Get Organized for Christmas!
Tue, Nov 27, 2007
It’s hard to believe, but as of today, Christmas is only four short weeks away. There are many professional organizers who will tell you the key to holiday happiness is beginning your preparations months in advance. Although they may be right, I’m not a believer. Over the years, I’ve found that about four weeks is all I need to get my Christmas under control. The key for me is to get it all down on paper.
Last year, I posted a batch of Christmas planning files that were designed to help you and your family manage your holiday to-dos, expenses, and gifts. Since I’ve got so many new readers this year, I thought I’d repost them. I’m adding a new calendar planning file as well. It’s nothing fancy, just a simple 5-week calendar to help you schedule your many holiday tasks. I recommend printing out a few of them and sorting your tasks into categories. For example, you may want an entire calendar dedicated to your cleaning schedule, another devoted to events to attend, and another for your party preparations. Using these calendars in conjunction with the 4-week Christmas planner file should give you a great organizing foundation.
Keep all your calendars and your other planning papers in a simple 3-ring binder and force yourself to go through it several times a week. I like to keep mine in the car with me so I can review it while I’m waiting to pick up kids and so I can double-check my budget and gift plans before I head into a store (impulse buying is one of my many weaknesses). You may also want to add a simple pencil pouch to your binder to store your receipts and coupons.
Whatever system you come up with, these simple files can be a great way to kick off your Christmas organization. For more MeckMom stress-reducing holiday tips, check out my latest article in Organize Magazine. It’s on sale now. Just thought I’d pass it on.
Download: Christmas_Calendar_2007_Blank.pdf
Download: Christmas Weekly Planner.pdf
Download: Christmas Weekly Planner_Blank.pdf
Download: Christmas Gift Planner_Blank.pdf
Download: Christmas Budget Planner.pdf
Download: Christmas Budget Planner_Blank.pdf
If you liked this post, here are a few other Christmas posts you may enjoy:
Money Saving Christmas Cards
Santa Sacks
Easy Ornament Storage
Tags: calendar, christmas, downloads, organize
November 30th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
I love your blog! Great pages, thanks for sharing. BTW, I tagged you, hope you play. Head over to my blog to find out the details!
December 5th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
This is my first of many visits to your blog. I love the ideas you have and we even have some things in common. I look forward to reading your archives and checking out your new posts.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
I love this! Thanks for posting your planners for free download.
December 6th, 2007 at 10:04 pm
Great ideas. I’ll be sure to visit your blog again! I love organizing tips!
December 28th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
Hi, just found you through a friend’s referral. Great tips! I’d not heard of Organize Magazine before. I really like it, how did you get involved with it? Have you written other articles for them?
January 18th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Hello!
Nice site
Bye
October 25th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
love this, lots of helpful info, thanks kathy