Early Bird

Usually the Holiday Season feels very rushed for us.  I've always wanted to have a Halloween or Christmas get together with friends but so many things pop up, everyone is over committed, and time runs out.  This year I made a promise to myself to be more prepared on many levels (decor, upkeep, and gifts) and only have a few gifts to buy AFTER Thanksgiving.

Here is a little run down on how I have planned to stay on top of things this year:

• I started on Christmas crafts in early September.  Yes, I know this is uber early but I wanted to be able to put them out right before family arrives at Thanksgiving and enjoy them a full month.  I might still do a few other crafts or stuff for the house, but at least I have what I really wanted to make out of the way already!  

Ombre Felted Trees

Wine Cork Trees for the Window Sill

Garland for the yellow cone trees from last year (still packed up with Christmas stuff)

• Christmas cards ordered as of 10.2.12!!  The first year we sent out Christmas cards we purchased a 10 pack at Target four years ago and only sent them out to immediate family... many of my family member's photos had fallen out of the card and were bent by the time they got them in the mail.  The year after that we ordered photo cards from Shutterfly.... and it took over a month to get, I think I mailed them out literally 5-8 days before Christmas.  It was a nightmare,  Shutterfly's customer service is outsourced and the representatives are extremely hard to understand and can't offer much of any information.  BUT, luckily I learned my lesson and changed companies for the past two years I have purchased the cards through Tiny prints and I cannot say enough good things about them!  Sorry I can't share the card that I picked out (don't want to ruin any one's surprise when it comes in the mail) but I will show you two runner's up that I almost picked! 

Found here. 

This one almost stole my heart, found here. 

This would've been the one, but our picture didn't work with it, found here. 

I highly recommend checking them out if you haven't already ordered your cards, they are all very unique designs.  Also - if you sign up for their email they run sales and you can get a discount (typically free shipping, 10%, 15%, or even 25% off).

• Christmas shopping!  Some love it and some hate it (I'm aware).  I happen to love it, I love doing the shopping, wrapping the presents, and even making bows while watching tv (it also helps to burn a fresh balsam candle).  Last year we picked up some dog toys for the boys on clearance 90% off.  I've used some coupons from specialty stores to snag a couple items I know cough-someonethatreadstheblog-cough would like :) I've also been checking out stores like Nordstrom's Rack, TJ Maxx, and websites online for things that catch my eye.  I happen to order T a gift last night from Etsy (I love the idea of it being handmade, makes it special). 
• Eating.  Yes, I know this might strike you as odd that I am thinking about something to eat so many weeks away but let's be honest I have family that cooks, and while their cooking is VERY good, it isn't the best for my thighs.  WW actually starting preparing us for the Holidays last week in the meeting, discussing things like healthier options, fitting in exercise, and just plain saying no to foods that would kill your day.  I'm not sure about anyone else, but telling my MIL or grandma that I won't be eating the majority of what they are going to be fixing.... well, I don't think that is going to go over very well!!  I plan to be strong, but, I also plan on taking my butt to the gym!

These are the things I am focusing on right now to get ahead of all the Holiday stress.  There is plenty more to come, but if I can tackle what is above then I should be in pretty good shape come December!