Here's my little secret that helps keep me sane during December when there's so much to keep track of and a party around every corner. Plan for the unexpected with a Holiday Box.
Save yourself extra trips to the store and having to purchase more expensive last minute items by being prepared ahead of time. Put all of these times in 1 box so you’ll have them at a moments notice. The plus side is that if you don’t use them this year, you’ll have them for next year and you’ll know where they are. {{wink}}
December Birthdays: I have 4 family members who have birthdays in December, so planning ahead really pays off. This also goes for your kids friend parties. Stock up on a couple gifts and have them handy in case of an invite.
School Parties: It seems like the kids have a couple book exchanges for school or pre-school each year. Stock up on a couple books so you have them handy.
Ornament Exchanges: Buy these early, before mid November, so you’ll have the least expensive but most fabulous ornament to exchange. Also buy the wrapping for it the same time you buy the ornament. This way it will fit and your packaging will be just as fabulous as the ornament. It will also save you a ton of time the night of the party.
Teacher gifts: Plan them, make them, or buy them now.
White elephant gifts: Do you attend a party every year that has a white elephant gift exchange? Take some time to think it through and buy one that’s extra fun. Also, keep this in mind while you’re doing your shopping. If you find something that will work, get it then. Don’t wait.
Emergency Neighbor gifts: Have you been in a position where a neighbor or friend comes over to give you something and you don’t have anything in return? Oops. I have and it’s uncomfortable. Be sure to add this to your list and have a couple extra things in your Holiday Box already wrapped that you can pull out at a moment’s notice.
Forgotten Thank You’s: Don’t forget to do something for your bus driver, crossing guard, and other people who make life a little easier for you and your kiddos. Be sure to add them to your list in your planner so you won’t forget next year either.
Write it Down: As you make your purchases be sure to write down in a log or put them in your Christmas Planner. This way when last minute events happen, you'll know at a moments notice what gifts to grab.
A little extra planning ahead before Thanksgiving will save you time, energy, gas, and cash! So find a fabulous box and start stocking up.
Laurie Turk is the creator of Executive Homemaker and is a complete Tip Junkie. She tries to embellish her life with fun and creative ideas while managing a household of all boys.
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