Post Christmas Notes

Hope you had a fabulous Christmas! I can barely believe, after all the excitement and anticipation, that the big day is behind us already.

We had a lovely family celebration at our home. Everything went smoothly and we spent lots of time relaxing and just enjoying each other.

Amanda is having a ball with her new presents, especially the chalkboard that Santa brought her, and she already can't wait for spring to arrive so she can venture out on her new bike!

I noticed that the neighbors across the street already have their tree out at the curbside, ready for brush pickup. That's just another reason we're happy to have a good quality, artificial tree. We actually leave it up until mid-January, so we can continue to keep our home festive for a little bit longer.

However, here are a few things I'll be doing before New Year's Day . . .

a) Post my New Year's Resolutions. I always choose 3 things I want to do in the new year and post this list on my computer armoire. This way, I can see the list daily and be sure to contribute something to ensure my resolutions are kept each day throughout the year.

b) Avoid the supermarket. Before buying any new food (besides some staples such as milk and bread), we eat up all of our holiday leftovers. It's great because it saves me quite a few days of cooking. It saves us money because we always ensure everything is eaten before it goes bad. Plus, it helps us clean out the fridge for all the healthy food we want to get in there for the new year.

c) Store all the Christmas wrap. I'll be organizing and storing all of our holiday wrap, bows, tissue paper, gift bags and ribbon for next year. I simply use large canvas drawstring bags, which I hang on hooks at the back of the closet. With everything together, I'll immediately be able to see what I need to buy, if anything, next Christmas.

d) Make any returns. We only received one gift this year that needs to be exchanged for another size. I already filled out the exchange form today and will bring the package to the post office tomorrow. If you have anything that needs to be returned or exchanged, do it before the weekend if possible.

e) Send out Thank You's. I'll be writing out a thank you card each day for those people who were kind enough to give or send us gifts. I plan to have them all in the mail within the next week.

f) Journal. Over the next few days, I'll journal things I want to remember for next year. I do this on my computer in a word processing document. I've already indicated what I purchased or made for my gift recipients. I'll also indicate what we wore, what table linens we used, what dishes we had, what people seemed to especially like and more notes like this that we can reference for future holiday celebrations.

The countdown is on for the new year!

Favorite Holiday Movies

Favorite Holiday Movies Since Joe and I have no more Christmas shopping to do, we'll be spending evenings this week watching some of our favorite holiday movies.

We like (not necessarily in this order):

--It's a Wonderful Life
--Home Alone (the first one)
--A Christmas Story
--Miracle on 34th Street
--A Christmas Carol
--The Bishop's Wife
--Funny Farm

What are some of your favorite flicks this time of year?

Planning Our New Year's Celebration

Have you made your plans for New Year's Eve yet? This time of year can be so busy with the hustle, bustle of the holidays, but if you're planning to go out somewhere, likely you'll have to make a reservation now--that is, if it isn't already too late.

Joe and I prefer celebrating at home on New Year's Eve, rather than going out to a big party. However, we (and a few of our friends) decided it would be nice to celebrate together.

We've invited about six couples over to our house to help ring in the new year and we've all agreed to chip in for the food and beverages.

We plan to order appetizers (bacon wrapped chestnuts, brie topped with fresh berries, swedish meatballs, mini focaccia sandwiches, shrimp cocktail and deviled eggs, in addition to vegetables and dip, fruit and dessert. We felt it would be a lot easier on everyone if we just had it catered.

We also thought it would be fun to play board games that evening. Each couple is bringing their favorite game, and we'll all decide what we wish to play based on those selections.

If you're planning on staying home for New Year's Eve, perhaps you might plan to do something similar. If you prefer not to have food catered in, you could always do a potluck, or buy something simple like take-out Chinese.

The countdown to 2007 is on . . .

10 Ways to Manage Holiday Spending

I generally don't include guest articles in my blog, but the following one is so helpful that, after having read it, I couldn't imagine not sharing it with you. It's written by financial expert Leo Quinn and is just in time to help you keep your holiday spending organized for the holiday season. Here goes . . .

Ten Ways To Manage Your Holiday Spending
By Leo Quinn

Once we get past Halloween it seems we hear more and more about holiday stress and how to overcome it. Doesn't it seem odd that 'the most wonderful time of the year' is fast becoming a major cause of stress for American families?

Why is this the case? What's causing the stress?

The answer is simple: time and money.

New technological advances have stolen our time. Life is simply more complex, which is ironic, given the fact technology has made communication 'simpler' than ever before. E-mails must be answered and phone messages returned. We wouldn't think of leaving home without a fully charged cell phone, in case someone needs to reach us, or vice versa. Television, MP3 players, DVD players, the internet, laptop computers, Blackberries and video games all demand our time and attention.

As for money, it's a well-known fact that Americans are drowning in debt and usually just one or two paychecks away from financial disaster. Our media and culture declare that our self-worth is tied to what we own and how we look. Relentless consumerism drains American bank accounts faster than you can say 'Rudolph', and unfortunately, the holidays haven't been immune from its effects.

So, how to turn things around? Here are ten tips centered around time and money, designed to help you and your family simplify and enjoy the holidays like never before.

1. Decide what type of holiday you want to celebrate. Sit down with your family and talk about Christmas past. What did you enjoy most? What did you dislike most? What made you happiest? Go around the room and have each person recite their favorite holiday memory. Then, go around the room and have each person declare what it is about the holidays they look forward to most. Finish by having each family member declare what it is they like least about the holidays. Keep a list. When you're done, you will know exactly what means most to your family this Christmas or Hanukkah-and what you need to exclude, or avoid.
   
   
2. Simplify each family activity. For the activities you're keeping in your schedule, find at least one way to simplify. For example, take that family Christmas portrait. Why does it have to be taken in December? Do a portrait in the summer, when lines are short and appointments abundant. Even better, use a photo you've already taken. That summer beach shot is a lot of fun to get in the mail in shivery December. Is the trip to buy the fresh-cut tree becoming a major production? Then buy one already cut, or invest in a beautiful artificial tree. Use the time saved to spend with your family watching movies, baking cookies or just plain relaxing.
   
   
3. Start family traditions. You probably already have a few. Start some more. Why? Because tradition means you do the same thing every year, year after year. Tradition keeps things simple--you know you'll always spend Christmas Eve at Aunt Betty's, and Christmas Day at home with your brother's family. The kids will always get gum and candy in their stockings and a pair of silly socks under the tree. You'll find it easier to plan and implement the holidays because you know exactly what to expect, what to buy, where to go, what to do and when to do it. Children will especially appreciate tradition since they thrive on routine.
   
   
4. Buy in bulk. You have to buy gifts for the mailman, babysitter, and a bunch of teachers. Then there's the neighbors, of course. In recent years it's become fashionable to make homemade gifts--it's easy, inexpensive and so much more welcome than store-bought. But it still takes time. If you enjoy making homemade gifts, terrific-- keep it up. But if you don't, then find an appropriate gift and buy a lot of `em. You'll be surprised at how creative you can be. Ornaments, candy, candles, music CD's, even gift cards are all terrific ideas. Drop in, buy 20, and get out quick. You're done! Personalize with a handwritten, heartfelt sentiment. You can buy just about anything in bulk--gifts, food, decorations and supplies.
   
   
5. Create a budget. This one tip alone would greatly reduce the holiday stress of most families: set a holiday budget. When? Preferably on December 26. Decide what you'll spend next Christmas, divide by the number of paydays between now and then, and then stash the result in a savings account each paycheck. If you haven't already done this, then as soon as possible, determine the total amount you'll spend this holiday. List all your typical expenditures. Don't forget gifts, decorations, music, entertainment, clothing, cleaning, cards, travel and postage. For gifts, take it one step further and set a dollar amount for each person on your list. If you find you need to spend more than your budget allows, cut back. As you spend, record amounts and compare to your budget. Reward yourself for sticking to your budget. Find something that will motivate you and then plan on it the week after Christmas--provided you kept within your spending limits.
   
   
6. Determine not to use debt. Nothing sabotages that holiday spirit more than a huge credit card bill in mid-January. Resist the impulse to use credit for Christmas. Instead of saying, 'We can't afford it' or 'Yes, I'll take the no-money-down plan', say 'How can we afford it?'. Think creatively and out-of-the-box. Got a friend who makes amazing homemade jewelry? Offer to babysit her kids for one or two date nights in exchange for a few necklaces and bracelets. Now you have gifts for your mother and sister-in-law--and you didn't have to whip out your Visa.
   
   
7. Plan, plan and plan some more. Because we're so short on time, we fail to do the one thing that would, ironically, free up a lot more of our time: plan. Set aside an hour today, or tomorrow, to plan the details of your holiday season. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, schedule days to shop and wrap. Check your to-do and activities list and block out times to get it all done. Most importantly, keep 'open space' on your calendar--time to relax and enjoy the people who are most important to you. Food is an important part of every holiday tradition, so don't forget to plan your meals as well. Make up dinner menus weeks in advance. So what if you serve spaghetti and meatballs every Tuesday between now and New Year's? You'll know exactly how much sauce and pasta to have on hand, and you can purchase it all at once. You'll save time at the grocery store and reduce the stress of mealtime planning. Turn to simple recipes with five ingredients or less. Make double batches and freeze one for a future meal. It's a great time to enjoy comfort food--leave those complicated diets and fads behind for a month. Basic nutrition always works best.
   
   
8. Entertain on a shoestring. Having company? Feeling pressured to purchase coordinating tableware and linens? Don't cave. A friend once told me a story of the first family gathering she hosted at Christmas time. It just so happened her husband was out of work that year. Instead of expensive decorations, she used pine boughs and pine cones from her backyard, candles and soft lamplight to create a cozy atmosphere in her home. Guests were welcomed with inexpensive electric candles in the windows and Christmas music on the radio. Everyone was asked to bring a dish to share, and their own refreshments to drink. The buffet table featured paper plates and plastic cups. Guess what happened? Not only did no one complain, but she beams to this day as she recalls one of her visitors remarking that her home was the most warm, welcoming place he'd been in a long, long time. Look around your home and yard and use what you already have. Keep your celebration simple. Don't be afraid to ask for help--most guests are happy to contribute to the meal or beverage cart.
   
   
9. Shop in your pajamas. This tip may really surprise you: give yourself permission to spend a little bit more to shop a little bit less. Given the price of a gallon of gas these days, not to mention the value of your time, it seems a bit ridiculous to spend two hours traveling to the mall or local superstore to get that holiday Barbie for one or two dollars less than you can buy it online. Not only that, but shopping online usually allows you to read user reviews, make price comparisons on the spot, and take advantage of convenient sizing charts.
   
   Make a list of gifts you need to purchase. Then, set aside an afternoon, climb into your pajamas, grab your favorite beverage, put on some Christmas music, and shop online! You'll be able to purchase a majority of your gifts in one session, and have them delivered right to your door. For a fee? Yes--usually anywhere between $6 to $15 dollars. But what's an hour of your time worth? Or a gallon of gas where you live? Build shipping costs into your holiday budget, and get on with your shopping. Where to shop online? All the major department and discount stores have websites, and you can sometimes find better deals than you would at the mall. Start early, especially when it comes to popular toys, which tend to sell out even before Thanksgiving. eBay can offer terrific deals, as can sites such as Overstock.com, Buy.com and even amazon.com. Look for coupons and free shipping deals.
   
   For those of you still queasy about online transactions, you can easily protect yourself by using a credit card that offers built-in fraud protection. Most companies will not hold you liable for fraudulent charges assuming you notify them of the charges in a timely manner. Many credit card companies now offer 'dynamic' credit card numbers, either through a program you download onto your computer, or their own websites. Dynamic credit card numbers are one-time credit card numbers tied to your account. While you may use it for a 'one-time' purchase, anyone who 'hijacks' your number will never be able to use it to make purchases in your name, because it will have expired. When done with your online shopping, immediately send a check to your credit card company to repay what you've just added to the credit card bill. This prevents that surprise bill in January. Ideally you can make that payment right from the website of your credit card company.
   
   
10. Just say no. This last tip is the most crucial. In order to keep your holidays simple and special, you have to learn to say 'no'. Turn down anything that will get in the way of the Christmas or Hanukkah you and your family are determined to enjoy. Extra volunteer work is important, parties are fun, concerts are great and eighteen batches of cookies were easy for Grandma to whip up on a snowy Saturday. But those things, while good in and of themselves, may be just what drives you bonkers every year when December rolls around. You can't control what others think or do or say, so don't let their opinions or expectations drive your decisions. Practice saying 'no'. The more you do it, the easier it'll be.

Make sure you debrief when the holidays are over, taking note of what worked, what didn't and what you'd do differently next year. Don't forget to set next year's budget and start saving! Whatever you do, make sure you do it with purpose. Spend time with those you love. Do what you love. Heck, eat what you love! Keep your holidays simple and focused, and you won't go wrong.

P.S. Start the Holiday buying season on the right foot by getting your finances under control. I know of a wonderful program that can help you pay off all your bills, including your mortgage, in less than 10 years. And you won't have to pinch pennies, get a second job or cut back your spending in any way.

I rarely endorse products that are not my own, but since I believe this product is so valuable, helpful and down-to- earth, I would feel I was doing you a disservice if I didn't let you know about it. I highly encourage you to take a few minutes to learn more. Visit:

http://www.leoquinn.com/cmd.php?af=250440

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

Gifts That Must Be Mailed

Since I have quite a few family members who live out of state, many of our holiday gifts need to be shipped. Some, I had shipped directly from the store, but I still ended up with about 5 boxes, one going to Portugal and the other four going to various states in the US.

My husband just left a few minutes ago to bring them to the post office.

If you're in a similar situation, now's a great time to finish up gift shopping for anything you're going to have to mail out. Then, try to get them shipped within the next few days.

You'll help to ensure the gifts will arrive before December 25th. Plus, the lines at the post office now, are not as long as they will be as we get closer and closer to Christmas.

Be sure anything to be shipped is packed very well, in bubble wrap or packing paper. Pay the extra few bucks to get anything breakable or of value insured. Consider delivery confirmation services or tracking services offered by the post office or other courier services to give you peace of mind.

We had some family photos taken this year, so rather than mailing those separately, I simply included them in the boxes I had to mail, along with the holiday cards for these families. This saved on postage, plus we don't have to worry as much about the cards or photos getting bent.