There is a lot of information out there right now about how to get organized for the holidays. This includes day by day schedules for wrapping presents and baking cookies (these schedules often start in August, which is when you should make up your holiday card list), how to simplify your holidays by shopping online and sending email holiday cards and how to make an elaborate new dish to add to your extensive holiday meal menu. My favorite kind of information is about how to do less and still enjoy the season. During my perusal of these sites, I came across one that I'm going to quote from here, because it says pretty much what I was going to write anyway.

"For just a moment, think about the holiday season. Don't think of the hustle and bustle of crowds in the mall, not the traffic of the unending list of gifts you have to buy, not the obligatory social functions or the 15 course meal you MUST prepare. Instead, think about the kind of holiday that would bring you true peace and joy.

"To help you with this task consider for a moment what you believe to be most important during the holiday season. Maybe spending enjoyable time with your immediate family or celebrating with friends is most important to you. Perhaps creating a festive holiday environment, showing your generosity through gift giving, or participating in the activities at your church would be considered. It is also a good time to remember the poor and needy. You might think about taking some time to relax or getting away for a few days.

"Now think about ways to achieve the holiday you've envisioned. Far too often we overspend on gift giving or dedicate hours to plan extravagant meals. In prioritizing your holiday values, you may have realized that this is low on the list of things that make for a happy holiday.

"Consider eliminating time consuming and costly traditions that really don't contribute to an enjoyable holiday. Cut down you gift or greeting card list. Make a donation to charity instead of giving gifts to extended family members in order to save money and avoid hours of shopping. Give hand-made gifts rather than store-bought gifts whenever possible. Cut back on baking and meal preparation by purchasing cookies and side dishes from local caterers. If that isn't financially feasible, learn to make do with less. Spend time with you family and friends rather than spending money.

"Along with taking an inventory of traditions, prepare a list of the family and friends that you are planning to give gifts to this year. Are there some people on that list that could be omitted? Maybe it is time that your extended family starts giving gifts only to the children in the family, or draws names. Once you've narrowed your list, place an estimated dollar amount next to their name to indicate the amount you are willing to spend on that person. Finally, analyze past holiday expenditures and try to estimate how much you will spend this year, then create a holiday budget. Along with gift giving, don't forget to include the cost of gift wrapping and mailing packages, travel expenses, higher entertainment costs, new holiday clothing, and decorations. Again, consider eliminating those things are unnecessary.

"It is easy to get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas. We tend to believe that the more party invitations we accept, the more gifts we place under the tree, and the more food we set on the table, the happier the holiday season will be. This year, to make the holiday more peaceful and joyous, determine the traditions that are most important to you and your family and do away with those costly habits that are unnecessary.

"The goal of taking a holiday inventory is not to make you feel you should sacrifice cherished traditions, but rather to help you prioritize the things that are most important to you during this special season. Most people will discover that spending time with family and friends is more important that extravagant gifts or fattening feasts. You will be able to enjoy a happier, more carefree holiday by eliminating some of the unnecessary obligations and costs of the holiday season."

That quotation is from the Consumer Credit Counseling Service website! The main theme is saving money, but it's also about simplifying your life and rejecting expenses and activities that don't really serve you, which is what getting organized is all about.

Here is another site about simplifying your holidays and spending less: Penny Pinchin' Holiday Ideas.

Here's one gift idea I can add. I love to get useful, handmade gifts and that's what I give to my family. I started about four years ago making calendars on the computer, using my own scanned-in photographs (enlarged in PhotoShop) and color Xeroxing the pages. Then I ask the print shop to spiral bind the tops and punch a hole. My photos are often from my travels, but this is also a terrific way to share family photos. It's a nice touch to note each family member's birthday with a cake icon or other image.

I wish you all a fulfilling and joyous holiday season.

Take Care,
Claire