Ok, some of you are thinking "It's not even Thanksgiving yet". I know! I'm sorry if that offends, but one must start preparations early if one is to experience stillness and peace during the busy month of December. That is priority.
For years I have been speaking at womens events particularly MOPS (Mothers Of PreSchoolers) groups. This time of year, the request was always for a message on How to Navigate a Stress-Less Christmas Season, Entertaining for the Holidays or, my favorite, Celebrating the Holidays with Meaning. So I have a lot of material. Which brings me to my idea.
I'd like to use this blog to share some of my holiday ideas, traditions and pursuits that we've both experimented with and perfected through 22 1/2 years of marriage and 20 1/2 years of parenting. Sometimes it might even mirror Oprah's Favorite Things. Other times I'll share favorite Christmas music, books, gifts to give, and so much more! Like traditions that have stuck with us through the years - that are expected. What do you think? Interested?
Let me pause for a minute and address my male readers. I know there are a few of you out there. You are thinking "I'm outta here". Don't throw in the towel yet. There might be something here for you - especially if you're married and want to be your wife and kids' hero. And you DO want to do that, don't you? Of course you do. Give me a chance.
Back to you ladies, before I start, you have to make me one promise. You must not, ever, even for one minute feel like it's more than you can do it, that you aren't good enough or are less of a mom, wife, hostess if you don't want to do any of these things and your ideas are totally different. You don't have to! No competition. No comparing. Deal? This is just for fun! However, if you like what you read, feel free to take the ideas. They are up for grabs! The truth is, even though I can't remember where I first heard most of these ideas, they likely have come from someone else. Yup, I'm a thief. I borrow and I steal and then I tweak to make it my own. In my book, this is totally acceptable. I mean, what is Pinterest after all?
So, all that said and speaking of "my book", I will start today with one of my most favorite things. This is my Little Red Book. I bought this blank book 8 years ago. This little baby travels with me from about now (early to mid November) until after our last Christmas celebration or when my after-Christmas shopping (bargains for the next year) is complete - whichever comes first. We are inseparable. Coincidence that the book is RED - I think not!
What's in the book you ask? I'm so glad you did!
1. I start out jotting the name of each person I will be giving a gift to. I start w/Scott and my kids and then move outward to extended family and friends leaving ample room for gift ideas. I write what they want, what I think I want to get/make for them (if it's different), and where to get the best price. Sometimes I give ideas to our parents as to what to get Scott and the kids - I keep a record of that too. I always start out writing in pencil (a sharp one - see it sticking out of my book). I write what my recipients desire and what I think I want to get/make for them in addition. Once it's purchased or a "done deal", I erase and rewrite in pen.
2. I list all the parties I'll be attending and what I intend to bring. Food and gift. This is especially helpful for white elephant type gifts - you don't want to duplicate from year to year.
3. I list the events I will be hosting. Here I brainstorm theme ideas. I like themes. Actually, I LOVE THEMES. Recipes, table settings, gifts, invitations, etc. I will explore this in detail in a later post.
4. I list what I would like to receive for Christmas. Dont' judge me. There's nothing wrong with this. Haven't you been asked, "What do you want this year?" and then can't think of anything off the top of your head? No problem if you write down ideas as they come to you.
5. I write my Gift Du Jour for the year and continue to add the names of those who receive it. This is usually homemade or it's a favorite new holiday book - I keep a large quantity wrapped under my tree (one of them) ready for any gift giving emergency (like if you get invited to dinner at someone's home and you want to bring a gift - or for teachers, etc) and to give anyone who visits our home during the year. I'll get into this more in a week or two with specifics.
6. I list decorating, wrapping, homemade gifts and entertaining ideas that I'd like to try sometime and don't want to forget. I forget sometimes. More often than I used to it seems.
After Christmas:
7. I record the gifts I received - and from whom. This helps me be thankful. :)
8. I record all the bargains I purchase after Christmas at the clearance sales. Buying hostess/children's gifts at 50-90% off is a budget pleaser! Love finding great stuff cheap. And I am especially delighted the following November when I look into the book and see what I already have - ready to wrap and give!
Can you spell T-Y-P-E- A?? I hope that doesn't turn you off. It's really so freeing to be organized this way. And so fun to look back through the years and see what everyone was into.
Then I put the book on my Christmas shelf until the next year. Oh, and my family know that if they dare to look in that book - well, the consequences will be unbearable - take my word for it.
Until next idea....happy planning!!
No comments:
Post a Comment