Getting Organized for the Holidays

Halloween is over which means Christmas time will be here before we know it.  For me, November usually rushes by while I prepare for Thanksgiving, then the month of December is a complete whirlwind of decorating, shopping, gift-wrapping, baking, event-going and travel.  Of course it is all great fun, but I must admit, somewhat exhausting.  By the time January arrives I am often worn out and starting the year in recovery mode.  But, this year I am planning that it is going to be different.  This year I'm going to get organized!

Here's a list of what I'm planning to do to make the holidays more enjoyable: 

November

1. Make a list/budget and get all Christmas shopping done by December 1st. 
2. Design and prepare Christmas cards for mailing in December.  Buy Christmas stamps in quantity as soon as they are available.  (I found out the hard way that they only print so many of these every year and December 23rd is not the time to need them.)
3. Keep Thanksgiving dinner simple.  Plan a nice table setting and serve the basics.

December

1. Time to go look for a fresh Christmas tree! Decorate the tree and the house for Christmas.
2. Wrap gifts creatively and place under tree.
3. Drop the ready-to-go Christmas cards into the mail.
4. Make an assortment of cookies and sweets for friends and neighbors.
5. Finally, relax and enjoy this special season.  Celebrate the beauty of a true Christmas by doing something everyday that brings happiness to others.