While I LOVE wrapping paper, ribbon, tissue, and tape, I plan to buy only one roll of wrapping paper this year (red, from Hobby Lobby, as soon as they put it on sale), and to use all of the paper I have from previous years. I also do not plan on buying any ribbon. I have enough. And if I run out of a particular color, I will just use a different color.
I also love buying and wrapping gifts for my husband, children, family, and friends, but this year I am putting a limit on myself. Three gifts per person. I tend to get "just one more tiny thing" for my children and nieces and nephews each year…..as I visit cute gift shops or our Celebration Village (a one-stop shopping extravaganza here in Tupelo, held for a few days at the end of October). Limiting my purchases will also simplify my wrapping.
I got out my Christmas binder the other day. I had already put in a divider for 2014, so the next thing I have to do is to print out a master gift list template. (With 3 spaces beside each name!) This is just a list of every single person that I will be giving a present to during the month of December. It includes family, friends, teachers, hairdressers, etc. As I purchase or make each gift, I record it on the list. I also include a column to check off when the gift is wrapped. I keep my list each year, filing it behind the appropriate year. I also keep a separate list of gift ideas (crafts, baked goods, cute things I see online or in a store).
One last thing that I am changing for this holiday season is to not have my sibling store. It has been a good thing…..but this year I am asking my children to give handmade gifts to one another. I will help Leah and Sam plan their gifts, and assist them as needed.
I have fabric that I purchased last year for special gifts for my family…..and I never got around to even starting the project. I plan to do it this year!
My birthday (September 16) marks 100 days to Christmas Day. I am not sure what day it is today in the countdown, but it's not too early to at least think about your holiday plans.
Yay for your Christmas Binder!! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI really like the changes you are making this year. Simple is so much better. In the simple things, we can show so much love. In the simple moments, we can see and hear God so much better.
Maureen