Maximizing Your Next Christmas: Tips and Ideas for Post-Holiday Preparation

[chefa]

I foresee a "honey-do" for DH this Saturday! Great reminder Rae!

 

[raebates]

Today is November 11. There are only 44 days left until Christmas!A "peanut" tip: it's easy to recycle Styrofoam packing materials if you dump them into a drawstring plastic garbage bag. Close the drawstring for storage. When you're ready to pack your own boxes, snip wedge off a bottom corner of the bag. Pour your peanuts out the hole, then use a Twixit! Clip or Tie It to keep the corner closed.

 

[raebates]

Today is November 12. There are only 43 days left until Christmas!Once you put your tree up you’ll probably have lots of fairly small things you’ll want to keep on hand—light fuses, extra bulbs, ornament hooks, etc. Get a small decorative gift box with a removable lid or decorate a box and lid separately so you can get inside easily. Put your tree supplies inside, then tuck the “present” under the tree. It will keep those things handy while getting rid of a bit of clutter. Make sure it will stand out among your packages, though. You don’t want to have to go searching through dozens of actual gifts to find it.

 

[raebates]

Today is November 13. There are only 42 days left until Christmas!Consider putting together a Christmas morning basket. The concept is simple: gather the tools and supplies you'll need to open Christmas gifts and put them in a basket, gift bag or gift box beneath the tree. Include items like scissors, box cutter, notepad and pen (for recording who got what from whom) camera or videocam, trash bags, zippered food storage bags (for bundling small pieces so they're not lost) and extra batteries. Yes, you can put those things in the box with the tree supplies, but I find it easier to keep them separate.

 

[raebates]

Today is November 14. There are only 41 days left until Christmas!We’re coming into the home stretch. I’ve shared most of my get-ready-early ideas. If I come across another idea for getting things done ahead of time, I’ll definitely share it. The daily countdown officially stops at the end of November, though you know I won’t be able to resist posting right up to Christmas Eve. For me one of the most important things about Christmas is making sure to focus outward. What can I do to brighten another person’s day? I try to do that often, but I make it a special focus during the holiday season. So, most of my “official” posts from here on out will be ways to do something for someone else.Here’s something I’ve done for a number of years. Starting on Black Friday I make sure I always have mini candy canes in my purse or pocket when I enter a store. I hand them out to workers. If someone helps me find something I offer them a candy cane. When the cashier is done ringing up my purchase I offer him or her a candy cane. I also offer a candy cane to the person who bagged my purchase. Occasionally I’ll have someone decline my offer, but that’s okay. Most are very appreciative.

 

[raebates]

Today is November 15. There are only 40 days left until Christmas!Hold the door. Everyone’s rushing. Everyone’s focused on their own mission—finish the list. Make a genuine effort to hold the door for others over the next several weeks. Don’t expect a thank you, though. As I said, everyone’s focused on their own mission. Of course their bad behavior doesn’t let you off the hook. If someone holds the door for you be sure to make eye contact, smile, and say thank you. It just might make their day.

 

[raebates]

Today is November 16. There are only 39 days left until Christmas!Visit someone who can't get out. Do you have a neighbor who's housebound? Is there someone from church who barely makes it out once a week for services? Is there a nursing home nearby? People need people, and spending a little bit of time talking with someone who has few visitors could be one of the best gifts you give yourself this year.

 

[raebates]

Today is November 17. There are only 38 days left until Christmas!Write a letter. This is a great time of year to reconnect. And, who doesn't enjoy getting a handwritten note? You can include it in a Christmas card, but you don't have to. A few years ago I wrote to someone I hadn't seen or heard from in years. She's my godmother. She and my mom were best friends when I was little. Over the years they'd lost touch. For some reason she'd been coming to mind, so I looked her up online. It led to a reconnection. At the very least, you might bring a smile to someone’s face.

 

[raebates]

Today is November 18. There are only 37 days left until Christmas!Another actual tip today. We're just one week from Black Friday. If you're a Black Friday shopper like me, you'll want to be prepared. Work on your list before you go. Many stores have already started letting you know some of what they'll be offering. Don't just concentrate on gift shopping. I know that's the main focus, but it's also a good day to pick up things that you've been wanting or needing for your home. Most of my gift shopping is done, so most of my list is things that are just for us. No reason not to take advantage of those sales for ourselves. On Black Friday make sure you eat a healthy (but fast ) breakfast. I'll have something before I leave, but I know lots of people who stop for breakfast after their first couple of stores. Just don't load up on lots of simple carbs. You'll be sorry later when your energy bottoms out. Eating yummy stuff is part of the day, but don't completely fall off the wagon. Make your choices wisely and indulge sensibly.Take along a healthy snack. In everyday life I carry a very big bag (sort of ginormous), but when I'm power shopping I carry a small bag, backpack, or (like this year) sling bag. I'll have a couple of Lara Bars or Cliff Bars in there just in case I start to lose energy or get too hungry. You know how it is—you get involved in those deals (or standing in line) and realize it's been far too long since you last ate. If you have something with you, you'll be less likely to reach for that tempting Cinnabon or candy bar. Be safe. I shop alone, so I know I need to be very aware of the people around me. Make sure you lock your car. Pay attention to your surroundings. Make sure your most expensive purchases aren't readily visible to people who pass by your vehicle. Have fun! I know I will.

 

[raebates]

Today is November 19. There are only 36 days left until Christmas!Give yourself a silent night. Turn off everything--TV, computer, phones, etc. Take one evening (or even just a couple of hours) to remove yourself from the world. If there are other people at home you can play a game or just sit and talk. If you're alone you can read a book or take a nap. How does this fit into my goal of reaching out? You can't give what you don't have. By giving yourself a chance to rest and refresh yourself you'll have the energy and good will to pass along to others.

 

[raebates]

Today is November 20. There are only 35 days (5 weeks) until Christmas!Be anonymous. Leave a gift on someone's doorstep, ring the bell, and run. There's an inexplicable joy in surprising someone when they don't know it's you.

 

[pampered1224]

Yesterday a.m. I was sitting in my kitchen when an ad for our Food Share Program came up. They were selling Turkey Dinners for $30. I also had been on the phone with my upstairs tenant and she told me her mom and her were having a small chicken for dinner because mom is retired and just not making enough money to do a real dinner. So, even though I myself and now PAt is unemployed, we have plenty. I went and bought three dinners. 1 for my tenant and her mom and a few elderly neighbors that depend on her for a Thanksgiving dinner, I am delivering it today, 1 for my neighbor down the street because she has accumulated $10s of thousands in medical expenses in the last 6 months due to her MS and then one for me and my family as my folks can not afford to prepare a dinner for all us "kids". There are 13 or us and that means big bucks for a dinner. At least this way we have a 12 pound bird, potatoes, stuffing with onions and celery for the stuffing, a pumpkin pie, cranberries and acorn squash. Not bad for $30! This really takes the pressure off mom and dad. see if you have a place in your neighborhood where a deal can be found and help someone including yourselves this holiday season. Oh and our Share program has a Christmas dinner too so I will be saving up money for a few of those as well. Or put your own together by buying a few things each time you go shopping and freezing, refrigerating or putting them together in your delivery box a smidgen at a time so it does not overwhelm you either. Do this for your own meal as well and it too will be less stressful than if you shop all at one time!

 

[raebates]

Thanks for sharing that, John.

 

[raebates]

Today is November 21 There are only 34 days left until Christmas!Share your holidays. Do you know someone who might be alone for Thanksgiving? How about Christmas? Invite them to share in your celebration. Years ago our son's friend moved in with us. He was just finishing high school. His parents were divorced, and he had been living with his dad. It's a long story, but he was given 24 hours to move out of his dad's house. It was October when he moved in with us and became part of our family. His family had never celebrated anything--birthdays, Christmas, anything. Ours was his first real Christmas celebration. For several years he spent at least part of Christmas day with us.* I can't tell you the joy that comes from inviting someone to become part of your family for the day.*He’s now married and celebrating Christmas with his wife and her family. They know they are always welcome here during the holidays, though. After all, he’s one of our kids, making her our kid-in-law. Still, he’s no longer alone on Christmas.

 

[raebates]

Today is November 22. There are only 33 days left until Christmas!Find a place to give. Volunteer to ring bells, serve a meal, or anything else that will help someone else. I’ve read about a family that gets up on Christmas morning and makes a huge batch of pancakes and coffee. They then take these along with cups, paper plates, plastic forks, and syrup down to where the homeless gather in their town. Before they ever open one gift or peek into one stocking they give to others.

 

[raebates]

Today is November 23. There are only 32 days left until Christmas!Take a little time and give blood sometime in the next several weeks. It’s one of the best gifts you can give a stranger this year.

 

[raebates]

Today is November 25. There are only 30 days left until Christmas!Smile and inquire about the person who is serving you. When the person taking your order or the cashier behind the counter says, "Welcome to _____________. How are you today?" Respond with, "I'm [good, great, wonderful, fantastic, blessed, or however you’re feeling], thanks. How are you?"I'm amazed at how often it really catches that person off guard. I've been rewarded with big smiles. I've had many people thank me for asking. I've had several others tell me that no one ever asks them that. Showing concern for others can be a wonderful way to spread Christmas cheer.

 

[pampered1224]

I love doing this every time of year. I worked for several years as a waiter. Both of my parents worked in restaurants too part time as I was growing up and they too taught me this. It makes for a great day when someone acknowledges you on a personal level. I also try very hard to remember to use their name as much as possible. Even a simple, "John, could I get another glass of water please?", goes a long way in making yours and their, dinning experience much more delightful.

 

[raebates]

If you liked that one, John, you'll love the next one.

 

[raebates]

Today is November 28. Three are only 27 days left until Christmas!Want a tangible way to spread some cheer? Tip big for the next several weeks. This is a very busy time for people in a lot of service industries—restaurants, salons, etc. Unfortunately, this is the time of year they often deal with some of the nastiest customers. With the economy tight, it’s very likely that people will scale back their tips. Be amazingly different, and tip a little extra. Also, many of us take advantage of some fantastic deals this time of year. My lunch on Black Friday was actually free. But, when your meal is discounted, don’t discount your tip. Tip on the full, non-discounted amount of your meal. In fact, since you’re saving so much, tip a little extra. Those of you who know me might remember about my tip cards. I leave a little card with every tip thanking the server for their attention. Of course, if it accompanied a skimpy tip it probably wouldn’t have quite the same impact.

 

[pampered1224]

Rae you are so right! Over the last two years Pat and I have become members of every restaurants e-club and gotten many, many meals free or discounted. We always make very sure that we tip on the ORIGINAL bill. Even if it hurts, it still costs less than the original bill would have been in most cases. For us, that wisdom came from Pat's brother who is a career waiter. The things he has had to put up with just to get stiffed!

 

[raebates]

The Furry Guy used to bristle at the generous tip I always leave. That is, until our son became a server in a high-end seafood restaurant. TFG assumed that servers in expensive restaurants made more than those in economy restaurants. When he found out our son was making $2.15/hr, he was stunned. Then, when he started hearing the horror stories about demanding customers with large tabs who left a pittance for a tip, he understood that I was simply making up for what the servers had to put up with from others.

 

[raebates]

It's December 1. No more need for a countdown, since you can just subtract the date from 25. The season is upon us, and I wish the happiest of holidays for you and yours.

 

[esavvymom]

The Furry Guy used to bristle at the generous tip I always leave. That is, until our son became a server in a high-end seafood restaurant. TFG assumed that servers in expensive restaurants made more than those in economy restaurants. When he found out our son was making $2.15/hr, he was stunned. Then, when he started hearing the horror stories about demanding customers with large tabs who left a pittance for a tip, he understood that I was simply making up for what the servers had to put up with from others.

Whenever we go out to eat with my parents, I try to get a peak at the tip they leave. They are from the "old school mindset" when tips were customarily 10%, that's what they typically leave. So I usually sneak out some more cash, and stall when we leave the table- so I can drop it on the table or into the bill holder without getting caught. It's usually 6 of us eating out.....it's the LEAST I can do!

(and to my SIL who may read this post- SHHHHHHHHH...I've been caught before, but they still don't get it. So quiet!

 

[pampered1224]

Bobbi! I can totally relate! My father, bless his soul, does that so I too try to sneak a peak if they pay the bill so I can how shall I say, embellish our thanks to our server. The funny thing is, my father shows his appreciation in the form of low demands on the server and a kind word no matter how bad the service is. I think he thinks their hourly wage went up like most other folks. I am not sure how the topic came up but I had to tell this on Thanksgiving that wait staff only gets $2.15 an hour. He said, you're lying! I was getting $1.85 an hour in 1978. So how can it be that low? Pat and I made him talk to Pat's bro the waiter and he told dad it was true. I think we really shocked him as mom said he left a 20% tip the Friday after thanksgiving when mom, him and a couple of friends went out. Too funny!

 

[raebates]

I've been known to do the same thing when we go out with my parents. They tend to be rather difficult with waitstaff, so I think they deserve a bit more for dealing with the folks.

 

[raebates]

Today is December 8. There are only 17 days until Christmas!There are only three things more for me to do. Today I will pick up four $10 bills for The Furry Guy's nieces. They are getting older and asked for gift cards. The Furry Guy said he'd rather just give cash. So, in an effort to make it a little more special, I'm going to fold the 4 $10 bills into 2 butterflies--one for each. For some fun money ideas google money origami.Saturday I'm wrapping. Usually I'd have done that on Monday, but I've had a busy week. I blocked out Saturday as my wrapping day. All of my supplies are gathered. my plan is set.At the end of next week I'll pick up the yummies we're giving my FIL. It's Sweet Poppins, which is candy-coated popcorn. Amazing stuff! They're just down the road from me, so I'll pick them up not too long before the family gathering.How are you coming with your Christmas preparations?

 

[NooraK]

I'm not doing very well. Because our budget is so shot, I've not really done anything, because I don't really want to think about not being able to afford gifts for most people. Plus with DH traveling during the week, I just plain don't have time to even think about it all.

 

[raebates]

Only one more day. I hope your Christmas lives up to every wish you've made. Merry Christmas!

 

[ChefBevShu]

Merry Christmas Rae! Thank you for your posts...they inspire me! :love:

 

[raebates]

You're very welcome, Beverly. I really enjoy doing this. As I said before, it helps me to keep myself on track so I can have a relaxed December.