Am I the only one that gets a surge of panic the first time I enter a store to find that all the Halloween stuff has been replaced with Christmas decorations?  I didn’t think so… but don’t worry because I have some ideas to get you organized for a stress free holiday this year. I like to do as much as I can in November because December is always a crazy month full of school concerts, last minute shopping, and parties.  The first thing I do is “purge”.  With a change of season and an impeding influx of Christmas gifts, it is important to pack away summer clothes, and giveaway/donate clothes and toys that are no longer needed. Once I have finished purging, I make a list of all the people I need to buy gifts for.  Our family draws names to minimize the number of gifts that are purchased and received, and I find it very helpful.  I also have my boys write their letters to Santa early so that we can take them to the Santa Claus parade, and to ensure that Santa has lots of time to make the toys on the list.  Once the letter is written, the list is final, and the boys know that they can’t make any changes. I also like to make a list of the activities I want to do with the boys during the holiday season.  I try to make Christmas about the things we “do” – not about the things we “get”.  To teach this lesson, my boys always host a “Letter Writing to Santa Party/Fundraiser”.  It is a simple party, but my boys are very involved in the preparation and execution, and it makes them feel like they are helping others. Childhood memories should be about trips to the woods to cut down a tree, Santa Claus parades, baking cookies, and time spent with family and friends… not about how many presents were under the tree.  So… this year, get ready early, don’t stress about the shopping, and enjoy this magical season with your little ones. ♥ Gina (aka  East Coast Mommy)