Getting ready for Christmas!

If you haven't started already, join me in getting ready for Christmas. This is all over Flylady right now under "Cruising for the Holidays". Many people dread Christmas, but I have always LOVED it! I try to milk this holiday for all it's worth! I love to see the look on someone's face when they receive/open a gift from us! Not to mention how much the kids get into it!

Below is a list of things I do to get ready for Chirstmas. If I get them done now, I won't be running around like a chicken with it's head cut off in December. I can add things to my shopping list and pick up one or two things each time I am out for groceries (or whatever) and it doesn't seem to make such a big dent. Planning early also leaves room to watch for things on sale!

Here's my list!
~Make a Holiday Control Journal (HCJ). Get an old notebook and tear out the used pages, or get a mini-notebook and use this for your holiday plans. You can also print a FREE one on Flylady's site.
~Make a "what size are we" list in your HCJ. When Aunt Martha calls and asks for little Timmy's sizes, you won't be trying to remember what size you bought him this summer and adding to that.
~Make a list of who you buy gifts for in your HCJ. Include about 6 general extra gifts for anyone who may stop by unexpectedly, or if you suddenly need one for a teacher you forgot or a gift exchange for church. If you don't use them, you can keep them for next year!
~Make a master shopping list in your HCJ.
~Get out your wrapping supplies! This is especially necessary if you buy post-season mark-downs like I do and you have since forgotten where the heck you put them. Add any tape, ribbon, bows, etc. to your master shopping list and pick up an item or two a week.
~Make menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the actual big days (include Thanksgiving)- whenever you may celebrate them. If you eat Christmas eve dinner at Aunt Mimi's, write that down and list what you usually bring. If you host a meal at your house, amke a menu and you'll be prepared when someone asks what to bring.
~Make a list of ingredients you will need and add them to your master shopping list. Get those non-perishables out of the way and buy the fresh ingredients closer to the holiday. You may even want to make some things ahead and stick them in your freezer!
~Add an envelope to the back of your HCJ. This is where you can keep all receipts for gifts. If anything needs to be exchanged or returned, you'll know right where to find it.

You can tuck your HCJ in your purse or vehicle and take it with you when you shop.

Don't feel like you have to do all of this today. Just do 15 minutes worth and it will make a huge difference!