I have two tips to share with you this issue that will help make your holiday season more organized for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
 
Thanksgiving is the one time of year when I bring out the fine china and cook more than three items on the dinner menu.  I'm a good cook, but I decided long ago that Bel Air cooks a better turkey than me.  Anything I can prepare ahead of time or very quickly allows me to relax and enjoy the meal.  As you prepare your shopping list for your Thanksgiving dinner this year, take the time to make a copy on your computer so you won't have to recreate the list next year.  If you don't want to take the time to type the list, at least keep a copy of your list in a folder labeled "Thanksgiving".  Keep any other notes about what you did, or forgot to do, so next year you will be prepared.  Make a note on your 2009 calendar in October to get that list out of the file and review it before the holidays.  Click here to see my personal shopping list.  (Now I'm really exposing myself here as a convenience cook...my apologies to my mother and grandmother for not slaving in the kitchen for days.)
 
Christmas is just as crazy as Thanksgiving so I have two ideas for you.  The trick with Christmas (as well as any holiday) is to plan this year to make next year easier.  Here's how:

The "Open Me First" box.  Each year I drag out my  "OMF" box right after Thanksgiving.  In this box I have all the things I need to start the holidays.  I usually cut greens and decorate the front of the house, I send out my holiday cards, and I'm ready to wear my Christmas jewelry.  All the things I need are in this box:  ribbon, scissors, wire, new cards (that I bought after Christmas last year), address labels, holiday jewelry, holiday paper plates and napkins, cookie recipes, etc.

Now I can get a head start before I drag out all the decoration boxes.  Make a note of the things you need to start the holidays and put these in your own "OMF" box for 2009.

 

 

The decorations "Gift Box".  My second tip comes from an organizer friend.  When you take down the ornaments this year, store them in a gift box (wrapped so the lid will come off).  Next year, open the decorated box, place the ornaments on the tree, and leave the empty box under the tree until it's time to take them down again.  This leaves your tree looking festive even after all the gifts have been opened.  Of course, if you want it to appear that Santa made an extended stop at your place, do this with all your decorations.  One can never look at too many wrapped boxes under the tree!

 

Economy struggles getting you down?  Read these five tips about how getting organized can help save you money.  Pick one tip and commit to do it this month.

 

If you struggle with finding time to create menu plans and grocery lists, this web site is for you.    Hot by 6 generates menus, recipes, and shopping lists for a mere $6 per month membership.  The website is offering a special to my readers, but hurry because it expires at the end of November.  Sign up for one month FREE trial!
 
You are invited to go to www.hotby6.com and sign up using the promo code... GetOrganized.  This promo code will stay active through November 30th 2008.