CHRISTMAS IS COMING…
It’s easy to think you have loads of time to get organised for Christmas, its only October after all and Halloween hasn’t yet passed. I like to think I’m a planner, I know I love to feel i’ve actually got some control in my my busy life but Christmas catches me out every year.
I’ve tried buying gifts in advance and hiding them somewhere, occasionally I forget where or the kids find them but more often I find out the recipient actually wants something different closer to the big day and I end up with 2 presents – not very cost effective planning!
As a frustrated art school graduate I love making things (with or without my kids) and I dream of a day I could actually design and make my own cards at Christmas.
However, as a busy mum of 3 juggling work and home life, making the beds is way more realistic than making my own cards. I have some really talented art school friends who always make their own cards at Christmas and they are by far the most coveted.
Nothing beats something handmade for the personal touch. One friend even knitted characters to create a Christmas scene which she then photographed for the front of her card last year – hilarious and everyone hoped they were on her Christmas card list.
Its not until I start to see Christmas tree lights twinkling in peoples windows on the dark Scottish nights that I really feel festive and I am motivated to get on to making Christmas special. Buying decorations is always fun and I sometimes manage to make a few of those with my kids.
I really notice the November and December pockets of my Family Calendar bulging more than any other month as the party invites, end of term activities and concerts pick up.
But the secret to any kind of control at Christmas for me is LISTS! I love them, they keep me sane and its hugely satisfying to tick things off and feel proud of ones progress towards the end goal!
This year I have promised myself that I will start my Christmas list making early…now in fact. I am taking a Busy B Christmas planner home and will keep the little note book from that in my bag so I can keep adding to it when out and about. The only problem is trying to hide the entries in my note book from my 7 and 9 year old, who have wised up to the fact there are interesting things to be found in my handbag beside polo mints.
Here’s to fuss free festive planning over the next few months.
Kerri x
