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The Christmas Book
The Christmas Book
by Teri Spaulding
Description: Learn how to create a Christmas book to organize your holiday season.
For many people, Christmas triggers stress. The decorations
are up in
some stores and the commercials for toys begin. It's no
wonder we
start feeling a little rushed to get started. For me the
answer was
to make a Christmas Book. A Christmas Book will help
organize
the holiday and can save you money. Many have heard of the
Christmas Book
but don't know how to make one. To get started get a
three
ring binder. Fill it with dividers with tabs. Now
there is
a bit of work. Make a list of categories
for your
book. Some examples are, Inside, Outside, Gifts, Crafts,
Kid Parties,
Menus, Recipes, Lists, Videos/Books, Songs, Traditions Lists,
Calendars.
Anything that you want to keep track of. These
categories are
placed on the tabs.
I started with menus. I save them from year to
year. I keep
menus for breakfast, brunches, lunches, dinners, tree
trimming party,
kids' party, any party I think of. At times I have made up
sample
menus to try.
On the back of each menu I keep a list of all
ingredients needed.
This is where you can save a little money. I decide
now on
a menu and I move it to a category called "this
year."
I am then able to buy staples (some on sale), which won't
go bad
now. This will free up money during the holidays when
a few
extra dollars might be needed. I keep my recipes in
alphabetical
order in a category called "recipes." I keep recipes to try
in alphabetical
order behind my tried and true recipes. Remember that
this
book is for you. Your book may have a separate
category for
recipes to try, or you might want subcategories like
desserts, meats,
vegetables, etc.
Most of your categories will be self explanatory. You
will
become more creative as your book ages. In the song
category
you might start with the popular or traditional songs, then
expand to lesser-known
or funny songs.
After decorating the house, take pictures of every
display.
Next year you will know exactly where everything was. If
you
want to make changes, make a list of what you wanted to
change.
I also make a list of things to buy so I can get them at
the after-Christmas
sales. With pictures you can use the same displays
from year
to year, rotate displays or make new displays each
year.
After putting up the outside decorations, take photos. I
mark
on one photo where to start the lights and how many strands
are hooked
together. I also make lists of what I want to change
and what
I need to buy for next year.
I keep a list of traditions we celebrate and a list of
traditions
in others' homes. Each family gets a separate
list. This
way, when we stay with others I can prepare my children for
traditions
that might be different from ours. It also helps me to
incorporate
the traditions of people that visit us.
In the "list" category, keep all the original lists you
might
use. I also would keep copies of these lists ready to
use.
Some examples might be to change wrapping paper, stocking
stuffers,
gift list, card list. I bring some of these lists to the
after-Christmas
sales; I keep some to help me buy year-round and others are just
for organizing.
After a Christmas Book you might start books for other holidays
or a book
with small celebrations. Remember you can make a book as
simple or
as elaborate as you want. Good luck.
Reprinted with permission.
