It is Almost When? Tips for the Holiday Season

The holidays are fast approaching. For many of us they seemed to have just appeared out of nowhere. Should we be surprised? I mean really. It happens every year. In fact, it happens at this same time every year.

But as I sit here thinking of all I have to do to get ready for yet another holiday season, I am getting a few ideas on how to make this year, and years to follow, run a bit smoother.

Stream Line Holiday Decorations

We have decorations for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Each is unique. So we end up changing our decor every four weeks this time of year.

Sort all your decorations by months and label them as such. At the end of each month take down the decorations and pack them away. Get the next box out and put them out. Labeling them by month instead of holiday may encourage you to get them put up and taken down in a timely matter. Instead of at the last minute.
Plan a Base Menu and Shopping List

Do you serve the same Holiday meal every year? Most of us do. We occasionally add new dishes, but it is basically the same every year. This year when planning out your menu, make a master list. Once you have all the dishes listed then generate a shopping list. Make a copy of this and put it in the appropriate box. November's box will hold your Thanksgiving menu and shopping list and December will hold Christmas menus and shopping list.

At the beginning of the month, when you put out your decoration, you will have your menu. Review what you would like to add. Adjust your shopping list. Next years shopping and organizing may be just a bit easier.

Consider keeping a copy of recipes with your menu and shopping list. How many times have you lost that perfect Thanksgiving stuffing recipe? Packing it away with all things November will ensure that you have it next time.

Plan a Holiday Card and Gift Giving List

This will be a master list of sorts too. List every one you plan to send out cards to and buy gifts. List their address and if you received a card or gift from them also. Also you may want to note what type of gift or card to send. You do not want to buy Aunt Bess, who is allergic to chocolate, a Godiva assortment.

At the end of each season add to this list. This will give you a running scoreboard. Keep this list with your December box. This will give you a reminder the beginning of the month. That is unless you send out your holiday cards in November. And do any of us procrastinators really do that?

Pack your holiday plates and kitchen gadgets together

We all have certain plates and gadgets we only use at the holiday times. Packing them all together will help to avoid the, "Where did I put the Santa cookie cutter", search.

When packing these label them appropriately. Just labeling them Christmas is a bit misleading. Think of putting a packing list on the side of the box and tub with specific contents that you can see at a glance.

We are all stressed around the holidays. Make your season run a bit smoother every year by having a master plan. Being organized from year to year will help.

Good Luck! And Happy Holidays!