Holiday De-Briefing (the attempt to making Christmas a little more organized for 2012)

Organized Christmas

1. What worked this Holiday season?  I think having the three Christmases (one on Christmas Eve, one at Mom’s house and then one at our house for the Martins) worked well.  Although next year, Christmas Eve will be on Monday night and we might not be able to make church... it worked well this year because it fell on a Saturday.

2. What was the worst aspect of preparing for the holiday?  Can you avoid it this year?  I think I had too many places to write down the presents that we purchased.  I had an app on my phone and I made a cool notebook (that I didn't end up using much).  I need to stick to one place to write things down (probably my phone would work better than a notebook, because I always have my phone with me.)

3. Were you satisfied with your family’s level of giving?  How can next year more closely reflect your family values?  I need to stick to a budget.  Spell it out in plain and simple words!  And then stick to it!  I did it the year before, but because I spent most of the year buying presents, I didn’t use cash the whole time.  I also spent a lot of money online this year (which was EXCELLENT!)  Maybe I can get out a third of the total money to be spent out in January, a third in May and the rest in November... that might work. Maybe make more homemade gifts??

4. How well did your household function this year?  Were you calm and cozy or stressed out?  What improvements can be made for next year?  I think I was pretty calm and cozy!

5. Honesty time: Did you enjoy your holiday?  Yes!  Having McCoy excited about Christmas was worth all of the hype!  I love it that he is excited and loves the holidays!  Opening presents was fun and made it much more merrier!