At Christmas time, I am fairly organised, I have to be, or I would be a quivering wreak come Christmas eve. I have a A4 note-book, which I use every year, to make sure I don’t forget things. It’s not a complicated system, it just a few lists, but because they are all in the same place every year, it works really well.
At the front of the book, I have a list of all the people I need to buy for, and leave a space for the presents, and any ideas that I have. Then I have a final column, so I can mark it once I have bought the present. Because my memory has gotten so bad since having children, this has been invaluable. Not only because I forget what I have bought from one year to the next, I also squirrel things away when I see a bargain, and as long as I remember where I’ve put them it works a treat!
Flip the book to the other side and I have a list of all of the food and store cupboard ingredients that I need, not forgetting all of the Christmas booze. I then have a column with the year, and tick as I have purchased it, or checked that I have it.
You are either thinking I am a mad women by this point, or maybe nodding that this is what you do too. I can not tell you how much time this and effort this has saved me in the past. I started (consults the Christmas Diary) back in 2007. I actually think my Mother In Law, who had something similar was the one who got me started on it. I even print out recipes and idea, and slot those in the book too. Christmas food and drink is very much based on tradition at The Ana Mum Diaries house, and there are only really subtle changes from year to year.
My next post is going to be my plan of the food from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day Evening. I have never actually put this all down somewhere before, but seems like a good idea, to try and get it all organised.
Thank you for reading
Britmums, are currently hosting a bloghop (I’ve never done one of these before) but as I am feeling fit to burst with the festive spirit, I’m going to give it a bash.
Frugal Living UK says
I don’t do this, but I love the idea. I think it is something I could definitely do, especially now that I have started entertaining at Christmas.
Anya from Older Single Mum says
Gosh this is really impressive. I have notebooks and I have lists, but have never put them together before. Think my brain came out with the baby too. Am looking forward to your food lists next and will possibly print it off!
Becky says
OMG you are so organised my loveluy mum did exactly this too it makes me smile to see her columns and ticks in her old filofax!!