Wow! We’re down to just over 2 weeks before Christmas! So, we’re at that point where we’re pushing to get everything we want done. There’s nothing specific on this week’s docket. It’s a chance to go back and take another look at those things that didn’t get completed. Is it something that’s essential? Or, can wait until after the holidays? Some things may be deemed critical; others, your family and/or houseguests may not notice the difference. For me, it’s critical that I re-do my kitchen counters. But, I’m going to take a hard pass on touching up my Family Room baseboards and cleaning under the kitchen sink. It’s looking more and more like DD and DSIL will be hosting Christmas Day and I’ll host brunch on New Year’s Day, so no one will be looking under my kitchen sink for extra dish soap, the roll of foil, or storage bags.
Have you finished all of your shopping for gifts? Double check your lists to make sure you have everything you need, including hostess-type gifts and extra cookie plates / serving bowls for items you may contribute to a holiday event at someone else's home. I find that it's good to have some available that I don't care if they get lost. Check Goodwill or other thrift store for cut glass bowls, red plates, or other holiday-themed platers that you don’t need to worry if it’s not returned.
It's also the last push for getting Christmas cards and packages ready for shipping. Yes, the Post Office may give you another week, but do you want to take a chance on a family member’s gift not making it for under the tree? Try to get what needs to be sent shipped out by the end of this week.
Lastly, finalize your Christmas meals and create your grocery list. Check the sales flyers for what’s a good buy this week and make any adjustments to your meal plan to take advantage of any savings. Remember to include any ingredients for holiday baking. I found DARK BROWN SUGAR on the shelf today, but EGGS had climbed by more than $1 in price this week. I'm going to have to look closely at this week's ads. If you haven’t already done so, extend personal invites to friends and extended family, and be sure to include date and time – some events may be Christmas Eve, others on Christmas day, so be specific.
And don’t forget about those donation bags for the food pantry and/or toy drives. Make sure they, too, are dropped off this week.
Breathe in, breathe out. We’re almost there … you can do it! Remember to take care of you. If you can, do something to pamper yourself. Schedule a nail appointment or pre-holiday haircut. Perhaps have coffee with a long-time friend you haven’t seen in awhile, or breakfast or lunch with a relative you may not see over Christmas. At the very least, set a time for a plain old fashioned bubble bath / soak with some soft holiday music in the background. How many of you remember the commercial, "Calgon, take me away!"
Ready? Take a deep breath! Let's get it done!
Have you finished all of your shopping for gifts? Double check your lists to make sure you have everything you need, including hostess-type gifts and extra cookie plates / serving bowls for items you may contribute to a holiday event at someone else's home. I find that it's good to have some available that I don't care if they get lost. Check Goodwill or other thrift store for cut glass bowls, red plates, or other holiday-themed platers that you don’t need to worry if it’s not returned.
It's also the last push for getting Christmas cards and packages ready for shipping. Yes, the Post Office may give you another week, but do you want to take a chance on a family member’s gift not making it for under the tree? Try to get what needs to be sent shipped out by the end of this week.
Lastly, finalize your Christmas meals and create your grocery list. Check the sales flyers for what’s a good buy this week and make any adjustments to your meal plan to take advantage of any savings. Remember to include any ingredients for holiday baking. I found DARK BROWN SUGAR on the shelf today, but EGGS had climbed by more than $1 in price this week. I'm going to have to look closely at this week's ads. If you haven’t already done so, extend personal invites to friends and extended family, and be sure to include date and time – some events may be Christmas Eve, others on Christmas day, so be specific.
And don’t forget about those donation bags for the food pantry and/or toy drives. Make sure they, too, are dropped off this week.
Breathe in, breathe out. We’re almost there … you can do it! Remember to take care of you. If you can, do something to pamper yourself. Schedule a nail appointment or pre-holiday haircut. Perhaps have coffee with a long-time friend you haven’t seen in awhile, or breakfast or lunch with a relative you may not see over Christmas. At the very least, set a time for a plain old fashioned bubble bath / soak with some soft holiday music in the background. How many of you remember the commercial, "Calgon, take me away!"
Ready? Take a deep breath! Let's get it done!
