Parenting Article:

Getting Organised for the Holiday Season

By: Rebecca Mezzino

Planning is the key to an organised, and therefore relaxed, holiday season. By planning I don't mean strict or rigid timeframes and tasks (because after all, it's meant to be a fun time of the year!), but simply getting as much done as you can, as early as you can.

The first step is to make a plan for the couple of months leading up to Christmas. Decide what you're going to do and when. Buddy up with a friend so that you keep each other on track - it always helps to have someone to be accountable to. Receive a free fun and practical Christmas Countdown Planner at www.clearspace.net.au when you sign up for my newsletter; it will make sure you stay on course.

You'll need to make sure you have a system whereby the whole family is scheduling their social engagements in the one planner or calendar to avoid any double-booking inconveniences. The invitations tend to come thick and fast leading into November so you have to be on the ball!

If you send Christmas cards get them all done early and ready to post by late November. Write a few every evening in front of the TV and they'll soon all be ready to post before you know it. Don't send cards just because you always have, and don't send them to people who don't value them, it's a waste for both of you!

When it comes to getting your home ready, you're off the hook a certain degree if you are going away for the season. But even still, it would be wonderful to come home after a holiday to your own organised, peaceful haven! In the lead-up to Christmas, de-clutter a little bit every day, even if just for 15 minutes. It will mean less racing around at the last minute. If you don't have a lot of clutter, you can use that 15 minutes for spring cleaning tasks and get the house squeaky clean so you have less to do in the busy period.

If you are travelling by car, be sure to get your car serviced and checked over. Make bookings as early as you can. Making travel lists is a great idea to ensure a smooth lead-up to the trip (check out www.packinglistonline.com) and a worry-free arrival. And don't forget your pets and plants!

If you're staying home and the travellers are coming to you, now is the time to spruce up the guest room and make sure the linen is all clean and ready to go.

And then there's the Christmas tree and associated decorations. When it comes to decorating for Christmas some people get a little over-excited. Save money and time by not changing your theme every year (no-one will notice!) and not buying in to the 'perfect tree' images that stores and catalogues present to you. Do your own thing - use hand-made decorations as much as possible, they can make Christmas feel a little more relaxed.

Gift-giving is a huge part of Christmas and a part most of us love, but it also causes a lot of stress. Make sure you have a budget very early and stick to it. Try to avoid getting sucked into the credit-card abyss and instead use lay-by services or purchase small amounts a week over a few months. Collect catalogues that come in the mail and scour them for gift inspiration (be sure to recycle them immediately after so they don't clutter up your home). Next January, if you don't already have one, set up a savings account just for next Christmas - you'll be surprised how much a few dollars a week can help.

We all know that we have a lot of stuff, most of us have too much of it in fact, so why don't you try giving clutter-free gifts? You can give movie or theatre tickets, dinner vouchers, massage vouchers, dancing lessons or even a donation to a charity on their behalf. It's limited only by your imagination!

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