After we got our Christmas wheels turning, brainstorming fun things to do during the holiday season, crafts to make, and decorations to put together, we started making our Master Gift List. This week, we’re going to take our preparations one step further by taking inventory of what we have and planning for things we need to purchase. Grab your binders and let’s get to it!
I am determined to be ready for Christmas this year so that I’ll actually be able to enjoy it, rather than stressing about what needs to get done, or feeling like I’m missing out on some fun activities with my family. Part of that holiday readiness is knowing that I have everything I need to craft and decorate to my hearts content!
To-Do This Week:
Christmas Inventory
Get out all of your Christmas decorations – lights and all. Take stock of what you have and make a list. Be sure to plug in all of your lights to make sure they work. Throw away anything that is broken, strands of lights missing bulbs, or just worn out decorations that you’ll never use again. Donate items you no longer want to use that are still in good condition. Go through all of your wrapping paper, bows, ribbons, and gift tags, too. After you sort out what you no longer want, organize whatever is left and pack it back up neatly.
Print out the Holiday Inventory List and write down what you have. Be sure to list quantities of things like strands of lights, power strips, extension cords, etc.
Next, print out the Holiday Supply List and write down things you need. To get you started, think about things like:
–> extra extension cords
–> extra power strips
–> batteries
–> wrapping paper
–> gift bags
–> holiday ribbon
–> tape
–> candles
Shop for Supplies
Right now, stores are beginning to stock their shelves with back-to-school items, including dorm room necessities. Why is this important for your Christmas preparation? Think about all of the office supplies you use during the holidays! Keep an eye out for back-to-school sales, and the tax-free shopping days that a lot of states offer. Stock up on those items on your list:
–> tape: packaging tape and Scotch tape
–> Command hooks: perfect for hanging wreaths, swags, and other decor
–> printer paper: if you print a newsletter, stock up
–> printer ink: perfect for all kinds of crafting and holiday cards, as well as printing pictures
–> extra school supplies: great for stocking stuffers, gifts for needy children, and to stuff shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child
–> electronic supplies: extension cords, power strips, batteries
–> page protectors: we’ve been using these in our binders, but they’re always good to keep recipes free from splatters, and to save newsletters from friends and family, then insert into your Project Life album
Usually, dorm supplies go on sale with all of the other school supplies, so you can get ahead on your Christmas shopping list now, too. For example, home decor items like bedding, picture frames, and other accessories might be on sale as students heading to college get ready to decorate their home away from home. Some of these items will make great gift ideas for some special people on your list, or, it might be a great time to spruce up your guest bedroom before company comes for the holidays!
For the first two parts in this series, click the images below. To print this week’s printables, click HERE for the Holiday Inventory List and HERE for the Holiday Supply List. See you next week as we wrap up Christmas in July!
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