How to Create Twelve Stress Free Days of Christmas
Christmas time is here, and the goal is for you to do it all, "your" way so you can enjoy "your" day. If you are responsible for the greeting cards, meals, gifts, and festivities, these tips might be helpful.
Day 12 Check over your gift list. Since you have been bargain shopping for months, you need to make sure that no one has outgrown your gift. You need to review, revise, and then wrap! Sometimes the little ones change their mind about a toy, you need to investigate. If your little girl no longer enjoys "Hello Kitty". return it quickly for her new favorite character. At this time start writing out about 6 Christmas cards per day. Write them in the morning over a cup of coffee, or after dinner when you sit to watch TV.
Day 11 Assemble your wrapping paper, wire ribbons, gift tags, and gift bags. Designate which design goes for which child. When you wrap each person's gifts in their own paper, it is much easier to distribute. If you have heavy toys, purchase the thicker paper...it will save you a lot of time, and it will look a great deal better.
Day 10 Wrap your gifts by family groups. In this way each set of relatives have their gifts wrapped, and placed in huge gift bags waiting for you to travel down to their homes for your holiday visit. Prepare the gifts for the friends you will see before December 25, in this way you will be ready!
Day 9 Finish wrapping your gifts and package those presents which need to go to the Post Office for mailing. Don't wait too long to send these treasures, there are many people waiting for their gifts...and you do not want to disappoint anyone. Check the closets and attic areas for your Christmas tree decorations. Do you have an extension cord? Do you need more lights? Pick up what you need and get ready for tomorrow's project...decorating the tree!
Day 8 Have helpers assist you and put up your tree. Take the time to play your favorite holiday music and place your ornaments on their special branches. This will take time, so do not hurry, relax, sing along and decorate. Make sure you hide those empty ornament boxes, you won't be needing them for awhile.
Day 7 Carefully place your presents under the tree by family groups. This will save you a lot of time trying to find each and every present. If you have been writing your cards each day, you should be coming to the end soon.
Day 6 Shopping list time! What do you need for stocking stuffers? What meal are you preparing and what do you need to purchase? If you have several little children coming over, prepare finger foods. Make a roast beef and prepare hot sandwiches. Buy what you need to make a huge pot of chili. Set up a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs, served with hot bread. Buy cut up veggies for a dip, and buy cake mixes for your dessert. Check to see if you need a new plastic tablecloth, and pick up new candles as well. Don't forget to buy batteries!
Day 5 Baking day #1. Prepare cupcakes or muffins, or brownies. Bake them and store them in decorative tins.
Day 4 Baking day #2 This is your cookie day. Bake your favorite sugar cookie or your tastiest chocolate chip dessert. Since you have been working each and every day, this is where you can take a break! Go to your bakery and buy your cookies already made, and treat yourself to a cup of coffee and your favorite dessert. You have earned it!
Day 3 It is the day before Christmas Eve. Time to vacuum, clean up the rooms, and prepare for anyone who is sleeping over. You can also review the stocking stuffers and pick up any last minute gifts.
Day 2 Christmas Eve is here! Time for family, food, fun, and church. You are all set, sing that carol and wait for Santa.
Day 1 Merry Christmas, you made it!
