Needless to say - there's a lot to do!

Many times during busy holiday seasons, I am asked what the number one best tip is to be organised.  The answer is actually very simple, as in Keep it Simple!  Don't let the minor details cause you to forget to celebrate the real meaning of the holiday.  Things don't have to be perfect.  And you can actually simplify things by making and keeping to a plan.  For me, I plan for Christmas right after Twelfth Night, January 6th.  I make a list of all the successful and exciting things we just did and I immediately mark the calender for next year.  If there was something that I wanted to do and we never got around to it, I add that to a post-it and attach it to the calendar.  If I needed something and I didn't have it on hand, I see if I can grab it at an after-holiday sale. Or mark my agenda for when I need to order it. Then I make a list of the worst bits. You know, all the complaining and whining parts.  This may sound excessive - but while the moments are still in my head and the kids are still talking about the season, I already have a great idea of what I should come to expect in December.

Enter my agenda:

After creating this calendar on Microsoft Publisher, I am able to quickly change the dates and prepare for the season.  Loaded up on this handy padfolio, I can add ideas, suggestions and make notes throughout the year. Do I use this through they year? Yes. Yes, I do. Because I know that if I plan out in advance then the magic of Christmas unfolds. If I find myself moaning "I'll never do that again next Christmas - yuck!" then I know I overdid it and I can scale back.  Or plan better for next year. This agenda definitely helps!

Here's my last bit of advice - if you set aside a day to bake cookies or go ice skating and it didn't happen because, well, life got in the way, don't be one of those who freaks out and screams, "Christmas is ruined!".  Just check your calender and see if you can fit in on another day. Or make the dough at night, bake the next morning and decorate on the next.  Look, Christmas already adds an amazing amount of items to our already over-loaded to-do list.  Please don't make yourself crazy fretting over unbaked cookies and the ice rink!