Christmas Countdown - Week 1

This year I'm trying to follow the Grand Plan over at http://organizedchristmas.com/holiday-grand-plan to try to get ahead on Christmas this year, and it's week one. According to the schedule, it's list week, and I actually have a lot of this done already. I already have my budget set out (and Christmas Club at the bank nearly completed), my card list up to date and visits to make. My Thanksgiving menu is already planned, and Christmas Eve is always the highly traditional KFC! I've also started thinking about Christmas meals as my brother will be here, and I will need to plan ahead to stay within budget. I'm also looking at the calendar to block off some baking days the week or two before Christmas. It looks like I've got a lot of the list making already done.

So this week, I need to finalize meal plans for the 3 days my brother will be here over Christmas, aiming to start putting up some freezer meals for this time; pick out some cookie recipes to trial over the next month or two to include in the cookie exchange with my friend from NW Ohio; and inventory paper plates, napkins, etc., for Christmas Eve. Those are do-able lists! I'm not going to print out the lists from the website since I will rely on the planner I already use. I'll feel more organized, and there will be less paper to lose that way, too.

Cleaning-wise, this week will focus on the front porch. I've been wanting to scrub the porch anyway and give it a good cleaning, so this is perfect timing. There are pots that need to be returned to the basement, and can you believe the tree stand from last Christmas is still out there? Shesh! Not that I'm lazy or anything.... ;-) Actually this is a big reason why I need to start this plan NOW. Little bits every week.....

Next week will be Question Week and deep cleaning the living room. Maybe that will encourage me to pick up the phone and call Stanley Steamer to get the carpets done, too!