Create an Idea File of Christmas Activities, Crafts and Traditions for Next Year
source: Stuck in Customs
This series was first run last year. I’m rerunning it now as we begin to decompress and reflect on this year’s Christmas and think about what we’d like to do differently next year!
While I know most people are ready to just be done with Christmas by the time it’s over, now is a great time to take a few minutes and record all of your ideas that you want to incorporate into next year’s celebration.
Maybe you heard of a fun family tradition or a delicious recipe. Maybe you saw a craft that you want to do or a gift you want to make for someone. Whatever it is, now is the time to write it down (and include links if applicable) so that you don’t forget before next year.
For example, I want to do a Jesse Tree with my girls next Christmas, using these adorable handmade felt ornaments. I also saw this beautiful felt advent calendar that would be perfect for holding the ornaments as we count down the days until Christmas. I simply didn’t have time to do these projects this past year, so I’ve added them to my list so that I’ll remember to start on them early next year (and with a new baby, I didn’t get to them this year either).
There are a few different ways to organize your Christmas ideas:
::Use a “Christmas notebook” such as a three-ring binder
::Create a section in Microsoft OneNote
::Use a folder in your Favorites to save links you come across
::Create a Word document
::Write down your ideas and traditions and pack them in the box with the preceeding holiday’s decorations (i.e., Halloween, Thanksgiving or fall decorations) so that you’re reminded ahead of time (Thanks, Tara!)
Whichever way you choose to do it, I encourage you to write down your family’s traditions, make notes about what worked and what didn’t work this year, record gift ideas, and keep track of ideas you come across that you might want to incorporate next year. Planning ahead can keep it from sneaking up on you and help make it a simpler and more enjoyable holiday for everyone!
I remember saying I was going to make that Advent calendar for this year and didn’t get around to it. This is a wonderful idea that I plan on implementing when I put up the decorations. There are a few things we didn’t do this year that I wanted to do. Maybe if I have them in hard copy I will be able to remember them all.
Happy New Year!
Southern Gal´s last blog ..E is for…
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I didn’t catch the link for the felt ornaments. It sent me to the same place as the Jesse Tree.
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We were lacking time to make a “proper” advent calender so, I cut a tree out of foam craft material and we pinned candies to it with numbers written on it. The kids had a blast taking turns taking the next candy off the tree, and they knew exactly how many days it was until Christmas. Quick, easy and fun.
I will duplicate my recipes and put them in my holiday binder so I won’t have to keep digging them out every year. Thanks for the idea!
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Great post. I just found your blog and I love it.
This reminded me that I was just thinking that each year I should make a list of the gifts I actually give to people, so I won’t forget and duplicate items in the future.
You might like my website, too. I’d love for you to check it out and give me any feedback you might have.
Meredith from Penelope Loves Lists´s last blog ..A sweet way to say thanks
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This was the first year that I wrote down my “Christmas Vision” before the holidays were in full swing. It had all the things that I think of when I think of a family celebrating Christmas (velvet dresses on little girls, a house full of people celebrating, stockings hung on the chimney, etc.) We only did a few things this year, due to the craziness of our schedule, but it was nice to have a plan in place so we could check some things off as we did them. I think I will put that in the ornament box…then I will be able to actually find it next year! Thanks for the great suggestion!
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This was our third year doing a Jesse tree. It is a wonderful family Advent activity. My children (I have 6 ages 18-2) all enjoy it and get a lot out of it. It’s a great Bible review!
PS Just wanted to mention that the link to the felt ornaments isn’t working correctly. There are no felt ornaments at all on the page you link to.
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I only wish I was talented enough to make the felt advent calendar. I have just learnt to sew this year (machine sewing) and am pretty pleased with myself about that – next stop: embroidery.
Julie´s last blog ..Rotating Toys and Books
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GREAT idea! I always have so many ideas and the forget by the next year. The Jesse tree is a really neat thing to do and a great way to spend time as a family each evening.
thanks again!
jenn´s last blog ..New Youtube Quilling Video: Paper Quilling Pattern Design Ideas – Beautiful Paper Craft
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Absolutely one of the best things I’ve done to stay organized for Christmas. Two additions: make a permanent, running “wish list” for the whole family either on paper or (harder to misplace) on the computer. You just KNOW you’ll think of things you wish you’d asked for as a gift this Christmas next week and won’t remember it at your next birthday!
Put a reminder in your calendar to get OUT your Christmas traditions list.
Katie
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