An Organized and Stress Free Christmas

Let me start by telling you that I am a wife, mom, full time business owner selling Christian products, a student with lots of homework and volunteer for many projects at church and in the community. If anyone is busy, I know that I am. I don't claim to be an expert, but I do claim that over the years I have been able to enjoy each and every Christmas stress free. So, I am writing this article for everyone who finds that they are unorganized and feeling stressed at Christmas time. I want to help you get organized and stress free so that you can enjoy Christmas every year. So many of my friends and family have made me realize that the little things I do all year long have given me an advantage over the holiday rush and I am able to enjoy all that Christmas has to offer.

Let's start with the basics.

1. Buy your Christmas cards and wrapping paper at the end of the Christmas season. That way you have these things on hand when you have the time to work on them. I send out over 150 cards a year (I use an address labeling program and update it each year, so I just have to hit the print button when I am ready to send out my cards), we give numerous gifts to family and friends and these things I have completed before Thanksgiving.

2. When you see a sale, buy your gifts and collectibles. This month alone I have bought sixteen gifts for next year. I have a year to wrap them and gift tag them. Focus on one or two families on your list each month, then check off their name when you have purchased their gift. Use lay away when you can and continue to add items as you take items off of lay away. As you take them home remember to wrap them and gift tag them, then store them. I have two shelves I dedicate to Christmas gifts for storage.

After Thanksgiving, I decorate the house with my Christmas decor. By December my tree is up, my presents are under the tree, my cards and gifts are mailed and I am relaxing. As a Christian I am now focusing on the true meaning of Christmas and busy directing our church Christmas programs, spending quality time with my family and loving each and every moment of giving, sharing and love of the season.
We received a great gift this year that anyone would love. Our Christmas dinner has been given to us and there is no cooking. Another day of relaxing, that's what I'm talking about.

Starting this Monday, my family is off for two weeks and we will start visiting family and friends, taking day trips to the snow and to the beach and just plain relaxing before the new year begins.

If I can do this, I know that each and everyone that reads this can do it also.
Merry Christmas everyone and enjoy your stress free holidays.
If this has helped you in any way, please let me know by leaving your comments.