Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I hope all of you have had a joyous season as we reflect upon the nativity, the shepherds, the angels, Mary and Joseph, and the Christ child who came for each of us. I'm learning more each year about the symbolism that I had not picked up in years past, so it's been particularly interesting to me.
One of my goals for this year was to do all of our Christmas and birthdays debt free. That said, we're still snowballing our debt, so this came with an interesting challenge. I started making things last January, looking around for wonderful ideas that I could make for as many people as possible. I found a cowl and hat to make for family. I made a large afghan for my son and the others were just strategically setting money aside and getting things when I could.
Was I able to accomplish it? Yes! Was it easy? I would say that it was not easy, but it was definitely worth it! Now, we don't have any extra credit card debt and for that I'm grateful!
Was I able to accomplish it? Yes! Was it easy? I would say that it was not easy, but it was definitely worth it! Now, we don't have any extra credit card debt and for that I'm grateful!
So, how did I start?
I started by looking around at needs to see if there was a way I could fill needs with things I could make. Then I went from there. Of course needs came up throughout the year and I addressed those as they came up, but I'm so very pleased with how things came out!
Next I started planning. I knew there were going to be gift cards, and all kinds of things that were going to be bought, so I spread everything out in to months, then weeks. I made my lists in January and adjusted as I went.
This, in my opinion, was better than a Christmas Club account at the local bank! I allocated the money, made purchases as the year progressed, and if something came up where we needed money to fix something, it didn't come from the Christmas Club account!
One of the things I prided myself on was Dave Ramsey's saying, "Christmas comes around every year. We know when it is and we each have the same amount of time to get ready for it." And I was ready for it! What I wasn't ready for is the incidentals in between. So, as a result, the gifts for my South Dakota family will go out this week instead.
One of the things I prided myself on was Dave Ramsey's saying, "Christmas comes around every year. We know when it is and we each have the same amount of time to get ready for it." And I was ready for it! What I wasn't ready for is the incidentals in between. So, as a result, the gifts for my South Dakota family will go out this week instead.
But, as with all things, I always reassess the holidays once they're over and see what I could tweak for next year. I've done holiday planning since 2001 and everything has gone off without a hitch. I make exhaustive lists, making sure to break those thing down in to bite sized pieces to purchase at specific times so we're not over budget on our grocery bill.
This year I did something a little different and brainstormed with my son on our dry erase board so everyone can see all the planning that goes in to Thanksgiving and Christmas and pitch in where they can.
This year I did something a little different and brainstormed with my son on our dry erase board so everyone can see all the planning that goes in to Thanksgiving and Christmas and pitch in where they can.
Here is what we came up with:
This is what it looked like on October 1st. A few things changed, but most of it has been done. I still need to make my cheesecake, a gluten free quick bread and my cheeseball for New Year's day, but other than that, I'm doing well on my list.
As you can see, lots of moving parts! Did everything get done? No! But, I can use that to help me plan for next year!
How about you? Did you get all your planning done in advance? I know as our family grows and more people are added through marriage, there will be adjustments to the plan. How do you make those adjustments?
How about you? Did you get all your planning done in advance? I know as our family grows and more people are added through marriage, there will be adjustments to the plan. How do you make those adjustments?
I love knowing that I can get my deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap, laundry soap, dish soap and a host of other household items for gifts for free too! These, of course, go in to all the planning, too! It's a great way to bless family and friends! I'd love to share with you how I do that! It's super easy!
Take care & have a wonderful day!
Take care & have a wonderful day!
Love & God Bless,
Regina Graham
Having coffee and petting my kitty, Pickles, while sitting at the table by the
back door waiting for the dogs outside.
back door waiting for the dogs outside.
I am not a doctor. I cannot diagnose, prescribe, or treat anyone
for any disease or sickness.
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