It’s hard to believe, but Christmas is just around the corner. There have been years in the past when I have completed most of my Christmas shopping by now. But this year, I had barely begun before today. It’s true that the busier I am, the more organized I am. It’s not that I’m not busy now that I’ve retired, but it’s a different kind of busy. I’m no longer captive to others’ schedules, and it’s really been lots of fun.
I was, however, somewhat shocked to read on someone’s blog this week that there are only 30+ days to get your shopping done if you need to mail packages. For the first time ever, I do need to mail all of Sarah’s and Adam’s gifts to California. So today I got a good start on the shopping. It was in the 50’s; highly unusual for November in western New York, so it was a great day to be out and about. When I got home, I pulled out my Christmas Planner. I made this four years ago, and it has proved incredibly helpful.
There are six sections: Gifts, Cookies, Cards, Menus, Decorating, and Receipts. In the Gifts section I list each gift I buy. It’s very helpful to be able to look back and see what I’ve purchased other years. Last night, when I asked for ideas for stocking stuffers, Adam told me I’d always done a good job, “just do the same again.” It was good to be able to see exactly what that was. The other sections have similar lists. Under Decorating I list the new decorations I purchase each year. The Receipts section is one of my favorites. It has an envelop for each person or group of people so if something needs to be returned after the holiday I know exactly where the receipt is.
The Christmas Planner has turned out to be one of the most useful projects I’ve ever made.
I made a Christmas planner this year, but I think the sections are a bit wrong for me… I like your list better, might make a note of it for next year!
Glad my picture made you smile.Thanks for dropping by.
Great idea your book.I have lists everywhere.I’m a bit addicted to lists.
Pretty book! I just started a planner this year from a class.
What a great planner. I’ve often seen them on blogs but didn’t know if I would use it properly. However, hearing you talk about your receipt section and the pockets for each person/family sounds like a jolly good idea! I might need to think again 🙂
really like the idea of keeping the notes from past years as part of the process. it looks great too
What a lovely planner! I need to make something like this. Sounds like you are having wonderful weather for shopping.
Karen… Check my blog! It’s about you… at least some of it!!
Love your planner… great idea! Nice cover paper… love it! I just finished my December Daily and took pics of it to put on my blog this week! Maybe I’ll have time to make a planner!?!? Maybe! However I do have a new project to start today… on my blog! And you, my dear, are to blame!
Joni
That’s a great idea! I need something like that. I’m a classmate from Yesterday + Today.
I saw your planner loved it and made one myself. Thank you for the inspiration!
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