Parents' Plan for Stress-Free Holidays

Your Holiday Planning Book

1. Purchase a beautiful blank book to keep in your purse or briefcase. Or, just buy a red spiral notebook to use throughout the months of October, November, and December.
2. Think about what makes the holidays special for you. Write it down in the front of your book. Ask your spouse and children the same question, and record their responses with your own. Use these as your guide for planning your season, for weeding out unnecessary activities and expenses, and focusing on what is important to your family.
3. Decide who you will be buying gifts for. Write each individual name at the top of a page, and begin to record ideas and requests for presents. I also record a dollar goal for spending on each person and the cost of the items I buy.
4. Whether you cook a traditional holiday meal or like to try new and creative recipes, begin planning your holiday cooking in your planning book. List meal plans, recipes, ingredient, and shopping lists. Consider buying some items in bulk or at special discounts, then build your meal plans around these items.
5. Shop early for the cutest decorating supplies at the best prices. October is the time to buy your Christmas decorations. Use the Web to find decorating ideas, projects, and products.

Next > Part 3: November Preparations

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