Holiday and Home Preparations

Happy Fall Ya'll! 

Many of the children are back to school or at least in a new school routine. The weather is slightly cooler in many places. The sun rises later and sets earlier. Fall is upon us. The year is beginning to wind down and some of us have set our eyes to the holidays.

I have loosely followed various internet organizers and planners over the last several years to help me create my own plans and preparations for the fall and winter holidays, in addition to keeping a tidy home and sense of order at the same time.

I have already begun because this site, Organized Home, started the Holiday Grand Plan at the very end of August! Seems early I know, however, I have found the key to a relaxed holiday really is starting early. Spending time thinking through what expectations are, and simply making plans well in advance, rather than in a panic! 

Last week, I made time to clean up paperwork as suggested. I didn't go deep into long term files. I simply took the pile I stash near the kitchen and brought it up to date. Think the STOP method...sort, toss, organize and put away. Most of my papers were receipts and other short term documents. All of those were shredded! Now my pile is just a few notes and papers I need for the next month or so. If you are new to my blog, you might check here for posts I have done on my paper purge! 

In addition to paper, I pulled out my Christmas Planner that I have been using for several years. This week, I plan to print some calendar pages to refresh it. I will also review what I have in there from last year and reprint any new pages that I might need, usually the gift list page and a sheet that says "To Do", which reminds me of the major tasks that must get done as the season progresses. This link shows you my planner from last year and has links to free printables I found (these may no longer work or be free). 

Some of us are likely not able to think one minute about Christmas. However, even fall can get busy with the desire to do fall activities, find costumes and plan for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Most planners suggest small 15 minute sessions a few times a week to make progress. Some of that time may be researching ideas, or making a phone call for appointments. Consider that your goal for September and October focuses on those plans before you jump in for Christmas. 

Are you ready to start preparing for the end of the year? For the holidays? Or is it just too soon?