It is All in the Planning

For me - a lot of the Christmas preparations are a matter of planning.

To aid me in the preparations I got this "Seasonal Planner" a couple of years ago from Lakeland (I think) and it has proven to be a great tool.

It is a 5 year planner where I keep a list of Christmas cards we receive and send (along with the addresses) as well as a nifty overview of Christmas gifts given and received. This way I won't be giving the same gifts to the same people two years in a row. I also jot down throughout the year if I think of something suitable for somebody or if I have already bought it.

The planner is also full of various helpful tips and hints (as well as a whole section to write down your own planning notes and parties). Traditional English Christmas preparations goes on for months when you take into account making the Christmas Pudding and Christmas Cake starts 3 months before the BIG day...

I am glad we celebrate it Norwegian style!

I tell you, my mind is at times like the proverbial sieve, so unless it is written down, it won't be remembered...

;-)