It’s Why Not Organize Something Wednesday. Of course, this month, I’ll be focusing on things that have to do with the holidays and Christmas. You can never be too prepared for the hustle and bustle that happens this time of year. Here’s a list of the things that keep me and my family organized, prepared and able to enjoy this Season:
1. Start a Master To-Do List and keep it posted where you can see it everyday. Delegate what you can to other family members. Mark off things as you do them and add new things as they come up. Add these things to your calendar.
2. Record all activities such as; parties, concerts, school programs, family traditions, church socials, etc. on the family calendar first to avoid scheduling conflicts.
3. If you need a babysitter for anything, reserve her now. Whether it’s for special events without the kids or just shopping, the babysitters are getting busy and booked too, so schedule her now.
4. Don’t add appointments or commitments to your calendar that can wait until after the holidays. Hold off on dentist, orthodontist and regular check-ups with the doctor.
5. Don’t try to schedule every day of the month with some activity or special event. Plan some down time just with the family to watch a holiday movie or play a game.
6. Set up a gift wrapping station. Have boxes, wrapping paper, ribbon, scissors, tape and tags in a box, basket, drawer or closet in a convenient place. Wrap a few gifts everyday. Take advantage of store gift wrapping or wrap the gifts as soon as you get home if possible.
7. If you have house guests coming, plan for their arrival and departure. To make sure you don’t schedule anything during that time record it on your calendar. Ask your guests what they might want to do or see before they arrive and make the arrangements.
8. If you want to host a party but have too much going on before Christmas, plan it for after Christmas when your house is still decorated. It will be just as much fun to get together with family and friends, but less stressful.
9. Schedule a family baking day and make all your family favorites to share with neighbors and friends. Make dinners that you can freeze for those days when there’s no time to prepare a dinner. Stock your pantry with dry and canned goods for easy, instant meals.
Make time for what’s really important to you and the members of your family.
