It's not too Early - Christmas Gift List

The sappy commercials have started, and the stores have already started decorating for Christmas. Year after year we lament how early the holiday season starts. But also, year after year we complain about how busy we are in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. How do we get to have our holiday fun and not make ourselves crazy? Preparation. Pick a few things to do early.

Make some lists. I'm a big believer in spreadsheets - start with your online address book and export it. You'll be able to see the holes in it- start filling in addresses, phone numbers, etc. It'll serve you well in the future - and you'll be able to make address labels from it.

From that list, start creating a Christmas gift list. For the last few years, my family has created an online group to post our wish lists. It's been really helpful - even if I haven't always picked directly from the list. Also, if you record what you give every year - you won't repeat yourself.

If you're one of those people who pick up Christmas gifts all year long, you probably don't need this advice. But if you're like me - all year, you've picked up little things - or you saw an item or two at the summer and fall festivals and fairs. Mark those people off your list.

If you carry a PDA all the time, use that. Otherwise, put the list of what you want to buy on an index card or some durable piece of paper and put it in your wallet. Look at it before you go out to shop. Now, whenever you go shopping, you know what kinds of things you're looking for.

Pick a few things to do early and enjoy the fun stuff - wrapping presents, going to parties, baking, whatever.