It’s Almost Christmas

Key to any great trip is planning and logistics. This applies to holidays as well. Just like arriving at a chosen destination sucessfully, holidays also require forethought and planning.

The first thing to do on your “Santa Express” is to begin with tracking.

• Lists: Save all of last year’s lists. Store them on your computer is possible, since it’s easier to print them out and also to add, delete and make changes. Some special lists you will need are:
  • Christmas gifts (don’t forget friends, bosses and teachers!)
  • Holiday menus and guest lists
  • Christmas card list — remember to update your address book too
• Calendar: Get a a 12-month calendar is very helpful in planning out your holiday when it’s still a year away. January is a great month to do this since inclement weather makes all of us shut-ins and often gives us “winter doldrums”.
• Shopping: After you’ve filled in all of the usual events, reminders, etc. go to June 21st–the summer solstice and mark on your usual shopping days or other special shopping trips a number of purchases using the prior year’s gift list that you’ve updated. Do this until the end of September and most of your holiday shopping will be pretty well done.If you didn’t get your shopping done early, don’t fret — there’s plenty of time. Given the economy there will probably be some real bargains as we get closer to Christmas. But retailers are cutting back on their orders, so popular items may be in short supply.
• Budget: With the economy in upheaval and the need to save abit more for an uncertain future, it is more important than ever to set a holiday budget and stick to it. Now this doesn’t mean you have to shop at thrift stores (although that can be fun) or take up dumpster diving. It does mean creating a Christmas that you and your family can comfortably afford. You might find that you enjoy the holidays more when you aren’t stressed out about mounting bills.
• Food: When it comes to menu planning, most of us stick to traditional dishes. “Express” this too by saving the prior year’s menu and adding something new or a new version of an old dish. Don’t wait until one week before the holiday to shop for items that have a long shelf-life. Most stores increase prices one to two weeks in advance of a holiday up to as much as 10% more in cost to you.If you plan on baking cookies, why not invite a friend in and share the batches. Two can bake twice as much as one.
• Decorating: The Santa Express recommends a “Trim-A-Tree” Party where you invite a small number of guests and let them help with the decorating while your offer them hot chocolate, finger sandwiches and fresh donuts. This is one detail that is fun and you can strike off your list easily.

Planning is important. But, so are logistics. Keep your lists in a visible place in your kitchen for referral and then, take it with you when you shop. Plan your geographical logistics so that you avoid having to run out for forgotten items.