We all want to create the perfect Christmas for our families, complete
with gifts, decorations, special food - and stress. Well, the perfect
holiday isn't a high-stress holiday! Organization and an hour or so now
will help you plan a Christmas you and your family will enjoy.
 The first thing to do is sit down with your family and discuss what
Christmas looks like to you. Maybe this means extra volunteer work, or
special Church services and activities. It probably has elements of the
traditional Christmas: turkey with trimmings, family and friends gathered
around the beautifully decorated fireplace. Once you have defined
everyone's idea of the "perfect" Christmas, see how realistic those ideas
are. Modify any unrealistic plans early to avoid disappointing family
members whose hearts may have been set on something that just doesn't fit
this year's budget or time constraints.
Next, take out the family calendar, and start scheduling. First to be
entered: school and church activities that help define Christmas for your
family. Write them in coloured marker to highlight their importance.
Also on the calendar: family shopping or craft days to get the children
involved in the joy of gift giving, Christmas tree decorating, quiet
family and personal time.
Now you need some lists. Pour yourself a cup of something festive, get
pencils and paper, pull out your cookbooks and magazines and decide
exactly what you want to eat and how you want to decorate this year. Are
there traditional cookies that your niece must see on the dessert tray to
make it really Christmas? Your lists might include craft projects to
complete (check the timing carefully), baking, decorations to make or
purchase, make-ahead and freeze side dishes for holiday entertaining.
Make detailed menus and schedules for any special meals you are hosting,
including serving dishes and appliance needs. Use your calendar to make
sure you don't over-book yourself; the "fun factor" of these activities
goes way down if you are trying to complete them on a deadline! And
remember that it's okay to designate.
It wouldn't be Christmas without gifts. To limit the stress on your
budget and sanity, try some of these ideas:
Ask for wish lists, then use them to make a list of gifts you intend to
purchase, including budget, and schedule two or three shopping hours every
couple of weeks from now until the holidays. If children are writing to
Santa, make sure the letters are written early - once sent, the request
can't be changed!
As a Professional Organizer, I recommend giving consumable gifts if
possible - gift certificates to a local movie house, theatre or restaurant
give the recipient an evening out, and don't clutter up their home.
If you are making gifts be sure to have your supplies early, so that
you are able to complete your projects at an enjoyable pace. Our most
popular gift for teachers is homemade hot fudge sauce - it is a special
treat, inexpensive, and simple enough for the children to make. Bonus for
Mom - one evening at home and it's done!
I hope these ideas help you have your most organized Christmas ever - and
help you enjoy the season. Merry Christmas!
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| Check out the 2003 Edition of our
Christmas Planner to help you plan your most
organized, least stressful Christmas ever.
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Happy Organizing,
Laurene Livesey Park
Want more great tips? Check our Newsletter archives:
(please note that these are old pages - not all links from them are current)
February 2001: Time for hobbies, space for photos.
March 2001: Family organizing tips.
May 2001: Seasonal clothes switch tips.
Summer 2001: Simplify your life!
Fall 2001: Manage your family's paper.
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