Yes. You have plenty of time … right now. But, you know how it goes. One minute you have gobs of time and, the next thing you know, you turn around and you have a matter of days. Time flies so fast in the fall with everything we have to do to get organized for the holidays. Part of the problem is that there are so many holidays crammed into the last few months of the year. Don’t fret. There are a few things you can do now, do early to get ahead of the game.
1. Even if you are low on cash, you can shop. That’s right. Layaway is back, baby! Depending on how old you are, you may remember the genius of layaway. You shop, leave everything in the store and drop of cash when you can. No interest. No credit card companies getting rich. Just you and 90 days to make it happen.
2. The great pre-Christmas purge. Quickly. Quietly. One day, when the kids are away at school, clean out the playroom. Be ruthless. Throw out any toys that are broken beyond repair or missing one too many pieces. Donate the ones they never play with, even if you know it was special or expensive. There is no need for these to take up space. Donating them early accomplishes two things. One, you make room for all the new gifts about to arrive and, two, you can get them into the hands of a parent who may be a little short of cash this year.
3. Call two or three friends with children the same age as yours. Work out a rotating schedule to watch each other’s kids once or twice during the season. Having a pre-arranged sitter makes planning for shopping session with your spouse that much more relaxing and returning the favor feels good, too.
4. Buy those holiday pajamas that you always forget about. If you always remember that coordinating pj’s would look cute at about 10 a.m. on Christmas morning, order them now. Right now. Ok – after you read this post and, like, six others.
5. Buy a goat. No? How about a pig? Instead of searching all over town for that perfect gift to mail your Great Aunt Sallie in the nursing home, who really doesn’t need or want anything. Why not combine that money and a few others and join in the efforts of Heifer International. This amazing organization has been around since 1944. They took the whole “teach a man to fish” thing literally. As little as $120 will purchase both a goat, feed and training necessary to care for that goat. One little goat can supply a hungry family with over a ton of milk annually. Who knew?! They are even trained to turn the excess into cheese and yogurt to sell for a profit. Great gift. Way better than a Fruit of the Month club membership.
Peace on Earth. Good Will To Men. Organized blessings.
Enjoy
Sheryl
PS – For more great organizing tips from your friends at Mom’s in a Bog, get 30 Days to a Stress-Free Holiday today…it’s not too late to gain peace from the hints and tips and the free bonus checklists will be a perfect addition to your Home Binder. If you could use a little less stress this holiday season, get your stress free aide here today.
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