I've been with the organizedchristmas site for 5 or 6 years. The first few years, I just read but didn't really do a lot. I think all that reading finally soaked in. Each year I've started doing more and more. My notebook is probably the best thing I've done to help me get ready.
This year was the first year I was active with the Rudolph Club almost every month. So I really feel ready, almost like it should hurry up and get here. lol
Since we moved into a brand new house, this week's "Do-It List" is really short. My Christmas tree is up and has the lights on it because I store it that way. It still is in the closet. I need to pull it out to vacuum the corner so I'll add checking the lights on the tree to my list this week. If I need to replace a string of lights I can do a little each day. I have extra lights because I bought them on sale last year. And make sure the revolving tree stands works.
I need to make Christmas cards. So that's down for Rudolph's Day. I picked up stamps this week. I'm toying with the idea of a family photo. I think I'll cook a Sunday dinner in a few weeks to bribe everyone to the house. We'll do our own photo taking and printing.
I do need to inventory my gifts. Yes, I have been putting this off. I did look it over. Ok, was downstairs, I did do the inventory. It's on my desk in the bedroom. Hmmm, don't even remember doing it.
I need to mail my Stocking partner her package after I wrap the gifts so I can stuff the stocking and get it on the way.
Because of the countdown my Address list is done and it's on the computer. I keep it updated if I get a new addresses during the year.
Carpet is ok this year but will need doing next year. I do spot cleaning on a regular schedule. With no pets it stays a lot cleaner than it did when I had dogs and cats in the house.
I don't expect any overnight guests and I always host the dinner.
Holiday Values. My DH would just as soon have no Holiday celebration what so ever. Slap a TV dinner on his plate, turn on a game and he'd be a lot happier. I decided years ago I'd do what I want for the Holidays.
I keep a list on my computer's desktop of gift ideas. So I know what's left to buy for the main people. DH office is getting wrapping paper from an idea posted last year and I picked it up on sale after Christmas last year. Neighbors will get my homemade candy which I can't make until the week of Christmas. For two reasons, I'll eat it if it's around and it can't be frozen. I have a jar of drunken cherries in the refrig waiting for me to make candy already.
I'm good on the cookie front. We have to eat gluten free so I don't make a lot of cookies. I have frozen bananas and cranberries for bread in the freezer.
So this countdown really does work well. I didn't think I was this ready. Bring it on! :rudolph:
I am going to try to get my house half way picked up. I do pretty good with the house during the week but the weekends are what turns my house upside down. 