The Christmas Book

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.

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