Christmas Organizing

Christmas organizing is very important as this jolly time of year can be very hectic: pick out the tree, purchase presents, put up lights, decorate the tree, print holiday cards, wrap presents, put up holiday decor, ship presents, stuff stockings, Santa's coming!

Utilize the following Christmas organizing tips to be on time, orderly and stress-free this holiday season. How jolly!





The Timeline

Set deadlines for every task involved. Be sure to stick to the plan once it's mapped out on your calendar. This will ensure you get things done without having to rush around at the last minute and allow you to actually enjoy the approaching holidays. :)

• Create a folder labeled "Christmas" which will house all papers, lists, recipes, etc. having to do with the holiday (this is essential for Christmas organizing success, what good is it if you can't find the checklists you put so much effort into?)

• Gather wish lists from family members and store them in your Christmas folder (you don't want to be frantically rushing around the mall the day before Christmas)

• Gather any addresses that you need for sending out holiday cards

• Check your inventory (already purchased gifts, decorations, lights, wrapping paper, etc.), make a list of what you need and put it in your Christmas folder (see below for this process broken down into simple steps)

• Get started on holiday cards: begin making them or browse through options and have them printed

• Start purchasing gifts for loved ones (especially those you have to ship)

• Decorate the tree

• Put up house lights/decorations

• Send out holiday cards

• Continue purchasing gifts

• Ship all presents going to non-local loved ones


Third Week of December

• Continue purchasing gifts

• Start wrapping presents

• Do an in depth cleaning of the house (dusting, window washing, clean out the fridge, etc.)

• Confirm all holiday travel plans


Fourth Week of December

• Finish purchasing gifts by early in the week

• Finish wrapping presents

• Clean the house (since you have already done your deep cleaning, this is a good time to do simple tasks such as putting away all items floating around the house)


The Night Before

• Put all presents under the tree (make sure the kids are really asleep)

• Fill stockings with little gifts

• Get some sleep (it's going to be an early day tomorrow)


Christmas Day

• Open presents!!! **Tip: Stuff used wrapping paper/bows in trash bags as gifts are being opened.**

• Enjoy your Christmas organizing success :)


(The Days) After Christmas

• Throw away any used wrapping paper, bows, tags, etc. that is left over

• Go through your Christmas folder: get rid of all unnecessary papers, keep the ones that will be useful next year, store the folder (in your filing cabinet, in the bin with Christmas decorations, whatever makes sense so you'll find it)

• Pack up decorations, lights, etc. in clear plastic bins (see products suggested below) **Tip: As you do this, trash and/or donate items that are no longer usable and that you didn't use this year and won't in the coming years. Don't store unnecessary items.**

Inventory/Organizing Christmas Items

One of the most common ways people accumulate clutter is purchasing items they already have, because they can't see or find them.

• Gather all of your holiday items. You want to be able to see everything (i.e. decorations, wrapping paper, stockings). Throw away all broken and/or unusable items, and donate things in good condition that you know you won't utilize.

• Organize what you have by separating items into categories (lights, candles, ornaments) and storing them accordingly. Check out the product suggestions below.

• Make a list. Jot down the items you need AND have room to store. Also, keep in mind the things you have used in the past that haven't worked out so well (i.e. the fresh, beautiful Christmas garland that the dog thought was grass).

Now you are ready to purchase new holiday items!



The Products

Christmas organizing products are essential to a fluid holiday season. Wouldn't you like to be able to locate all of your decorations and find them intact when you do? Check out the suggested items below.

Collapsible Ornament Storage Box

This product is great for storing ornaments and collapses when not in use. It has cardboard dividers that can be customized to hold a variety of ornament shapes and sizes.

Light & Garland Box - a favorite for Christmas organizing!
This product is a Christmas organizing must have! It is made from sturdy plastic and is ideal for storing lights, cords and garland. Included is three cords wraps that lock into metal rails keeping items organized and separate. No more tangled messes!

Hanging Gift-Wrap Organizer
What would this holiday be without presents?! Christmas organizing includes getting wrapping paper and accessories in order, and this product does the job. Check it out!

Sterilite Clear Tote
This durable product is great storing everything else. It features clear plastic for easy content recognition and can be stacked saving valuable space.