Oh nooooo. . . I think that post title just had the ‘not-so-list-friendly’ folk running away screaming.
Did I scare you off with the holiday planner?. . . [giggle]. . . I realise some people just can’t do the list thing and all the planning this far in advance. . . and that’s okay. It’s not something that has to be rigid. Even if you just get one element of your Christmas planning underway it will alleviate some of the stresses of that final countdown period to Christmas.
I know that lots of you DO love the idea of a Christmas planner and making everything simpler because my little stats counter was whirring around uncontrollably on Wednesday when I released the downloadable planner pages. Thank you to everyone of you who have decided to join in, to those of you who have popped my Simply Christmas button on your blog sidebars and have posted about the event on your blogs and Facebook pages. Let’s share the magic of a simple and homemade Christmas with everyone!
This first week of Simply Christmas is all about planning and getting organised so you can sit back and enjoy the festive season. I don’t know about you, but personally, I loathe doing Christmas gift shopping at the last minute. . . having to shop under pressure. . . with tons of other people all jostling to get served and standing around waiting in huge queues. That never makes me feel ‘merry’!
As someone has already asked me – Where do you begin?
Well, it’s no surprise that I’m a bit of a list girl. . . some people write lists in their heads, others make it up as they go along. . . me, I like to write it down as I think of it. So lists are a part of my everyday life. . . hmmm, I think it’s a visual thing. . . it kind of makes more sense when I can see it in black and white – is anyone else like that?
Soooooo, I begin with the Master List. . . oh yeah, sounds impressive doesn’t it!!
In reality, it’s just a big list page. I make one like a strip calendar. I start by writing in the main events that I already know of. . . like family outings, get-togethers with friends, dinner dates etc. that I’ve got in my diary for this period.
Next I add the tasks that I want to complete by or on a certain date; posting of overseas/interstate parcels, sending of Christmas cards, putting up the Christmas tree etc. By doing this you now have a visual timeline of when things need to be done.
Then all that is left to do is break down all those tasks into smaller components so you get them completed on time. One quick glance and I know when I need to have shopping, household cleaning and prep work done. I like to get the great majority of tasks completed in November, so I can cruise through the Christmas month of December calm and relaxed and free to enjoy any last minute invitations.
Now that we have a plan and lists all that is left to do is the fun stuff!!
Starting next week, my troop of creative elves and I will be providing you with lots of tutorials on making and creating homemade gifts, home decor and festive baking. Make sure you are here on Monday as we will be kicking off the week with our first BIG Simply Christmas giveaway.
I hope you all have a fabulous list making, Christmas planner creating weekend,
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Lists are good and lists in books even better (I can be a bit scatty at times and often make a list that promptly gets left on the desk LOL) – a book I’m more likely to pick up and put in my bag.
So my planner is underway.
Toni xx
My Christmas planner is now being worked on. I shall add colour which I will love to do. Tomorrow it’s going to snow, so shall add ‘to do items’. I haven’t been to the large stores since before Halloween, looking forward to my first visit to the Christmas section, with my planner. 🙂 Thanks again.
Hi Kerryanne,
I’ve started on my Christmas planner, I just need to fill it with ideas and plans now.
Looking forward to next week and your elves visiting with Tutorials.
Have a great weekend,
Creative hugs,
Anna
I would be sooooo lost with out my lists. They make life so much easier.
Hello! Today I got together with friends at a scarp store. I made my Christmas Planner. Done. I love it. I will send you an email tomorrow with pictures. Its late now tomorrow will be good for light and photo taking. Thank you very much. The planner is exactly what I needed to get ready for this holiday season. Annette from California USA.
hi there … i am already to go with my planner, it’s plain and simple but oh so perfect with your downloadable planning lists, thank you SO much for providing them! i am totally looking forward to making our christmas here in nz more home made and home baked 🙂 photo’s here http://kirstycolquhoun.blogspot.com/2011/11/day-148-shabby-art-boutiques-simply.html
You are just so organised, you put me to shame! Great inspiration though 🙂
I have made my planner and coloured the cute illustrations while watching tv in the evenings. I like making lists and planning ahead – not that things always turn out so organized 🙂
Oh yes I am a list person too, only because I am on a budget most of the time, so it dose not help to overspend. I know that’s not everyone but it works for me.
I have finished my planner and I will start filling in the list sections to start preparing. Thanks Kerryanne.
best wishes Julie.C
Picked up new books to work with yesterday while out shopping.
Plan on playing with your ideas and some of my own and make at least one book before Monday.
I’ll be ready for the coming season.
thanks for the incentive,
hugs
Gerry
Love lists and I am really enjoying your Christmas posts. I am using a planner for my daughters sweet 16 which is just days before Christmas. Thinking I should make one for Christmas now too – or it might get missed. 🙂
Added your button to my sidebar and am now following too.
Hi Kerryanne, I spent today with Vikki and have made some good progress on my chrissy planner. Love your pages and Ella has enjoyed colouring them in tonight! xx Anne
Finished my planner early this morning,just need to start using now. then maybe I will be all ready and
organized for a change. Thanks Kerryanne.
Love Carol xx