At our house, we celebrate Thanksgiving (in Canada it's in October), Halloween, and then Christmas. Although the first two are important, they are really just one day events, so I don't consider the "holiday season" to start until late November, when we really start diving into Christmas.
If you've been reading for awhile, then you know my preferred method of making plans is by Google Doc, it's how I plan meals, trips, and birthday parties. Since Christmas is relatively the same each year, I can reuse my Google Doc.
The first thing that gets planned is the party we host each year, we invite neighbours, friends, and family, and I send out the invites right after Halloween. The format is roughly the same each year, so there isn't a lot of party specific preparations until the week before.
The next thing to plan is Christmas cards. We usually just take a photo ourselves and then I design the card on Shutterfly. This has to be done at the beginning of November to make sure they are returned in time for me to send out.
Our outdoor decorations usually get put up near the end of November. We always get a real tree so it can't go up for too long but it definitely needs to be up before our party.
After decorating, it is baking time. I usually do a lot of the baking for the party myself, with our moms making contributions as well.
Gifts are purchased throughout November and into December, and I usually have to mail a few out, so I need to plan the time for that. And then my goal is to get everything wrapped before Christmas Eve.
Other than a few set events, like Santa Brunch at the golf club, and the church nativity play, we just take things as they come - fitting in Christmas movies, more baking, and puzzle time in when we can.
I also should say I always spend a bit of time reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas. As Advent gets underway I will examine how I am feeling about the holidays that year - sometimes I am really excited, sometimes I am sad (remember 2020!), too rushed (last year when we were finishing up our renovation), and sometimes I'm just meh. I remind myself that no matter what I am feeling, Christmas will come even if all of the things aren't done. As much as we plan all of the parties, events, traditions, meals, etc. the real meaning of Christmas is much simpler than that.
Linking up with Shay and Erika.
I love how organized you are for the holidays, Sarah! Google Docs are so handy, I use them for a lot of things but usually jot my holiday stuff down in my paper planner. I think it's also so easy to get caught up in all the holiday hype (even though so much of it is good and fun!), it's important to remember it's truly about the birth of our Savior and as you said, a much simpler meaning. :)
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful rest of your week!!
Make Life Marvelous
Your party sounds like a lot of fun! I'm sure your guests appreciate all your effort. You are right about Christmas - I try to pause as well and reflect on the true meaning...we don't always see my family at Christmas, so year to year I feel different about it all...also, now that the kids are older--it's different. I still love our Christmas morning together, but the excitement isn't the same as when they were little.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your post! Some years I feel more excited about the season than other years and I need to remind myself that it’s ok. Reading this really helped 😊
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