Planning ahead can add joy
to each day of the holiday
season.

Organize at Your Pace

Organizing and planning prior to December can be a key factor in feeling calmer and more joyful for the holidays.

After all, when you've simplified your "to do" list, you've automatically made room for more time to enjoy what's really important: friends, family, and a true appreciation of the holiday spirit.

Here's a checklist of several items that can be easily accomplished weeks ahead.

 

• Traveling in December? Make reservations early for the best choice and most convenient travel schedule.
• Do you also need a rental car, hotel, dinner reservations, or holiday show tickets?
• Create an itinerary to e-mail to friends and relatives.

Family Travel Finder

 

• Decide on dates and times for holiday dinners, parties, and get-togethers. Pencil out some quick plans for invitations, menu, and guest list.

• Tip: Phone or e-mail friends with a "save the date" message, then follow up with written invitations sent two or three weeks before the event.

• Tip: Keep favorite menus, ideas, and guest lists in a holiday notebook.

 

• Make a list of gift recipients on 3x5 cards or in your planner. Jot down gift ideas and size information.
• Reduce time in stores by shopping online or via catalogs. As gifts arrive or are purchased, check off the name on your list.
• Tip: Designate a shelf or closet where you can stash gifts purchased throughout the year.

Homemade Food Gifts

Top 10 Alternative Gift Ideas

 

• Put together a tote of gift-wrapping necessities: scissors (large and scalloped-edged), tape (clear and double-sided), tissue paper, gift bags, raffia, ribbons, bows, tags, stickers, pens, cording, and so on.
• Stash wrapping paper in one location and keep rolls neat by setting them inside a tall, clean wastebasket.
• Tip: Simplify gift wrapping by stocking up on plain colored papers or foils (silver, red, gold, or white). These can be appropriate throughout the year with various ribbons and trims.

Last-Minute Gift Wraps

 

• Whether you prefer a handy 3x5 card file, address book, or computer file, keeping your address list current is essential for the holidays. Update your list now, correcting listings for anyone who moved or changed their name.
• Tip: Make a file to hold address change notifications until you can enter the data into your computer.