• Home
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT ME
  • PR/ADVERTISE
  • FEATURED
  • TV APPEARANCES

Echoes of Laughter

Love making a home

  • Organize
    • Most Popular Organizing Ideas
    • Back To School Organizing
    • Organize Your Home
    • Organize Your Food & Meals
    • Organize the Kids
    • Organizing for Christmas
    • Organized Travel
    • Cleaning The Home
  • Decor & DIY
    • Our Home
    • Front Porch Decorating
    • DIY Wreaths
    • DIY, Home Decor & Paint Projects
    • Room Makeovers
    • Pretty Tables & Parties
    • Entertaining
  • Recipes
    • Organizing Food & Meals
    • Appetizers & Dips
    • Beverages
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Camping & Grilling
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches, Paninis, Pizza & More
    • Soups
    • Seafood
    • Dinners, Casseroles & Slow Cooker
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Cookies
    • School Lunches
    • Canning & Preserving
  • Camping
    • Most Popular Camping Posts
    • Organize Your Camping Trip
    • Camping & Grilling Recipes
    • Tin Foil Packet Recipes
  • Gift Ideas & Crafts
    • Most Popular Gift Ideas
    • Birthday Gifts
    • Teacher Appreciation Gifts
    • Gifts For Him
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Easter Gifts & Crafts
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Thanksgiving
    • Halloween Gifts & Crafts
    • Christmas Gifts & Crafts
    • New Year’s Eve
  • Gardening & Outdoor
  • Seasons & Holidays
    • Winter
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Easter
    • Spring
    • Canada Day
    • Summer
    • Thanksgiving
    • Halloween
    • Fall
    • Christmas
    • New Year’s Eve
  • Travel
  • Capturing Summer Vacation Memories With The New Fujifilm X-A2 Digital Camera +Fujifilm X-A2 Giveaway!

  • Easy Tandoori Beef Burgers

  • Blueberry & Peach French Toast In A Foil Packet #BBFEggs

  • Hoisin Glazed Chicken Skewers

  • Mango Chutney Grilled Fruit Skewers

  • Scrambled Eggs Breakfast Nachos

  • Curried Shrimp Boil Skewers

  • Asian Sweet & Spicy Chicken Skewers

  • Make Grilling Easier Than Ever with Cookina® +Cookina® #WhatsOnYourGrill Giveaway!

  • How To Make A Fairy Garden & 4 Other Fabulous Outdoor Plant & Flower Projects for the Outdoor Extravaganza 2015!

  • Skillet Blueberry & Cream Cheese Strata

  • The Best BBQ Tool for Summer Grilling & Camping

  • Easy & Delicious Butter Chicken Kebabs

  • Curry Potato & Egg Skillet

  • Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

  • How To Create A Camping Bedroom

  • Chex Trail Mix Bars

  • The Dill BLT Burger

  • 5 Tips To Create A Glamping Kitchen +9 Great Camping Projects

  • Grilled Curry Pork Burgers

  • 20 Best Tin Foil Packet Recipes for Camping & Grilling Season

  • Create An Outdoor Camping Kitchen

  • A Beautiful Table for Mother's Day

  • Grilled Curry Lime Pork Kabobs with Roasted Curry Cauliflower & Rice

  • Pot of Gold {Craft}

  • Camping Breakfast: Bacon & Egg Cups with Mini-Pancakes

  • Organizing A Camping Kitchen

  • Campfire Mexican Dip with Grenadine Lime Sippers

  • Campfire Cheesecake Dip

  • Campfire S'mores Dip

Organizing For Christmas 101…

November 14, 2011 by Angie 21 Comments

Here in Canada, we celebrated Thanksgiving in October, and with Halloween come & gone, and Remembrance Day observed on November 11, we can now focus on getting ready for Christmas.
Last November, I wrote this post on how I am a formerly ‘late to the Christmas party’ person.
I used to leave things to the last minute and chronically under-estimate the time it would take to do things….so therefore, I was not enjoying Christmas at all. I found I was tired and stressed out.
I began to think that perhaps there was a better way to ‘do’ Christmas.
And there is.
And the SECRET is this:
*Start early.*
 *Give yourself deadlines.*
 *Do only the things you enjoy. Let the rest go.*
 
Part of starting early is to use the month of November to do the ‘work’ of Christmas.
November is about for preparing for Christmas.
December is for enjoying Christmas.
 
I am going to share with you my list for November and the things that I like to do because they give me joy!
 
1. Christmas Cards-Deadline- December 1st.
I love, love, love sending & receiving Christmas cards. It’s one of my favourite things about Christmas.
Our Christmas cards include the annual Christmas photo of the kids and a brief Christmas letter to share our news as I still have many older family members who do not have computers.
I want to have my Christmas cards in the mail on December 1.
2. Christmas Baking-Starting November 19th.
I love putting on Christmas music and making myself busy in the kitchen whipping up treats to share with loved ones. Baking relaxes me and I like making old favourites along with trying out a few new things.
This is a cookie platter that I made up last year to share with friends.
I gave out 5 of these platters.
Next week will be ‘CHRISTMAS COOKIE’ week here at Echoes of Laughter. I can’t wait to share some treats with you and I also have a blogging friend joining in with me on the fun!
I am starting Christmas baking this week…beginning with the treats that freeze well.
3. December Daily Album for 2011-Deadline December 1st.
I started doing this 2 years ago and I love this project. It’s involves making a mini-scrapbook with a page for each day of December to record all the little things that make up the season.
I plan to have my mini album ready for December 1 so that I can just add a picture and little writing for each day.
4. Christmas Decorating-Deadline-Last 2 Weeks of November.
I love creating fresh tablescapes for the season. I plan to have the holiday decorating done by the end of this week…everything but the tree.
We will decorate the tree as a family the first week of December. We love to listen to Christmas carols while decorating the tree and then we have appetizers and watch ‘Elf”. It’s one of our fav Christmas traditions.
5. Shopping Complete-Deadline-December 1st.
I do not enjoy Christmas shopping in December with heavy traffic, full parking lots and long line-ups.
I know some people enjoy shopping in December because it puts them in the Christmas mood.
But I would rather be home baking!
My personal deadline to have my shopping completed and wrapped is December 1st.
For the last few years, I have had a ‘shopping date’ with a friend where we go shopping  on a weekday while the kids are in school and we start early, shop, have lunch, and finish up.
For me, it’s a huge sigh of relief to have this done early!
By having the work done in November, December brings lots of time to spend with my family….cuddling up in warm flannel jammies, sipping hot choc, playing games and watching movies.
 
 
 
How about you? Will you join me in using November to get some things done?
What do you plan to tackle first?
 
Edited to Add: I have had some fantastic comments that this post is really helping people tackle Christmas in a more organized approach. My blogging friend Meg at ‘Nutmeg & Company’ made this list after reading my post.
 

This post is linked to these terrific parties:Design Dazzle

Todays Creative Blog

UndertheTableandDreaming

Link Party

 
Home Stories A2Z

 

 

Related

Share the Love!
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
« Little Athletes, Big Leaders…
Homemade Peppermint Foot Soak »

Filed Under: Christmas, Organizing for Christmas Tagged With: christmas, organizational projects

Comments

  1. Morgan says

    November 14, 2011 at 7:34 pm

    I feel the same way! I love getting things out of the way early so that I can relax later and enjoy the holiday season. =)

    Reply
  2. Dining Delight says

    November 14, 2011 at 8:39 pm

    Great post! I'm thinking us Canadians have it easy compared to our American friends! I can't imagine fitting in Thanksgiving in Nov along with the Christmas preps! I like your moto of getting ready in Nov so you can enjoy Dec and like to stick to it as well. (That plate of cookies looks so delish!)
    DD

    Reply
  3. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    November 14, 2011 at 8:53 pm

    Sounds like you've got a workable plan, Angie! I don't start my decorating until the Friday after Thanksgiving. Mainly because I do not go out on Black Friday ~ for anything, not even food shopping or to the bank. I do pick up things starting in September or October that I see if it makes me think it would be a good gift for someone. I'd like to say I get done in a good amount of time, but I am someone who always sees that "one more thing that would be perfect for" whoever it is.

    Reply
  4. The Cannary's says

    November 14, 2011 at 9:41 pm

    I think all of your ideas are fab and right on the money. I so hate fighting Austin traffic to shop – so much of my shopping this year will be on-line. And I love to bake, too! That platter looks amazing!!

    Reply
  5. Marie Lester says

    November 14, 2011 at 10:00 pm

    you have inspired me!!! I was just thinking the other day that I don't like how i 'do' Christmas that I don't enjoy it how I should be! Going to try and get more organized! Good luck!

    Reply
  6. Christine @ Stonehouse Living says

    November 15, 2011 at 12:37 am

    Hi Angie,

    What a great plan you have…especially like the one where all your shopping is done and wrapped! I'm trying to do that too this year.
    All the Best,
    Christine

    Reply
  7. Meg says

    November 15, 2011 at 2:19 am

    Uh … wow…. you are so organized! I will admit that I am always stressed out and unprepared for Christmas. Stuffing cards into envelopes to send out on the 21st, wrapping until 3 am on Christmas Eve… Your way sounds so much better.
    I promise myself every year that I'll do better next year. Maybe this is the year? Get everything done in November? You've inspired me to give it a try!

    Reply
  8. Sandy aka Doris the Great says

    November 15, 2011 at 3:52 am

    This fellow Canadian is with you all the way. I follow much the same Nov/Dec routine as you do.

    Reply
  9. Tanya says

    November 15, 2011 at 4:26 am

    Sounds like a great plan!

    Reply
  10. Comeca Jones says

    November 17, 2011 at 9:56 am

    Doing cards first week after Thanksgiving and I will decorate the tree Thanksgiving day with my oldest son and friends that will join us.I'm planning new colors for my tree this year I'll pick up decor for this Saturday.

    Reply
  11. Ann says

    November 18, 2011 at 2:06 am

    T riffic post and I am saving it for reference for the crazy weeks ahead!

    Reply
  12. Jennifer says

    November 18, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog!!! I just discovered it today and I am hooked!! Please start a Facebook page so that I can keep up more easily!!! Your blog really is great!

    Reply
  13. Annelie says

    November 18, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    OMG, Angie!!!
    You really have it THAT together???
    I read through it and understand that this is the way to enjoy the month of December.
    I WANT it for myself, and I fantasize about doing this, but NEVER, ever have I even been close.
    And now this year, with a little nippy pup running by my heals all day long that can not be left for a moment…
    I see this dream of being prepared and enjoying December like you going down the drain.
    And your Album, argh, I wish I did things like that. How nice to look back and compare years.
    You rock, Angie – don't go changing!

    Annelie

    Reply
  14. Marti says

    November 19, 2011 at 1:46 am

    I am so impressed. I need a lot of organization help. Thanks!

    Reply
  15. Trish and Bonnie @ Uncommon says

    November 19, 2011 at 5:06 pm

    Thank you so much for inspiring me to sit down and get organized! You are helping so many of us out there!

    We would love for you to share this at our Home for the Holidays link party!

    http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/2011/11/home-for-holidays-link-party-2.html

    Reply
  16. More Than A Mom says

    November 23, 2011 at 2:05 am

    Thank goodness for an early Canadian Thanksgiving!! I don't know how our American friends do it with them so close together.

    I got some great tips (and deadlines) from your post. I highlighted your tips with links to your blog and post. It will be published November 23rd @ 9PM.

    http://morethana-mom.blogspot.com

    Reply
  17. Natasha says

    November 24, 2011 at 1:33 pm

    Great plan!! this is what i try to do every year, but my husband is one of those people who leave everything till the last minute!!!

    would love it if you could share this on my link party at http://www.serenityyou.blogspot.com

    Natasha xx

    Reply
  18. Cheyenne says

    November 24, 2011 at 8:42 pm

    Oh my, after reading this it makes me really want to get my act together!

    I'm happy I found your blog—seeing you're in Alberta makes me feel like I'm reading about a neighbour!

    I'm going to read some more now…;)

    Reply
  19. Delightful Order says

    November 28, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    Great Post! You've been featured today.

    http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com/2011/11/top-ten-features-from-11232011.html

    Thanks so much for linking to my Delightfully Inspiring Thursday Party.

    Hope to see you again this next Thursday!

    Be Blessed,
    DaNita

    Reply
  20. Shan says

    November 30, 2011 at 1:47 am

    I wish I could be you…wow! You are so organized and on top of things. I must not be organizing my time very well, because why can't I do as much as you? Ugh, yeah, I know I shouldn't compare, guess I'm having one of those days. Sorry, I don't normally leave such a downer of a comment. I am just in awe…You rock!

    Reply
  21. Camille says

    January 3, 2012 at 7:45 pm

    I am totally doing this next year!! Such great ideas . . . this past Christmas was so busy that I felt like I didn't get to enjoy it . . . but not next year! I will be ready! 🙂 Thanks so much!!
    Camille
    SixSistersStuff.com

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get Connected

Hi There!

I'm Angie. I love helping busy moms and families discover ways to make their homes a wonderful place to be with simple, manageable projects & ideas. Read More…

Reader Favourites

  • Organizing The Fridge for Healthy ‘Fast Food’ At Home

    Organizing-Healthy-Fast-Food-At-Home1

  • 40 Amazing Family Reunion Ideas

    Family-Reunion-Ideas1

  • How To Organize A Kitchen Into Zones For Easier Cooking!

    Organizing-A-Kitchen-Into-Zones1

  • Organizing A Camping Kitchen

    Organizing A Camping Kitchen10

  • How To Create A Camping Bedroom

    Glamping Tent

  • 20 Best Tin Foil Packet Recipes for Camping & Grilling Season

    Tin Foil Pack Recipes

  • Mint Lime Foot Soak +Free Printable Tag

    Mint Lime Foot Soak

  • Iced Chai Tea Latte Mix

    Iced Chai Tea Latte Mix

  • Iced Cappuccino Mix

    Iced Cappuccino Mix

  • Strawberry Lemonade Mix

    Strawberry Lemonade Mix

  • How To Make A Fairy Garden & 4 Other Fabulous Outdoor Plant & Flower Projects for the Outdoor Extravaganza 2015!

    IMG_0969-Copy1

  • Fresh & Fun Front Porch Decor

    IMG_1145-002

  • Tailgate Picnic Party

    Tailgate Party

  • Delicious Basil Watermelon Lemonade

    Basil Watermelon Lemonade2

  • Bike Ride Picnic

    Bike-Ride-Picnic1

Recent Posts

Get Road Trip Ready! : 5 Tips from Hankook Tire

Get Road Trip Ready! : 5 Tips from Hankook Tire

September 25, 2017 Leave a Comment

Protect Your Family’s Skin This Summer with Banana Boat® Sun Protection +Giveaway! #SunReadyFunReady

Protect Your Family’s Skin This Summer with Banana Boat® Sun Protection +Giveaway! #SunReadyFunReady

June 13, 2016 6 Comments

Caring For Little Dogs +WIN a Small Dog Gift Basket  #SpringForSmallDogs

Caring For Little Dogs +WIN a Small Dog Gift Basket #SpringForSmallDogs

June 13, 2016 1 Comment

Mother’s Day Surprise with Best Buy!

Mother’s Day Surprise with Best Buy!

May 16, 2016 Leave a Comment

HP Technology Helps Busy Moms! & HP Technology Giveaway! #HPTreatsMoms

HP Technology Helps Busy Moms! & HP Technology Giveaway! #HPTreatsMoms

May 16, 2016 Leave a Comment

Find Echoes on Pinterest

Visit Angie @Echoes of Laughter's profile on Pinterest.

Like Echoes on Facebook

Follow Echoes on Instagram

Blogger of the Month

Archives

2017

  • + September (1)

2016

  • + June (2)
  • + May (6)
  • + April (1)
  • + February (2)
  • + January (1)

2015

  • + December (12)
  • + November (8)
  • + October (4)
  • + September (17)
  • + August (8)
  • + July (3)
  • + June (5)
  • + May (15)
  • + April (5)
  • + March (8)
  • + February (9)
  • + January (6)

2014

  • + December (6)
  • + November (15)
  • + October (12)
  • + September (14)
  • + August (14)
  • + July (17)
  • + June (16)
  • + May (18)
  • + April (7)
  • + March (10)
  • + February (14)
  • + January (10)

2013

  • + December (24)
  • + November (13)
  • + October (13)
  • + September (12)
  • + August (11)
  • + July (7)
  • + June (15)
  • + May (13)
  • + April (12)
  • + March (14)
  • + February (12)
  • + January (19)

2012

  • + December (12)
  • + November (17)
  • + October (6)
  • + September (9)
  • + August (11)
  • + July (13)
  • + June (16)
  • + May (15)
  • + April (6)
  • + March (15)
  • + February (9)
  • + January (14)

2011

  • + December (11)
  • + November (14)
  • + October (3)
  • + September (15)
  • + August (10)
  • + July (5)
  • + June (5)
  • + May (5)
  • + March (10)
  • + February (12)
  • + January (10)

2010

  • + December (6)
  • + November (23)
  • + October (14)
  • + September (11)
  • + August (14)
  • + July (15)
  • + June (18)
  • + May (8)
  • + April (13)
  • + March (9)
  • + February (2)
  • + January (3)

2009

  • + December (7)
  • + November (10)
  • + October (5)
  • + September (8)
  • + August (3)
  • + July (1)
  • + June (6)
  • + May (6)
  • + April (2)
  • + March (5)
  • + February (1)
  • + January (2)

2008

  • + November (3)
  • + October (1)
  • + September (4)
  • + August (1)
  • + May (1)
  • + April (6)
  • + March (3)
  • + February (3)
  • + January (5)

2007

  • + December (27)
  • + November (7)
  • + October (15)
  • + September (1)
  • + August (12)
  • + July (34)
  • + June (1)
  • + May (9)
  • + April (5)
  • + March (9)
  • + February (5)
  • + January (6)

2006

  • + December (11)
  • + November (5)
  • + October (6)
  • + September (5)
  • + August (43)
  • + July (72)
  • + June (15)
  • + May (6)
  • + February (4)
  • + January (10)

Most Popular

The Absolute Easiest Way To Track, Pay & Organize Your Household Bills…No Filing Involved!

The Absolute Easiest Way To Track, Pay & Organize Your Household Bills…No Filing Involved!

Make a Pretty Table Runner

Make a Pretty Table Runner

Fun Ideas for Healthy Lunches & A Giveaway!

Fun Ideas for Healthy Lunches & A Giveaway!

10 Great Camping Recipes & Tips To Get You Through Camping Season…

10 Great Camping Recipes & Tips To Get You Through Camping Season…

Nesting for Fall….

Nesting for Fall….

Recent Posts

Get Road Trip Ready! : 5 Tips from Hankook Tire

Get Road Trip Ready! : 5 Tips from Hankook Tire

Protect Your Family’s Skin This Summer with Banana Boat® Sun Protection +Giveaway! #SunReadyFunReady

Protect Your Family’s Skin This Summer with Banana Boat® Sun Protection +Giveaway! #SunReadyFunReady

Caring For Little Dogs +WIN a Small Dog Gift Basket  #SpringForSmallDogs

Caring For Little Dogs +WIN a Small Dog Gift Basket #SpringForSmallDogs

Mother’s Day Surprise with Best Buy!

Mother’s Day Surprise with Best Buy!

HP Technology Helps Busy Moms! & HP Technology Giveaway! #HPTreatsMoms

HP Technology Helps Busy Moms! & HP Technology Giveaway! #HPTreatsMoms

Stay Updated!

Get all the latest posts straight to your inbox!

Copyright © 2025 · Tasteful theme by Restored 316