Thursday, August 11, 2011

Get Organized for Christmas - Make a Christmas Binder


With Christmas right around the corner, I've had several
requests to re-post a favorite to get you through
the holiday season a little less stressed.....


You can start this binder anytime during the year
and NO, its not too late to start it now.

Enjoy!

 


 
My Christmas Organizer Binder

Love it, Love it, Love it....

I have dividers for the following:
Recipes
Gifts
Decor / decorations
Calendar
Cards
Thank you's
Receipts


Recipes & Decor

During the year, when I see an interesting recipe or a pretty
decorating idea that would be good during the Christmas season,
I tear it out and put it in the binder. 
This keeps any new ideas in one place for me to look through
as the holiday gets closer. 



Gifts

I use the gift section all year long - not only for others but also my own family. 

When I hear a friend or family member say, "Isn't that cute - I should get one..."
in the binder it goes!
This is a great way to compile a list of ideas for everyone
so you'll never say, "I have no idea what to get her / him this year!!"

Also, when my hubby or I see something that we need / want, but
it really isn't necessary at the time, that "something"
goes in under gifts for us.
This way, when we are asked by parents or siblings for ideas for us,
I can actually give them several practical ideas instead of saying,
"Oh, whatever, we don't need a thing."
Then you end up with more stuff you don't need! 
Which leads to the inevitable clutter - uugghhh..


Calendar

I have a calendar to pencil in parties, personal deadlines for myself.
For example, have cards mailed by...., have decorations done by.....,
get Christmas tree this weekend....


Cards

I keep a list of who I sent Christmas cards to the year before.
Confession here - I actually stopped cards last year and loved it.
Horrible, I know.
Honestly, I probably won't send cards again - it truly was a liberating experience!!


Thank You's

I keep a list of presents received for hubby and me as well as the boys
under "Thank You's" to make sure I send a prompt note to the giver.
Yes, I make my sons (oldest right now) write "Thank You" notes,
even if they only copy what I write - it teaches them while they are young.



Receipts

I also keep a zippered pouch for receipts and a divider for larger online receipts
which I punch holes in.  This not only keeps track of $$, but also
makes any returns much easier.

Good ideaAt the end of the season to jot down supplies that you are running low on
while you are actively going through your wrapping supplies and decorations,
so when the sales happen - you'll know just what to pick up
(i.e. tissue paper, tape, ribbon, new tree skirt, large shirt boxes, etc....)

(Above on left) I also tear out gift ideas and prices from catalogs to jog
my memory as well get closer to the holiday.


One HUGE benefit I found of this binder is keeping track of how much I have spent.
With tracking receipts and gift purchases throughout the year,
I can shop the sales anytime and keep a current list of what I've bought
and how much I've spent on anyone. 
Very easy!!

Start a Christmas binder of your own and see what a huge difference it'll
make in your holiday season!




9 comments:

  1. I love this!!! What a great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you so much, I'm gonna make sure to start one of these (before Christmas rolls around) Believe it or not, we're already getting some Christmas 2011 magazines in the mail)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love it because you can utilize it YEAR ROUND!!!

      Delete
  3. Several years ago I put together a Christmas binder with several of these same ideas, but You have taken it to the next level!
    I had stories, poems, old cards, easy gifts, but keeping track of receipts and also a Calendar are great ideas!
    Thanks for reminding me that I want to make my own tree skirt this year! I'd better get started on it!
    p.s. I came over from Clover Lane - this is listed on her "things I like"!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ruth Ann,

      Thanks for checking out the post. Yes, Clover Lane rocks! Let me know if you have anything different in your Christmas binder - would love to hear new ideas!

      Delete
  4. I came over fom Clover Lane as well. I stopped Christmas cards two years ago. After 18 years of sending out 300 business/personal cards, I took a break. I haven't gone back. This year I hope to send out an up to date photo of my family (if I can get everyone together at the same time). It is so hard as the children leave home. I would like to reach out and communicate with some people that I've neglected over the past two years but I agree that it is liberating! (not to mention a lot less expensive :))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jenny,

      'atta girl! Stopping cards was a very liberating experience for me - no regrets since!! Thanks for checking out my post. Hope you come back again.

      Delete
  5. This is awesome! I {heart} binders! Gotta put one of these together myself before Christmas sneaks up on me... again.

    http://www.domesticblissdiaries.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm not the only one thinking of Christmas!
    I've got to get my plans made for school and for Christmas projects.

    Thanks for the reminder!

    Laura
    Harvest Lane Cottage

    ReplyDelete

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