Why you need to set goals for Christmas now

Inside - with just 12 weeks to Christmas, it's time to start making some goals.

It's no secret I love Christmas.

School is finished, work winds down, the streets get quiet, watching everyone open gifts is exciting, cooking tonnes of food is fun, eating the food and talking to friends is a great way to relax.

3 ways to set up your Christmas planner (so you actually use it)

Inside - When is a planner not a planner? When it's a memory keeping treasure! Set yours up so you actually use it this year!

Did you know it's exactly 13 weeks to Christmas?

When I was creating the Christmas planner, I knew it wouldn't be enough to just say "here it is" and leave people to download, save and lose it to their computer folders. I needed to support it with blog posts, newsletters, and lots of support for actually using it.

How to Save Time, Money and Energy by Planning for Christmas Now

Inside - Now September is here, it's time to start planning for Christmas, and save time, money and energy as the season draws closer.

It's the start of Spring in the Southern hemisphere.

And it's 115 days to Christmas.

I know, I can hear my mum yelling now "Cate, stop!"

Countdown to Christmas | Planning Ahead

I've been counting down to Christmas since September 16th. If you're an old reader around these parts, you know I used to run a series called 100 days to Christmas each year (which is way harder than it seems, especially if you don't decide to start until the day before!) It's just about the only time of year that I'm a little bit organised. (But I don't have it mastered! I'm often still wrapping on Christmas Eve!)

As another person said to me last week "I'm not ready for Christmas, make it stop!" I realised that getting ready for Christmas often isn't high on people's agendas until the last minute. But it's because they waited until the last minute that the stress is happening.

So, let's go on a journey together for the next ten weeks, and kick Christmas stress out the door!

First, let me point out that I don't have all the answers. Secondly, this countdown is more specifically aimed at people who don't celebrate Thanksgiving, purely because I don't celebrate so I don't know how to slot all the tasks in a shorter period of time.

One of the best things I ever did to get on top of Christmas was create a planning binder. I haven't used one for the last couple of years, and I get to Boxing Day and wonder why. This year, I'm returning to using a binder, because pen and paper always makes me feel a little more in control.

With just ten weeks to go to Christmas, the first thing to do, once you've downloaded the calendar (sign up here for my newsletter, and it's yours) is to add everything that you already know is happening in the next ten weeks. Any recurring events (for me, that's my monthly book club), and one-off activities, and Christmas activities that always happen, write them down. (It also helps to print the calendar on cardstock, if you've got it, it will be harder wearing as it gets flicked around in your binder)

Once you've done that, sit down and give yourself a pat on the back, you've got this stress-free Christmas business in the bag.

Next week, we'll talk inspiration.

5 things I'm letting go of this season

Source: abrightcorner.com via Cate on Pinterest

I'm not doing an advent-anything. My kids just don't seem to get the idea of waiting, or taking turns, or sharing, and I hate the idea of individual advents. Maybe next year we can try again.

Source: howsweeteats.com via Cate on Pinterest

I often cook lots of veggies on the day, but they rarely get eaten. I'm undecided about whether we will completely skip this one, because asparagus and bacon sounds pretty awesome.

Source: weddinggawker.com via Cate on Pinterest

Beautifully wrapped gifts are not going to happen until all the kids are older and can admire them for the treasure they are.

Source: childhood101.com via Cate on Pinterest

Cut-out cookies of any sort. I hate the rolling and cutting process, and would probably hate the decorating process, too. If it can't be rolled into balls, or sliced from a log, I'm not doing it.

Source: designdazzle.blogspot.com via Cate on Pinterest

Handmade santa sacks. This isn't the year to decide it must be done. Maybe next year.

What are you letting go of this holiday season?

 

100 days to Christmas | HOW-TO make a wreath

Inside - a step by step guide to creating a bauble wreath for your door.

On my project list back in September was a big basket of ornaments. I knew when we were packing everything away last year that I was going to have a go at making my own wreath this year, so the ornaments have sat in a basket in the craft room, waiting for me to get into action.

I started by laying my foam piece out on butcher's paper. {here's a handy tip - try the local storage place for butchers paper, I get mine from Storage King for about $15}

I gave up trying to pry the gold caps off, so just tried to tuck them out of sight {don't look too closely}

And now I have a big glue gun that works properly, the job is made ten times easier.

Building up layers is the best way to create a full wreath. Try to fill gaps, by looking overhead and placing things before gluing.

I actually hated the finished wreath. To my overly critical eye, I'd failed.

But once it was hung on the door I knew it was perfect for us!

Have you started making decorations yet?

Days to ChristmasCountdown

100 days to Christmas | my gifting philosophy

Trying to decide on gifts each year is getting harder. I find that every year I am buying and gifting less to the children, and still struggling to find the balance between gifts that last and will be appreciated, and gifts that will be lost (or broken) before day's end.

I've tried to follow this gifting philosophy for a few years now (even though I've never managed to only give four gifts per child), but more often than not we get to the following Christmas and no one can remember what they received the previous year. The only exception at the moment is the last-minute book bags I whipped up last year.

So with six weeks to go, I'm stumped. I have no idea what to get for anybody this year (the added burden of family for Christmas isn't helping). I do have a plan for some small handmade stocking stuffers, but until I try the project, I have no idea if it will work, or if I'll be left shopping on Christmas Eve (amongst all the other things that are done on Christmas Eve)

But maybe you can help me. Do you gift to couples, families or individuals? I'm never sure how to handle this one, which makes shopping harder!

100 days to Christmas | shadow box decorating with The Crafty Mummy

 

Hi! I'm Tonya from The Crafty Mummy. Thanks for having me over for your Christmas series, Cate! Today I'm going to share a little Christmas decorating at my place this year. This shadow box is only small but it is making me smile! Although we don't get snow here at Christmas, I spent one Christmas in Japan and my favourite thing was the snow. This project reminds me of that lovely year.

Shadow boxes can be a great craft for kids to try. This little one is only about 15cm square and came in a set of three with 2 larger ones from The Reject Shop. The back pops out so you can slide a picture between the glass and the backing. I used some really dark blue card for "sky" and white paper for the "snowy hill". With a little searching in my stash I found glittery flowers that were perfect for snowflakes. Sequins would be cute too.

Finally the button Christmas tree is one that I made last week. You can find a tutorial over at The Crafty Mummy with all the instructions for one of those: Button Christmas Tree Tutorial. Mine was a little unsteady so a little ball of Blutac fixed that.

100 days to Christmas | Christmas self care {guest post}

Christmas is supposed to be a time full of family, community, friends, cheer, good food and drink. Traditionally for many people it is also a season of stress, with good times often tainted by anxiety, frustration and even fighting with family members.

{source}

As you go about making lists and shopping, baking, crafting, and preparing for big events do not forget a critical item to add to your lists - self care. If you want to increase your holiday spirit rather than arrive at January 1st utterly spent and depleted take some time to put a holiday self care plan in place.

A misconception about self care is that it is all bubble baths and alone time. That is definitely one person's self care priorities but it may not be yours. Self care really means stopping, thinking about what YOU need and honouring that - without guilt or excessive explanations.

Some ways you can build self care in (the list could be endless as we are unique individuals):

Don't overbook yourself 

How much do you want to do? What activities and gatherings make you feel good, happy and full of the spirit of the season? Feel free to cut out things that bring you down, or will tip you over from happy to cranky. If you get 3 invites for the same Saturday choose one that you will truly enjoy and give it your full attention.

Take power naps if needed (or go to bed super early some nights)
Even if you normally get by with less sleep the holidays can be very draining with the go-go-go pace, entertaining and dealing with the shops! Top up your snooze tank when you have the chance. If you have a late night or two, take it easy for a bit and go to bed after a light dinner.

Exercise
It is so easy to let this one go as we are busy, possibly on holiday and out of our usual routine. Kids are at home from school as well. Find some way to keep moving - go for an early or late walk, exercise at home with a DVD, go for a swim... Just move some days rather than just focusing on gifts, foods and activities. It will help you on so many levels from mentally to physically to emotionally. If you have guests it might just be the answer to getting some space - excuse yourself and go for a walk or jog.

Plan healthy meals to counter extra indulgences
Part of the fun of the holidays is all those raised glasses of wine and champagne along with treats made by others, big meals and endless offers of dessert! Enjoy it. Just make sure you balance it with some healthy foods you keep on hand for simpler  meals and snacks plus a good dose of fruits and vegetables. Nothing is worse than getting run down or sick over the holidays. Think of this as pre-emptive self care and don't ignore your health.

Take vitamins
This can also act as a little insurance in the over indulgence stakes.

Take time to do things to fill up your tank
What restores you when you need a break? If you are an introvert and struggling with all the socializing make sure you clear some alone time daily if possible. If you like to write or journal find some time for reflection and creativity. If your in laws are staying with you and you don't get along set up some time with a friend to do your shoppe together or meet for a coffee.

Keep it simple
Cut yourself some slack and remember to focus on the spirit of the season. No one will hold it against you if you bake only 1 dessert for Christmas lunch or if you bring items from a bakery to a party instead of preparing things yourself. It is you that people want, not the perfect present, 5 varieties of baked goods or an immaculate house

Deb Dane blogs at Home LifeSimplified about parenting, household management, organising and changing your mindset. Her aim is to inspire people to get in touch with what is important to them and use those values/priorities as the main building blocks of their life – doing whatever is right for them. 

100 days to Christmas | update the card list

I didn't send Christmas cards last year. It was the first time in a few years since I missed it, and it was totally my own doing - I made my cards overly-complicated, and hated the end result, and even when I tried to fix the problem I messed it up. But not this year, this year I'm going to be on top of it and get my cards out in a timely manner (December 1st is always my goal, although sometimes that means overseas cards are a touch late - maybe I should aim for the cut off date for overseas?)

Anyway, I went to update my Christmas binder when I discovered that The Organised Housewife's Christmas Planner doesn't have space for addresses! I'm sure it's an oversight, but I'll have to use the same pages I've been using in past years from Life... Your Way.

I've culled my list extensively over the last couple of years - for a couple of years after leaving my mums group, I still sent them cards, and I've slowly dropped off people from the list that are no longer "facebook friends". But during that time, my list has expanded, as well. It now includes my scouting families, and playgroup families, and the overseas blog friends, as well as new blog buddies. (I'll tell you how many cards I'll be sending when I've actually written out all the addresses.)

Do you send Christmas cards? Hand-made, or store-bought?

100 days to Christmas | what's going on?

You may or may not have noticed a complete lack of Christmas posts around here lately. And it's totally my fault. In an attempt to make every post worthwhile, not just a compilation of images from pinterest, I've completely fallen off the wagon. My days are way busier this year than they were last, which I had completely forgotten to allow for when making this commitment to myself.

So, I'm letting myself off the hook for the rest of this month, and will start fresh with posts about Christmas from November 1st. I've got guest posts lined up from The Crafty Mummy, Home Life Simplified, Uber Simplicity, and many others. If we've talked about you writing a guest post, I'll be in touch before I head to Melbourne so we can firm up a date.

There's still time to become a guest contributor, if you celebrate Christmas in any way shape or form I'd love to have you! Add your information to this google document, and I'll get back to you when I get back from Melbourne.

Only 69 days to go!

100 days to Christmas | what project next?

The Christmas spirit was busy last week getting ready for scouts training over the weekend, but this week I'm fresh and ready to start.

I went downstairs this morning, and once I cleared all the kid-stuff off my workspace I had a thought - what exactly was I planning to work on? So I had a quick look in my craft room to see what was hanging around in the projects-thought-of-but-never-started pile.

A recipe box

Chip tins

 

Flower pots

A stationary box

A picnic basket

A basket full of balls

It's the first day of the school holidays and I have a sick little girl home, and now I have fresh new ideas for all these un-started projects.

Do you have any un-started projects from Christmas-past?

100 days to Christmas | using Evernote to keep organised

I know it probably sounds a little bit redundant, but I've developed a second layer of systems to keep myself organised and on-track - clipping pins to Evernote!!

Here's my reasoning:

• firstly, I'm away from the computer, actually DOing
• secondly, searching for ideas on pinterest then opening websites is kind-of clunky
• thirdly, if I upgrade my Evernote access, I can have access, without internet, to my notebooks
• fourthly, it gets me DOing I can print from Evernote

Here's how I'm clipping pins:

• spend hours browsing all those pinboards (as shared in yesterday's post)
• open the link, just as if you were checking it to link with love
• clip the article (or the page) using the Evernote clipper (which you are prompted to install when downloading Evernote)
• move the note to the right notebook (Evernote defaults to the first notebook you setup when signing up)

Do you use Evernote? Would you like a tutorial on getting started with Evernote?

100 days to Christmas | how I'm keeping track on pinterest

I love pinterest (is there anybody who doesn't enjoy wasting time researching on pinterest?), but it can be a time waster, so I decided to try making pinterest work for me, and use it to gather ideas in one place.

I've been collecting Christmas ideas for a long time (my first Christmas board is yes, I'm collecting Christmas ideas already), and straight after last Christmas I started collecting ideas on the board next year I'll do that.

I collect ideas for cookies, handmade gifts, decorating, ornaments, scrapbooking and cards.

I also moved all the Christmas-related boards to the top of my profile, so they're easier for me to find.

How will you use pinterest this holiday season?

100 days to Christmas | getting organised {& a giveaway}

It's here! Today is 100 days to Christmas! Only 100 days to make sure everything is in order to give the family the very best Christmas we can have (is that too lofty a goal? Because the kids are happy every Christmas, but the parents are stressed beyond belief. Maybe a better goal is - no stress?!)

The first thing I try to do around this time (but usually a lot earlier), is set up my Christmas planner. (In this post from August 2009, I shared my planner for that year)

This year I've set myself up slightly differently (cause I'm hoping that after three years of using binders I've got it worked out in a way that works for me.)

I've split my binders into two parts - cookies and craft in one, and plans and organising in the other. I tend to focus more on my baking, Christmas cookie and craft when collecting ideas, and have found that I end up with a huge pile bursting out of the binder.

I also made one other big change this year - I purchased the Christmas Planner from The Organised Housewife. With calendars, checklists, bright colours, and all the sections I like to use, it's perfect for me, and I've got one to give away now!

Giveaway

To be in the running to win one printable PDF of the Christmas planner, tell me if you will be gifting handmade gifts this year.

Fine print

• Entry open worldwide
• spelling in printables is Australian English
• prize is one printable PDF, emailed to the winner
• competition opens at publication of post, closes at 5pm Friday September 21st.
• This post will be updated with the winner within 24 hours
• winner will be emailed, a valid email address must be attached to your comment
• winner must make contact within 72 hours

Disclaimer: I purchased the Christmas Planner from The Organised Housewife.

Linked up with Tina Gray {dot} Me 

coming up this week

I'm going to share more ways I use my binder to keep me organised for Christmas, including keeping ideas in one place, and inspiration at my fingertips.

150 days to Christmas

It's 150 149 days to Christmas today!{Ill health and a day of scrapbooking means I forgot all about this post}

Wearing all my different hats has become a juggling game. I think I'm getting the hang of balancing scouts and blog posts and other commitments, now I need to start slotting in 100 days to Christmas as well. Of course, I'll be awesome at it or I'll burn out and stick my head in the sand. Only time will tell which one is happening this year.

One area of interest that has already come from my last post is Christmas around the world. If you've experienced Christmas in a different country (either different from mine, or different from yours), then I'd love you to share your stories. I'll run these posts through December, depending on how many people are interested.

I'm also looking for posts that share Christmas treats (cakes, puddings, etc) to add variety to the weekly cookie recipes.

I've had a play around with google docs, so if you'd like to write a guest post, please fill out the information below, and I'll be in touch shortly. For any further information, email {purplecrazymum AT gmail.com}

200 days to Christmas

200  days to Christmas! (I know, my mum is swearing at me right now!)

If you've been reading here for a while now, you'll know that last year I ran a series of blog posts called "100 days to Christmas"

My idea was to countdown to Christmas with memories, gift ideas, crafts, and inspiration. Check out my guest post at Daily Life - Bits and Pieces yesterday, about last year's project.

But last year I wasn't as organised as I thought I was. I relied too much on pinterest, and not enough on actually DOing anything to make Christmas different to previous years. (Yes, the kids had an awesome day, the grown ups had an awesome day, but it wasn't "different" to other years, it was just the same-old-same-old)

So I'm doing it again in 2012. (Because I have so much spare time on my hands.)

And this year, instead of just asking here if people want to guest post, I'm going to get over my fear of making the first move, and email people to ask if they want to be part of this project. (Proactive me!)

I'm going to stick loosely to my current blog schedule - less pinterest more do on Mondays, words on Wednesday, 5 on Friday, Saturday recipes and Sunday quotable quotes, and see what themes evolve over the next 100 days of planning posts (yes, my house is about to start looking like Christmas!)

If you would like to guest post, please email me {purplecrazymum@gmail.com}

Christmas 2011 wrap up

We're slowly getting back into our regular daily routine. It's always slightly out-of-kilter having Steve home with no daily routine, but the kids are enjoying playing with their toys, getting ready for a New Years Eve camping adventure.

She was so excited to come downstairs and see a pile of presents under the tree - especially the stockings that each of the kids decorated, stuffed full.

But she was a bit confused that Santa drank all his milk, but didn't eat all his cookies that Mum made. When dad explained that he probably ate one biscuit at everyone's house, so was saving room for all the others, she thought that was ok.

We had our customary buttermilk hotcakes with blueberry syrup. And croissants with ham and cheese for the fussy ones. And bowls of cereal for the little ones. Devoured by everyone.

Last year was a free-for-all with presents - six kids grabbing presents, ripping them open and moving on to the next one. This year we asked the kids to take turns selecting a present from under the tree, unwrapping, showing everyone, then moving on to the next person. It made the morning move a little slower, and gave everyone the chance to see and appreciate each gift.

The stillest she was all morning. (is that a word?)

I was in fits of laughter when I opened this parcel - firstly, a parcel with brown paper and string is an inside family joke between my mum and I, and secondly, she reads my blog to get present information! That's the second time it's worked, maybe I should start directing Steve here?

Inside was a beautiful pair of earrings from Epheriell.

The best present of all was the new trampoline. (this was before we put the net up) The kids have been outside on it every day, without arguements, and Riley has even been brave enough to hope up and try it out!

And I remembered to take a family photo. Looking at this reminds me why I'm starting this journey (and that I need a haircut and a new tripod)

Then we moved on to preparing food, sharing gifts with my brother and niece and nephew, eating, playing, some drinking, then friends dropping in for dinner, before crawling in to bed, tired and happy with a new book.

Hope you're having a fantastic holiday season!