YES!!
I have learned to do a few intentional things to make getting ready for next year much easier. The Thanksgiving holiday is usually very busy with family and activities. Then we move right into the hustle and bustle of Christmas. I try to do a few tasks now that help me not do as much next year.
1- Wrap up all the Christmas books- Each year my boys unwrap a different Christmas book from Dec 1-25. The first few years, I would be wrapping them all November 30. I decided to start wrapping them all before I put them up and it made a huge difference for me. Now, the tradition can continue with zero stress on Mommy.
2- Purchase Christmas wrap and accessories at sale prices- I try to buy paper (my favorite is the Hallmark brand double sided paper in a huge roll from Sam's) on sale. I get tissue paper, boxes, tape and bows at 50% off or less. I put it all together in a tub ready to pull out to wrap next year.
3- Pack up ornaments and decor by tree- certain ornaments go on specific trees at our home. I started packing up all the ornaments from our family room tree together in ornament boxes. I put the boys' individual ornaments in different containers so they can easily decorate their trees in their rooms right after Thanksgiving.
4- Organize decor by subject - I put all my Santas together, all the snowmen together, all the nativity related decor together, etc. This makes it easier for me to decorate as I can do one box at a time and feel I have accomplished something.
5- Prepare your outdoor decor for next year - Do any wreaths need new bows? Do you need new lights? We purchased new lights after Christmas at 50% off. The boys have also gotten very excited about putting up outdoor lights and decor the past two years. We added an inflatable snowman this year and large tree of lights. For next year, we have purchased icicle lights to run the length of our roofline. This allows us to add a little each year without breaking the bank!
These may seem like they wouldn't be a huge deal, but they greatly relieve my stress!
Happy New Year to you!
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