Here is my October to do list for holiday prep and…
Well…I tried…But I missed a lot of the cleaning from my September list, the rest I did pretty good with and to tell the truth…I just didn’t want to do the cleaning !
We live in a small area and have a community pool…and the season people (November to April) are not here and every time I thought about cleaning, I put on my suit and went swimming ! Not that I don’t like the others in our area?!? But…I love my pool time…daily, without others.
I am going to TRY and start my slow-and-steady holiday approach, here is my October updated list for you !
I did this post yesterday and I did clean the lanai BEFORE writing and I feel VERY proud of myself. But, now I think I need a new plant stand on the wall in there?!? Do a plan, draw it up, build it…well…
October Holiday To-Do List
My goal is simple: do a little, enjoy a lot, and don’t make myself crazy!
Choose a Gift Storage Spot – Pick ONE place for gifts so you aren’t hunting for them in December. This is always a huge on for me, Husbands birthday is Dec 25… and he does look…search !
Check Your Gift List – Ask family members for their Christmas lists. Start buying when you see something that is truly right—not just because it’s on sale.
Make Your Own Wish List – Have a few ideas ready when someone asks what you want. Why is this always so hard?
Start a Wrapping Basket – I pick these things up all year and I have a drawer in my dresser. Pick up tape, gift tags, tissue paper, boxes, ribbon and wrapping paper as you see them. Check what you already have FIRST.
Look Through Holiday Decorations – Before buying anything new, see what you already have. Toss broken items and make a short list of anything you really need. I pick up new tree lights last December, can’t wait to use them !
Clean Out the Freezer – Do a quick inventory and make room for holiday foods. Throw out those mystery containers we all pretend we’re eventually going to eat.
Start Stocking the Pantry – Watch for sales on baking supplies, canned goods, coffee, soda, bottled water and other things you know you’ll use. We do a Dec 24, open house, need to think that through. I do better with a list and plan.
Check Holiday Clothing – Think about Thanksgiving, Christmas parties, church, family pictures or special dinners. Does everyone have what they need?
Christmas Cards – Update addresses, decide whether you’re sending cards this year and order them if needed. Buy stamps now, too. We are letting this one go this year…cost.
Make Travel Plans – Confirm Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s plans. Book flights, hotels, rental cars or pet care if needed.
Deep Clean ONE Room – Mine WILL the living room. Vacuum, clean the floors or carpet, clean sliding doors, wipe down bookcases and table and make sure everything is sturdy. ONE room—not the entire house!
Plan Something FUN – PURCHASE TICKETS NOW ! ! Look for a holiday home tour, Christmas market, concert, light display or something you’ll actually enjoy. The holidays shouldn’t be one giant to-do list. We will be alone this Holiday, kids won’t be here until after, and I know we will need something for just us.
And most importantly…
Laugh, Love, have Grace and always be Kind, Beth Ann
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