This week is all about the Christmas list. Approaching Christmas with a minimalist attitude does not exclude all planning and organization. A simple strategy and a few checklists are important tools. To have a minimalist holiday mostly means re-examining our thought patterns, discarding any unrealistic preconceptions weighing us down, and embracing the season with a fresh and grateful attitude.
I’m offering free printable checklists, as I did last year, that you can download. Keep them in a binder or folder, and follow them to stay organized. I’m a list girl. Can’t help it, always have been. But don’t let these checklists stress you out. They are merely helpmates for holiday planning. Remember, you are not obligated to complete every task. Determine which ones are most important to you, and forget the rest.
The Holiday Countdown list is a wonderful way to help you stay on track as the days become busier and calendars begin to fill. However, it is only a guide. Remember, it’s okay to say no. If a neighborhood cookie exchange seems like a nice idea but would add stress to an already busy week, don’t participate. That’s right. It’s okay to do that. Your family, home, and mental health come before cookie exchanges.
The Holiday Gift list is also an important tool. But this year, folks, let’s approach our gift giving a bit differently. I’ll be dedicating an entire future post to this, because it is such a big part of our holidays. Too much, some would say. Let’s keep it simple this year.
I’ve also included a printable for your Christmas Card list. This is a tricky area, though. There are those who are militant about sending cards. There are those who send cards only to the people who have sent them cards. There are those who send cards only if they get around to it. There are those who send cards accompanied by lengthy, boastful updates of every achievement their children have ever done in their entire lives, as if the world really cares that their precious little one read more books this summer than anyone else in his first grade class. (Oops, did I just say that?) There are those who don’t send cards but feel guilty about it. And there are those who don’t send cards, ever, and don’t ever plan to. (Different strokes, sounds like a Sly and the Family Stone song, doesn’t it?) If you fall into the category of card-senders, you may find this printable helpful.
The last christmas list is a Party Checklist printable. Not having a party this year? No worries. But if you are, it doesn’t hurt to plan a bit early. And keep in mind, simple gatherings can be just as meaninful as catered, grand affairs. Good food, good friends, and grateful hearts.
Below are the free printable checklists for downloading. Start contemplating your simple strategy for a blessed Christmas.
Click here to download the Holiday Countdown printable. It is a 3 month guide of weekly tasks to keep you on track. Especially handy if you’re following along with the handmade challenges I’ll be throwing your way. The ultimate checklist to keep you organized!
Click here to download the Holiday Gift List printable. Record the recipient’s name, gift idea, details (where to purchase, supplies needed to make, etc.) and a box to check when each gift is complete and wrapped!
Click here to download the Christmas Card List. Then file this in a Christmas binder that you can use every year.
Check here to download the Ultimate Party Checklist. It includes some great tips when planning a soiree!
Check out week 1 of this Handmade Christmas challenge here.
