12/3/09

Christmas Comes in a Book

I am sure you have been doing the same things that I have the last week--helping all the pumpkin decorations and their friends pass the Christmas tree lights in the hallway as they are making their way back to their storage place for the next year.  My house looked like it had been raided with everything out all at once and the glitter from ornaments, fake snow and Fruit Loops from the grandchildren having a grand time on the floor.  The bed linens are still being laundered but Christmas is taking over the decorations now and I love it. I have finally gotten out my old faithful--my Christmas book.  It is where I keep all my ideas, notes, card list, menus, cookie recipes, that help make the worldly Christmas what it is to me.  Of course, the real meaning of Christmas cannot be put in a book because it is in my heart but this is one of my favorite Christmas items.


































I made it about 20 years ago and have used it every year since.  It has paper sack pages which are nice because each page is a pocket to keep items.  I began with very nicely printed labels on each sack but have since just printed with a pen other categories as they have been needed.  Some of the categories are:
Holiday Tips-Organizing Christmas
Menus Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
Christmas Prayers
True Stories
Gift Ideas for Those Who Have Everything
Christmas Eve Program
Favorite Cookies and Candy recipes
Decorating Ideas
12 Days of Christmas
Games and Quizzes
Summary of Happenings Year by year
Craft Ideas
Tips for Photography Christmas
As I find ideas in magazines, or see something I like I put the ideas in this book. If I was a perfectionist, everything would be in a pocket, but over the years I have just stuck things in and not "filed" them so it is a bit messy.  The best part is I remember what I have put in it!  So it works for me. If you haven't yet started a place where you can put your favorite ideas to use at Christmas, I would suggest that this year would be a good one to start a book.  It could be a big binder that you buy with see-through sleeves that you can add as you need  or a commercial book that is made for this purpose.  Mine has been a wonderful book that I cherish and use each and every year.  May we each enjoy this special time as we prepare our homes and hearts for Christmas.

10 comments:

Beverly said...

I love this idea. What a great thing to have and one day pass on to someone else!

dee dee said...

Wow, what a fantastic book! I love the paper bag idea! No only if I could be that organized!
Dee Dee

Sue said...

I have a book that was made for Christmas Card lists and addressses etc. Mine isn't cool and homemade like yours. I have to find a new one, as this one is full and all the years of cards are crossed off. I've been looking for one, but so far haven't located it. I never thought about making my own. Hmm...great idea.

Sue

Shellbelle said...

Yes, I have the binder with the sheet protectors and have been saving stuff for over twenty years. Now I'm in the process of making a homemade cover and keeping everything that has become a tradition. This will be passed on to my granddaughter who loves Christmas as much as I do.

I love the idea with the bags!

Rhonda said...

I must do this! It's my favorite time of the year. Why do I scramble trying to find in which cookbook is the recipes I do each year? I love to be organized but am not when it comes to Christmas ideas and recipes.

I love it! Thanks for the inspiration!

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing this great organizing idea.

Sandwiches - triangles or rectangles? Please stop by my blog with your answer!

Beth at Aunties said...

This is a wonderful idea! I wish I would have known about it 30 years ago and what a great source it would be this week, as my fall and Christmas is exchanging places:-)

It sounds like we have all been in the boat.

Do share some of your favorite ideas and recipes!!!
Merry Christmas Jean!

Marie Rayner said...

Jean, now I know where Jen gets all her creativity and energy from!! It's you, of course! How wonderfully creative! You were a woman ahead of your time. I love it!

wenderful said...

I still have mine from my wedding. :) Hope you are having a good week.

Moore Minutes said...

Oh fun! Great minds think alike, lol. I posted my holiday planner too awhile ago.

http://www.mooreminutes.com/2009/10/making-list-checking-it-twice.html

Yours is incredible! I am learning so many ways to enhance mine after reading your post! Thank you SO much!