Holiday Cards & Photos: What Now?

Now that the holidays are over what do you do with all the cards & photos you’ve received?

First of all, I am giving you permission to throw these away. Really, it's okay to throw away photos and letters. Get rid of those that are not significant for you.

For the photo cards that are keepers, decide how you want to store these:

* Put them in an envelope marked with the year and store them in a file or memorabilia box. Use photo safe products to preserve photos.

* Scrapbook them or hire someone to do this for you.

* Scan them and store them on your hard drive or burn a disk, then toss the paper copy.

Holiday cards can be reused to make decorations or gift tags. Senior centers, day care centers, and a plethora of other organizations accept donations of holiday cards. Just google “holiday cards donate” to find an organization that would appreciate the cards.

Remember, save only what you will refer to again in the future.

Forget Perfection - Relax & Enjoy

We’ve been busy preparing for a celebration: shopping, decorating, wrapping, baking, & sending cards. Christmas is almost here. Take a look at the items still on your “To Do” List. Which ones can you skip this year? If it hasn’t been done yet, maybe it can be skipped. Circle only those items that have to be done and cross out the rest. Of the circled items, can any jobs be delegated to others? Can you buy cookies this year instead of baking? Can you hire a teen to wrap gifts? Ask for help.

Enjoy what you’ve done this holiday season and don’t fret over what didn’t get done. Remember, the holidays are not about having everything perfect. They are about celebrating, relaxing, and enjoy family & friends.

Makin' a List, Checkin' it Twice

We’re in the midst of holiday preparations. Now’s the time to check your list and update. What still needs to be done?

Shopping – for gifts, for entertaining, gift wrapping supplies, holiday cards

At home - prepare guest bedroom, wrap gifts, decorate, bake

Go to post office – get stamps, mail gifts, mail holiday cards

Make a list of what you need to do. Be specific. List the stores you plan to shop at and the errands you need to run. Then pace yourself. Try to cross one item off your list daily to prevent a last minute rush.

Gift Wrapping Station

With the holidays upon us, everyone is busy decorating, shopping, baking, and preparing for a celebration. To prevent a last minute wrapping marathon, set up a gift-wrapping station.

1. Designate a flat surface for wrapping – a folding table set up in a bedroom, basement or seldom-used room, a counter height dresser in a guest bedroom, or a desk.

2. Store supplies near the wrapping area:

*Put rolls of wrapping paper in a trash can or tall basket.
*Store gift bags in a large, durable gift bag or a basket.
*Contain the bows in another gift bag.
*Store rolls of ribbon on a trouser hanger that has the horizontal bar that opens up. Thread the rolls through the bar, shut it & hang it from the leg brace of the table, the side of the can/basket, or in a nearby closet.
*Tags, scissors, tape, and pens can be held in a desktop organizer or stored in a dresser or desk drawer.

3. Wrap gifts as soon as possible after you get them home from the store!

Happy Wrapping!