Practically Speaking: Christmas brain dump

A few days post Christmas, I try to do a quick brain dump.  I will read it for next year.  Going with my gut, I set the timer for 10 minutes, make a quick list of what worked, what didn't work, what seemed to be worth repeating, and mistakes not to be recommitted.  It helps to look at all the lists I made over the past few weeks, and even staple those to the brain dump (gift lists, meal plans, etc.)

I shove this brain dump in my 3 ring holiday binder and glance through it come Halloween each year.  Do you do something similar?   I'm thinking about dropping it all in Evernote.  Gasp.  Suggestions?

Some good I liked this year:

We sat down for Christmas Eve dinner.  We ate on my mom's old china, a first for us. 

We played Pandora stations until we were sick of Christmas music.  Jackson learned many new songs. That makes my sentimental heart happy.

after the Christmas Eve church service, we decorated and strung lights without fights.  How did that happen?!  Probably because we ate first. 

We set aside quiet for us. Yes.

Remembering the poor, lonely, orphaned, and strangers in the land.  Giving to them is a practice of love.

Some things I wouldn't do again:

Make so many gifts so close to Christmas.  It's not like they have a shelf life.

Neglect time teaching Jackson to be a giver.  We helped him create and give some gifts, but not as many as I hoped.  I know he is just 7 years old, but he had some concerning "give me" moments.

Budget poorly.  We did not overspend, did not use credit cards, and stuck to the budget.  But there was no wiggle room and This gave me a lot of gray hair.  Good budgeting needs breathing space.

Remember, reflect.  

Living in the Now: Food Swap

Pondering the soulful knitting between eating and being, I wanted to hear how you handle the daily logistics of good eating.  My little rut-full system always needs updates and fresh ideas.  Especially, have you:

• jumped on the once a month cooking bandwagon, shopping and prepping a whole month's worth at a time to simplify your routine?
• found a fabulous frozen entree (not that I would ever serve it to you, but sometime I want a night off)?
• found a good rhythm for favorite meal rotations?
• stashed your favorite staples in the pantry?
• juggled dietary restrictions for the whole family without driving anyone crazy?

Your ideas will help me, and maybe save my little family a bit of peace!

Holiday Planner: 5 easy steps

Start the new year off with a plan to celebrate family and loved ones! Create your own holiday binder so that generous space is created for family milestones. With a centralized plan, traditions can be remembered and future ideas can be saved. Use your binder in the weeks leading up to, during, and following a holiday.

1. Buy a 3", 3-ring binder and 10 subject index tab system--or larger. Zip lock binder baggies are helpful for loose recipes and notes, too.
2. Label your index tabs in sequential order. I start with the church new year of Advent, but do what works for you. Try Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Valentines, Easter, Pentecost, Birthday, Gifts, Seasons (winter, spring, summer, fall).
3. Make a basic outline for each holiday (traditions, favorite foods, etc.). Re-use templates that help you plan ahead. Always make extra copies for next holiday!
4. During the holiday, check your plan and make adaptations as needed.
5. After the holiday, make notes of what worked, what didn't work, and if there is something you hope to add next year. Even a sticky note is a helpful memory jog 365 days from now!

Book Review: Simplify Your Holidays, Marcia Ramsland

While the last 8 weeks of holiday season are fresh in your memory, check out Simplify Your Holidays, by Marcia Ramsland. Find it on amazon.com for as little as $3.65, used. This system helps me remember details from year to year, plus offers flexible templates and customized plans. A bit of feedback:

AUTHOR: Ramsland is my home-making hero. I re-read her books for focused simplifying and practical organizing. Her website is helpful and streamlined.

FORMAT: Impractical because this is an odd, medium-sized, 3-ring binder. The rings in the original binding were quickly broken. Transferring the contents to my large, holiday binder was an easy solution. This lets me easily slip lists, copied templates, and annual updates into the binder chapters.

CONTENT: The thoughts are practical and simple to use. The templates are worth the price of the book, as there are four separate organization plans from which to choose. Pick what works for you this year, and you still have a solid game plan. Focusing your holiday vision into practical terms is a true life-saver.

MY FAVORITE: The templates! Can be copied, scanned, or edited. 

THE CATCH: The binding bugs me! Impractical.