by: Donna Hamer

Do you plan for Christmas or do you wake up and think, oh no…. its seven days until Christmas I don't have any presents, I don't know what I am doing for the holiday – stress………!

This year take the time to plan your Christmas. Christmas is the season of joy, warmth, reflection and good will.

1. Plan ahead for your Christmas Shopping.

Set aside a morning in the last week of November or the first week in December.

Get yourself a cup of coffee a notepad and pen. Put on your answer machine and take half an hour to make lists for the following:

(a) Christmas Card List

(b) Christmas Present List

2. Now let's deal with the Card List

Now that you have written out the card list, buy the cards when you are out shopping.

Either that afternoon or the following day divide your list into say 5, and then over the next 5 days write out your Christmas cards until the list is complete. In the last week of November post out your cards.

Now that this project is finished … take a couple of minutes to congratulate yourself; you are on the way to a "stress free" Christmas holiday.

3. Christmas Present List

This project is a little bigger than the last, however if you are organized it can be fun and done in a relative short period of time.

Sit down and go through the list of people of your list this year. If you have family or friends interstate they will need to be put at the top of the list as you will want to take care of their presents first. (Aim to post their presents within the next two weeks)

Throughout the year I purchase gifts when there is a sale or when I see a good buy. I put these gifts into my "Christmas gift box". Now is the time to go through these gifts (if you have done a little prior planning) and assign them to the appropriate people on your list. (Shopping for Christmas gifts at sale time is an excellent idea as it makes the burden a lot easier and also helps with the family budget).

Once you have matched gifts and names take another look at your list, no doubt you have whittled away a few of those names. For any unassigned gifts leave these in case you have forgotten someone or a friend drops around, and then you have something to give to them.

For the remaining names on your list break these into smaller lists. Presents that need to be purchased and presents that you can make. I personally think that giving a present made by you is something special. Now before you say… I can't make anything have you thought about a "gift basket" or "gifts in a jar". They are very easy and simple to make; they look fantastic and are always well received by the recipient.

Take a look at these easy to make gift basket suggestions:

FOR A TEENAGE GIRL

Find a small to medium sized basket, line the basket with pink tissue paper or raffia grass. Buy a sampler pack of flavored lip glosses, powders, lotions, a makeup kit and a light sporty fragrance and artistically arrange. Don't forget bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, and necklaces. Finally wrap the basket in colored cellophane and tie with a bow.

FOR A TEENAGE BOY

Place a couple of their favorite CD's in the basket along with a pocket comb and skin care or hair products designed for males.

4. Go Shopping

The best way to quickly deal with Christmas shopping is be prepared. Make the list of who and what you want to give. Stick to the list and stay within your budget. If you are not sure what to buy the person, a gift certificate is always well received. You can either purchase these from their favorite store or make one up yourself.

If you hate going to shops, use the internet. The gifts can either be delivered to your door or delivered to your friends if they live interstate.

5. Wrapping

A time saving tip…when you return from shopping, wrap and label as many gifts as you can and store them away until the "big day".

Presents that are being posted, need to be wrapped and posted ASAP.

Planning and sticking to your list will make this a relaxing and fun Christmas for everyone.