned that having a few ‘extra’ generic gifts on hand is always a good idea.

7. Designate an area of your home for hiding gifts and wrapping. I keep everything for the holidays in one area and, of course, out of sight for little ones.

8. Wrap gifts as you buy them. I have learned this one the hard way after a few late nights of wrapping everything at once. If I wrap just a few gifts here and there it makes life so much easier and that way I can also take more time and care adding decorative detail. Just be sure to label them right away so you don’t forget who they’re for!

9. Take inventory of what you already have. Before you go out and buy more, check how much wrapping paper and supplies you’ve already got. I love to re-use gift bags, boxes and even tissue paper from the previous year.

10. Cards. I like to make a list of all the people I would like to give cards to and start filling them out early so that I can take time to write a special note for each person. It’s nice to be able to send these out as soon as December has arrived, so it’s a good idea to have your addressed envelopes stamped and ready to go or, better yet, waiting by the door for personal delivery.

11. Make a gift list and include all of the people you will be giving gifts to. Whether you are the extravagant gift giver or the thrifty crafter, start to think about what ‘they’ would like so that you can start planning your shopping trips or making those crafts.

12. Identify your priorities. It can be so easy to get swept away in the holiday chaos and, before you know it, it’s over. Between all the running around and searching for the perfect gifts, remember to focus on quality, not quantity. Enjoy the time with your family and friends and all the joys the season will bring!

From our home at www.brightandbreezyhomeorganization.ca to yours …

wishing you an organized and joyous holiday season!