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 I’ve mentioned several times on the blog that I’m a pretty organized person.  My organization tends to get a little off-balance during the holidays so it’s essential for me to develop a plan, make a list (or two) and employ a few tricks to get me through the season in one piece. 

As I’ve begun to pull together my personal and business plans for the holidays, I thought I share with you my list of essential things to do to get ready for the season.  These are the things that keep me sane and let me to enjoy all that the season has to offer!

image via BHG

1.  DEVELOP A PLAN–Everything runs smoother when you have a plan!  My first step in getting ready for the holidays is to outline everything that needs to get done.  My list includes things like the areas of my home I plan to decorate, the items I need to buy for decorating, things I need to pull out of storage like holiday linens and dinnerware, and a list of holiday events we need to attend.  I usually outline my plan in a little notebook that I can carry with me at all times.

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2.  STOCK UP ON WRAPPING SUPPLIES–Early November is the perfect time to take stock of your gift wrap supplies and begin stocking up on the necessities:  Gift Wrap, Ribbon/Bows, Tissue Paper, Gift Tags, Gift Boxes, Gift Bags and Double Sided Tape!  My favorite sources for holiday gift wrap are The Container Store’s Gift Wrap Wonderland, The Paper Source, on-line paper store Paper Mojo and IKEA (which sell out of their paper fast)!

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3.  MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS CARD LIST–Creating a list of everyone you plan to send a Christmas card to will help you when you sit down to write out the addresses.  As you make your list update any addresses and figure our how many stamps you need to buy.  I’m planning (as in hoping) to make my Christmas cards by hand again this year so a list will help me identify how many cards I need to make and aid me in purchasing any supplies that will be needed.

4.  CREATE A GIFT LIST AND BUDGET–I have some very difficult people in my family to buy for so a list is essential for me.  I also like to allocate my spending money as I create my list, so I can stay on budget and make sure I have a little “me” spending money too! As I ‘ve been out shopping earlier in the year, I’ve made notes in my phone of items I’ve come across that would be good gifts for family and friends.  This has given me a bit of a head start in the gift buying department.

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5.  OUTLINE YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY SCHEDULE & PLAN YOUR WARDROBE–I don’t know about you, but I hate scrambling at the last-minute to find something to wear to a holiday party.  Outlining all the events you will be going to, the type of party and the dress code will keep you relaxed and calm as each event approaches.   You’ll be able to enjoy the party more if you plan out what you’re wearing (or need to buy) and have everything ready to go.

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6.  PULL OUT YOUR DECORATIONS–Plan to pull out all of your Christmas decor a least a week before you plan to decorate.  Locate all the extension cords, ornament hooks, the tree skirt, wreath hook etc.  Stage everything in a spare bedroom or the garage so when decorating day comes you’ll be ready.

{Believe it or not but my holiday decor will start going up Nov. 20th–that’s the life of a designer whose really busy decorating other people’s homes}

7.  DEVELOP A MENU PLAN AND SHOPPING LIST–Hitting the grocery store during the holidays can test the best of us.  It is not the time to be wandering the aisles hoping that the item you drove to the store to get pops into your mind.  For all of your big holiday dinners, create a menu and make a shopping list of everything you’ll need.  When you arrive at the grocery store you’ll be able to go directly to what you need and get in and out in record time.  Here’s a great downloadable list you can print.

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8.  SET ASIDE A DAY OR TWO TO DO YOUR GIFT SHOPPING–Plan into your schedule one or two days to hit the malls and stores to get all of your holiday gift shopping done!  Planning ahead will let you map your route so you’re not wasting time or gas.  If you’re buying clothing make sure to list the sizes next to each person so you’re not guessing.  And, as part of your planning process gather up store coupons and store rewards cards so you can take advantage of special offers and deals that will be out there.

I’ll be posting my 2012 Holiday Gift Guide starting November 12th!

9.  OUTLINE TRAVEL PLANS IF YOU’RE GOING OUT OF TOWN–We will be traveling this Christmas and will probably be breaking our travel time into two days instead of one.  That means a hotel room for one night and maybe even needing to make dinner reservations.  If you’ll be on the road for Christmas take the time to map out your travel plans, your stops along the way and even sites and attractions you want to see along the route.  Plus, make a list of essential items you need to remember to put in the car like bottled water, games for the kids, cd’s and blankets & pillows.

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10.  TAKE TIME TO ENJOY & RELAX

One of the most important things you can do this holiday is to make sure to schedule some “me” time.  Take some time to enjoy your decor at home, take a ride to look at Christmas lights, attend a holiday play or get together for a casual night out with the friends!  Just think of it as a little gift to yourself!

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There is lots to do between now and Dec. 25th, but with a little planning it will all be a breeze!

Thanks for stopping by.  See you back here tomorrow with some Entertaining Inspiration…Thanksgiving Style!

If you’d help creating Your Holiday Home, contact me about my holiday decorating services!