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It's extremely important to plan ahead when it comes to busy (and expensive) holidays like the ones coming up, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
For me, writing things down helps a lot.
I write down gifts as they are purchased and who they are for.
Tasks that need to be done get put in writing, too.
Shopping lists, guests I'd like to invite, menus, places to go and things to do and see all get logged in a special notebook.
Somehow, the act of putting things in writing helps me to actually get them done.
If I don't write myself lists, my all the things that need doing swirl around in my head like an electric mixer on high speed.
Is it the same with you?
Do you tend to write "to do" and "to buy" lists?
ALSO, WILL YOU PLEASE SHARE ANY IDEAS ON HOW TO KEEP HOLIDAY SPENDING TO A MINIMUM?
I make lists for everything! I make lists of lists!
ReplyDeleteMy friends have all given up gifts among us...we go out to dinner somewhere after Christmas or early in the season...or a breakfast tea at someone's home instead. We often collect money in a basket and give one gift to someone we know in need...one time a bike for a grandma to give to her grandkid she was raising...another time a coat for someone we watched walk to his Sonic job without one...etc. None of us need more and feels better anyhow doing this other....
Oh, yes, lists are important to me too. On my blog today I am giving away a copy of the Christmas book I wrote, and it has lots of planning and frugal tips.
ReplyDeleteI love all of Claudia's ideas, especially helping someone in need. And I'm pretty sure I already stopped by Terra's, because I'd love to win her book! OH...and lists??!! Oh yes! I can't think of any tips on the amount of money spent, other than making homemade items, which I think are the best! I haven't rec'd many of them over the years, but I love them! I've given a few baked goodies and things like that, too.
ReplyDeleteI have a "Christmas" club fund that I put into all year to help with expenses over the holidays. I got this idea from my Mother and it helps a lot where money is concerned. Happy list making. I do much of my shopping from lists people send to ME.
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't make lists? Difference is......I make them on all little slips of paper and they pile up on the table and,...well you get the picture.
ReplyDeleteYes, I write lists but not as many or as detailed as I used to.
ReplyDeleteNow I just write notes all over the place, lol.
We've already had our Thanksgiving in Canada. It was nice and I had people over for a peaceful dinner. I'm not quite sure about Christmas this year but will enjoy it wherever it may be. In the meantime, I'm working on getting my hand crafted gifts finished.
Happy planning!
Hello from Spain: I make lists for everything. Having two young daughters I have to aim their activities, their uniforms ... the house also pointed all that I have to buy and do ... I prefer to plan everything. What to buy a cheap quote is more complicated. There are always unexpected. Keep in touch
ReplyDeletePlanning ahead is really the key. I've been shopping for quite awhile already, and have even done some wrapping already! If I am able to spread out the expense over several months, it doesn't seem so great.
ReplyDeleteI am a big list maker! I buy gifts all year long and add them to my stash and then around now make lists and see what I still need to buy. I also plan menus and keep track of any family get togethers. It's a great time of year but organization is the key to making it fun for me!
ReplyDeleteI am with you - preparing, planning and lists - best way to stay ahead - the only way I can think of keeping spending down is to stick to cash! I am delighted that you shared with Home and Garden Thursday,
ReplyDeleteKathy
I love notes - my mind also swirls if I don't have it written down. I do my grocery list on a magnetic note pad, write notes on "stickies" for my husband, write lists for travel. And now I use my "Memos" in my Smartphone for keeping all kinds of lists.
ReplyDeleteI try SO hard to keep my Christmas lists to a sensible limit but always end of adding things especially for my four "grands-" (My husband is also a big list keeper)
Girl we are alike here - I am a list maker. And a to do and a to buy list. A wish list. A list of what I have bought because I shop all year round. Love, sandie
ReplyDelete