Week 2: October 29 - November 4, 2017
Warning! Holiday reality check ahead!
It's week two of the Christmas Countdown, and time to consider the darker side of the holiday season. Though we may not be conscious of them, hidden holiday forces work to over-run our budgets and distort our decision-making.
Not to worry! Coming face to face with the reality of outside pressures will make us stronger--and we'll be empowered to bring our celebrations within the circle of our own values. We'll do less ... and enjoy it more!
Ready? Let's get organized!
To Do This Week
Warning! Holiday reality check ahead!
It's week two of the Christmas Countdown, and time to consider the darker side of the holiday season. Though we may not be conscious of them, hidden holiday forces work to over-run our budgets and distort our decision-making.
Not to worry! Coming face to face with the reality of outside pressures will make us stronger--and we'll be empowered to bring our celebrations within the circle of our own values. We'll do less ... and enjoy it more!
Ready? Let's get organized!
To Do This Week
- After Halloween, replace decorations with Thanksgiving-themed decor.
- Divide the Christmas card list into five groups. Write and address one group this week.
- Make a holiday budget. Work together with your spouse to set a comfortable level of holiday spending. We make it easy with our printable holiday budget worksheet.
- Divide entries on the master gift list into five groups. Begin shopping for Christmas gifts, and try to buy one-fifth of the gifts this week.
- Set up a holiday housework plan. Print our chore checklist. Post it publicly and hold family members accountable for delegated tasks.
- Print several copies of the master shopping list to speed errand days. Group to-buy items to make shopping trips easier.
- Make a family wardrobe check. Fill out the family wardrobe planner, and put any "To Buy" items on your shopping list.
- Do you keep a gift closet, adding new gift items year-round? Take inventory now, before you shop for holiday gifts. Use our printable gift closet inventory to track stored gifts.
- Establish good health habits to cushion you and your family from holiday stresses. Focus on regular bedtimes, proper diet, mild exercise and stress reduction. Schedule self-care appointments in the holiday calendar.
- Make a tabletop check;. Inventory serving pieces, table linens, china and flatware. Check store flyers for sales, and add needed replacements to the shopping list. Will you be ready to set a pretty holiday table?
- Schedule family haircut appointments.
- Inventory stocks of wrap and mail supplies with a gift wrapping checklist.
- Ten Simplicity Strategies for a Stress-Free Holiday Season
Sneaky ways to turn down holiday stress and create a simpler celebration. - The Selling of the Holiday Season
Holiday budget woes? Clear your vision from the pressure of market forces. - The Secret Life of Christmas Magazines
They're heeerrree! Get armed against the forces of dissatisfaction. - Whose House for the Holidays?
Mom's house, dad's house, his house, her house? Few decisions cause as much stress for young families as where to spend the holidays. Break through the conflict with these tips. - One Right Way to Celebrate? Wrong!
Unrealistic expectations? Get armed with a good dose of reality therapy. - Gift Closet Guide: Get Organized for Frugal Gifts and Giving
Set aside a dedicated space to hold--and track--an inventory of gifts for all occasions.
- Begin Christmas gift shopping. Divide the master gift list into five sections. Purchase gifts for one-fifth of the list entries. Wrap gifts as they are purchased. Keep a running total of gift expenditures and enter on the holiday budget form.
- Purchase any needed holiday clothing for family members.
- If you'll need table linens, serving pieces or decor for the holiday table, add it to the shopping list now!
