Get Holiday Home Ready | Clutterbug Podcast # 194

[@amyglinski7908]

I always start shopping in October and wrap by the end of November. I make my menu now and buy the non-perishables each week so that last minute shop is super easy and small. Do your Christmas cards now and set a reminder to mail them later. And, finally, decorate in November. This way, you can enjoy the festivities, walk around the mall to enjoy the hustle and bustle with no stress, and finally, not lose your mind at the grocery store on 12/24. Your family and local grocery workers will thank you for smiling and being calm since you are all ready!

[@beautifulhomemaking]

Yep, this is exactly what I have done for 5 years now and December is fun and peaceful!

[@dsmith9796]

You sound like you really have it together!!! I have much respect for your planning and vow to do better myself this year.

[@saraseay]

I decided last year - when I had a one month old child - that a hallmark Christmas just wasn't something I really cared about anymore. It's too much. And it doesn't add to my joy when I have to do all the work of decorating, extra cleaning around the decor, and then packing it up. No, no no. I gave up my giant fancy tree for a three foot, pre-lit, table top tree. Between that, and my entry way garland, and my door wreath, my house looks cozy and feels special. I can use my all of most favorite ornaments. And I can put it all up in one hour. I have a toddler now, and chronic pain and fatigue. I can't use my limited resources on decorating every inch of my house. I'm just going to use my most favorite, beautiful things, and leave the rest.

[@joannemorace224]

You go girl!!! ❤ sounds like you have your priorities straight!! I am a year behind on seeing Cas’ podcast but, it’s September and the info still applies! I sure hope you and your sweet family have a very peaceful and blessed holiday season… besides… Jesus is the REAL reason for the season!! 😊

[@joannemorace224]

Oh… and I will pray for you to have a pain free season too!!

[@TanteMarta90]

Hi, Cas and everyone! I am from Latvia 🇱🇻 (Europe). In Latvia it's traditional to get real tree from forest for Christmas (but lately more and more people are choosing artificial trees and decorations). In my family we have tradition going together looking for tree to the forest on December 24th. We bring some hot tea or hot cocoa, some snacks (becauce tree "hunting" is time consuming process and you can get hungry), but most important - we bring snacks for forest animals (carrots, apples, potatoes etc.) and when we find our tree, we leave those snacks at that place where tree was growing as a "Thank You" to forest. Then at home we decorate our Christmas tree. At my home Christmass tree stays on till how long it's possible to maintain it not to shed all the needles 😁 last year it was until Chinese New Years. I rather prefer longer Christmas feeling after the actual Christmas it self than early. Maybe that's very specific for us because mid November is time for our national celebration days of independence day and people are thinking about Christmas only when series of "Home Alone" hits TV's 😂 wich is one kind of Advent Calendar...

[@joynadrich3082]

That's a lovely tradition! I especially love the part about leaving snacks for the forest animals.

[@jillychandler]

What a wonderful thing, to go and get your own tree from the forest, and to leave those bits of food for the wildlife, as a thank you to the tree. I LOVE that idea. xxx

[@joannemorace224]

Such a special tradition! Thank you for sharing!! We put out salt licks for deer and apple wedges and strawberries for rabbits. And, when my children were little, we baked a birthday cake for baby Jesus. Later, we would all gather and enjoy a meal of Canadian meat pies… and when finished we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and had birthday cake with ice cream. Now, it’s time for my children to make their own traditions with their families…as well as hand down any traditions they enjoyed as kids. ❤ Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@leahrowe847]

2-3 yrs ago our family switched from a holiday meal to doing a bunch of charcuterie boards with all types of stuff varying from sweet, savory, salty, meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, etc... it's awesome & people just graze as they visit, watch movies, play games, etc. Plus, everyone brings a board to contribute, so the financial burden is shared, work is minimal, cleanup is nill, & it's no stress.

[@karenmcmillan4626]

Leah that is absolutely brilliant! That also cuts down on over-consumption of the sugary foods too! What a wonderful idea! Thanks so much for posting this! ❤🎉❤🎉

[@leahrowe847]

@@karenmcmillan4626 you're welcome; we all learn & grow from this community's ideas & that's the fun of being a part of it!

[@BB-sk9hf]

It's a good idea to declutter our xmas decorations earlier because if we give them to the charity shop at the start of December, they can sell them before Christmas 🎄

[@dsmith9796]

That is an excellent point - or donate good stuff that you don't want to local schools if they are allowed to decorate and also nursing homes or women's shelters might appreciate the gift of Christmas decorations.

[@samantharoseman4206]

Ive taken a lazy/liturgical approach to it that I like. Each week of Advent we put out more and more decorations. We put lights on the tree first, then another week we do ornaments; we dont put the star on top until Christmas. Stuff like that. And then we keep everything up at least through the Epiphany (January 6).

[@diannalaubenberg7532]

I did the same thing when we owned our own home. One year, I took the ornaments off the tree (it's artificial and pre-lit because I have allergies) and left it up through Epiphany. A previous tree had come with pinecones, and I put those on the tree.

[@kaseyjondahl7979]

I have 2 teens, and so I started asking them to make an amazon list with 10 things they really want. I tell them to find the best deals with the best star ratings. I really like it because it's also teaching them how to shop better.❤

[@BB-sk9hf]

That's a good idea - or maybe Etsy!

[@stephaniephelps3770]

When you decorate and put your tree up early, you can wrap the gifts AS you buy them and put them under the tree. You TOTALLY get to enjoy the season without all of the unnecessary stress of “having to do ALL of the things within society’s expectations of timelines”….

[@caseyfairless8157]

Just downloaded the planner. My first best tip is to have themed wrapping paper per kid. We do cats for one and dogs for the other. Santa does penguins and pandas. Second tip and my favorite-unpackage all the kids gifts. Assemble the toys. Install the batteries. Test them out. Recycle the original packaging and wrap in a regular gift box. Toys can be instantly played with, so much less trash, and it is not obvious if you are thrifting or buying used toys.

[@notme7090]

My girls are grown. My inaws have passed away, my mom is doing major decluttering, and my dad and stepmom have said they don't want anything (and live several states away). I'm doing gift cards for my mom and girls and flowers to my dad. My husband and I have also pared way down on decor and plan to get small live trees each year that can eitherbe planted or composted. I make dinner but keep it simple and let othershelp bring dishes.

[@TheGenflute]

Tree goes up when I have time off over Thanksgiving (the U.S. one). Good list! We agreed to no gifts this year as a family, because we have a dog who suddenly became a severe medical emergency. He's fine, but who knows for how long. Plus the kids are 24 and 19...they agreed to hot cocoa, good foods and puzzles (we have a stack). Thank goodness!

[@jennifergrace7098]

There's an app to organize your present shopping for. It's called gift list! It does all of this for you! You can select ideas, then bought, then arrived, then wrapped! You can put in the amount of each item. Let's you see the total for each person etc! It's the best thing ever!!

[@Iquey]

I like the idea of getting the Christmas decorations out early but gradually, almost like an Advent calendar. You can get out the tree with just lights and put your fall decor under it (if you have any turkey figurines or soft pumpkins or fall feather wreaths) instead of presents up to Thanksgiving. Then after Thanksgiving you can add the winter decorations and ornaments and put the fall decor away.

[@ccvirginia7098]

I live in the US and I put my tree up a week or two before Thanksgiving. The tradition started about 5 years ago when I had family coming to town for Thanksgiving and we were going to exchange our Christmas gifts but my one brother said I "better not decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving." But, I had to have a tree for the gifts. So, I hung turkeys, little bird house ornaments and pumpkins on the tree. To top things off my husband made a pilgrim's hat out of construction paper to put in lieu of the star on top of the tree. I love it. It allows me to enjoy the tree longer. :)

[@lisafarmer6730]

The years I start early are the most enjoyable

[@dsmith9796]

Several years ago I started thinking of Christmas decorating slightly different. I started thinking about decorating my house for "winter" instead of Christmas - so I no longer have Christmas throw pillows, table cloths, napkins etc. but put out things that are appropriate for the winter season. I use fake fur pillows and winter throws, a table cloth that doesn't scream red and green so it will work well into January. I do the same now for fall decorating - I use only what looks appropriate from the end of summer until Thanksgiving - nothing that screams Halloween, that really cuts down on having to change a lot of stuff during this busy time of year. At Christmas I use the mini clear lights in my yard and I start in early November - I don't plug the lights up until after Thanksgiving - but all my outside decorating is done during the warm days of early November and the day after Thanksgiving I hang a wreath, put some greenery and a bow on my mailbox and it's done! The only decorating I have left to do after Thanksgiving is to put up the tree which I enjoy doing on Black Friday since I don't enjoy fighting the crowds in stores. Many years ago my girlfriends and I cut out gift giving. Instead we all go out to a nice lunch durning the season, relax and talk for hours - the gift of time is the best! This year I'm going to get the Christmas cards done before Thanksgiving and in the mail on December first!!

[@elenascarmagnan1713]

I would add an extra session: outfits! With 4 people in my family and at least 8 special occasions during the holidays, I need to know in advance what I have and what needs to be washed.

[@KCtheSUNSHINE]

One year I left the tree up till almost Easter. It's before my daughter was born. I just enjoyed it so much and also it aggravated a person I had animosity with who didn't even live there. My space my time.

[@ashleymoffatt3784]

Our tradition is to cut down our Christmas tree on Thanksgiving morning while we are visiting my parents. Then we spend the weekend after Thanksgiving decorating the house for Christmas. I like to experience each holiday and not skip over them but I have 3 daughters whose birthdays are also in December so I have to start way early to not be completely insane 😂

[@Celeste-new49]

I'm happy I set my holiday limits years ago: traditions with kids the focus with gradual reduction of activities the older they got, all family/friend gatherings are simple potlucks with focus on quality time, gifts only for kids (gift cards mostly for teens). I finish shopping for kids by Thanksgiving and put up the decorations day after (used to watch Miracle on 34th Street while taking out and deciding what decorations to use). My kids also would declutter their toys/stuff every fall to make room for new presents - they only needed help their first 10 years. The weekend before kids go back to school after winter break we take decorations down and decide what to declutter before putting them away. This simplicity is a big reason why Christmas is my favorite holiday. Now, if only I could be this good the rest of the year...sigh

[@Doris86pl]

Greetings from Poland, yes we have Christmas trees in malls and shops already. I decorate tree on Christmas eve, always fresh one, not artificial, after Christmas I simply compost it on my garden. I keep the tree until Feb 2nd. Plenty of time to enjoy it. When it comes to gifts in our family we do secret Santa swap so each of us buy only ONE gift, we keep it simple, no expensive presents, a book, ticket to concert or nice candle. Trust me, it's enough. I start cleaning early, at the beginning of December, as I also clean at my Grandmother's flat. Usually that's my main issue. I love decorating, so I have Advent decoration, like wreath with four candles, Advent calendar and some winter decorations, than at Christmas eve I add Christmas elements like Nativity, lights, ornaments. Have a peaceful celebrations!

[@lynettebaumgartner6201]

Many years ago when my children were young, I made a decision the house is decorated the first Saturday of December and baking is the second Saturday in December. I tried to get shopping done before Halloween because I try to buy all year long. I do enjoy the hussle and enjoyment of the season so I will go to the stores just to enjoy the excitement.

[@kirstenhansen51504]

This year for a gift, I asked my mom to take me plant shopping in the spring. I'll have a dollar limit but she gets to pass on her plant knowledge to me and we get to spend time together.

[@dsmith9796]

I absolutely love that idea!!! Wish I had thought of it when my mom was still alive - she loved plants and would have loved that experience.

[@kirstenhansen51504]

@@dsmith9796 I told her I wanted to learn from her knowledge. I know she doesn't know EVERYTHING but she knows a lot. I think I made her cry 🥰

[@barbking286]

Our family started buying for children ONLY (until 16) and for the adults we pick ONE name with a $$$ limit. It works well. These last few years have been both financially & emotionally stressful for all.

[@zulejkajaversek9161]

How does this one name thing work? People mention it all the time but I’m not sure how to ho about it within “bubbles” or something?

[@karenmcmillan4626]

@@zulejkajaversek9161 most families put everyone’s name in a hat/ bowl to draw out. That’s only the adults who agree ahead of time to buy a gift and to the price limit, those names go into the hat to be drawn out and assigned to a person. The drawing can be done in person if everyone lives close and the names drawn kept a secret until gifts are unwrapped on Christmas, if that’s the agreement everyone decides to abide by. If everyone lives at a distance the other option is that all names put in a hat and drawn out by one individual, this can be done virtually so everyone can watch, and a name assigned to everyone participating. This way everyone knows who they will be receiving a gift from, this system can also be used for people who live close to each other. It’s a matter of preference if the families want to keep it a surprise until the gifts are opened on Christmas. Hope this helps. Also the ones who don’t agree to participate usually don’t get a gift (unless it’s children under 16 or your own parents, that’s usually how most people do it.)

[@micheledaly3351]

My family tradition is to put up Xmas decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving. That’s how I get out of participating in Black Friday madness😅

[@juliemoore6957]

Me too❤.

[@amandataub842]

Channukah is literally a month away! I started a week ago planning on what gifts I want to give to my family. Some of the family members are going to get donations to charity in their name. There are many years that I have not decorated the house because my mental and physical health just could not do it.

[@Jenekks]

I'm just watching this because I love you ❤ We stopped celebrating Christmas, and I'm so relieved every year when I remember how stressful it was. We used to celebrate both Chanukah and Christmas and it was crazy here. So we decided to drop Chritmas for a variety of reasons, mostly Biblical. It is also nice as the kids can celebrate Xmas with their in laws and we won't need to "trade off" every year. Then we get them for Thanksgiving and we have a big Chanukah bash together.

[@mollyv.9629]

Over here in NH it gets cold fast. My mom when we were kids wanted to avoid decorating in the cold, set up all her christmas lights and greens etc outside for halloween one year, played holiday music and handed out candy canes to trick o treaters... she was brilliant!

[@KellyOlsakovsky]

I am so happy to hear no Scrooge this year. I have struggled the last few years with depression around the holidays, and am determined to make myself feel holiday-ish this year if it kills us all (LOL). I was thinking about putting our tree up around mid-November, maybe even before Thanksgiving, just so we can enjoy it longer. I feel a lot better about that now.

[@lindamcdermott9980]

I generally put up my tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. I’ve decluttered so much that I only have one bin, but it still takes time to put away the Fall things and curate the Christmas decor. I am going to take your advice and make a plan and mark my calendar. I live alone, and in the past thought I’d like to do this or that and suddenly find the holidays are over and I didn’t do any of them. In addition, I make a lot of gifts and need to get busy on them, especially the ones that are on commission. The calendar idea is just what I need. Cass, I love these podcasts, thank you for them.

[@pattiakamimi0828]

Thank you Cas for the inspiration!! It never crossed my mind to start planning for Christmas this early!! Here’s to an enjoyable and non-stressful Christmas🙏👍🏻❤️

[@bobbierhodes7985]

I have always hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas. I decided last year to decorate the kitchen and dining room for Thanksgiving and the rest of the house I decorate for Christmas. All done at the beginning of November. Then after Thanksgiving, I decorate the kitchen and dining room for Christmas.

[@joycehuff9769]

Mind blowing to me that you decorate your kitchen

[@carolblagg3859]

I'm with you....decorate earlier and enjoy it longer. Every year I give away some decorations to others.....paring down....fun fact...I get to see my decorations in other people's houses 🎉

[@AlaynaG2006]

I shop all year long (usually clearance if I can) and store everything in a few totes. I leave my immediate family until last because they are always changing their minds lol. A notebook also helps, I write down what I got for who.

[@michellealvarez8426]

My idea this year is clean and move and ready spaces during the week. Then that weekend I am decorating whatever goes up goes up. whatever doesn’t doesn’t it goes away someway shape or form. it has to stay within that weekend. That way on other weekends, I can do other things without feeling overwhelmed.

[@Tangosmama]

My holiday decorations are stored according to the areas. For example, When I decorate the living room mantle, I pull the container out that is labeled LR mantle. That way, I don't have to pull out everything in order to decorate. If it is area or room specific, I can decorate as much or as little as I like. Also, I got rid of all the fake greenery, and now I go up in the mountains and pick pine boughs which has made a huge difference as well.

[@martyhigginssmith8792]

My Mom used to , myself, my daughter, and now my eldest Granddaughter put up our tree and decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving. We clean house a few days prior to Thanksgiving, so the house is already clean. Since I’m older, I just put up a 2 ft tree in the living room. I have bookcases on each end of that room. I put Christmas decor on the bookshelves. This year, I will put a 2 ft tree at the wall end of my 9 ft bar. I try to cook ahead and freeze meals for us. My family has shrunk, so we usually just get together with my daughter and family for a meal and gifts. We change up the meals. It’s not always traditional Turkey meal. Sometimes we have steaks, salads and stuffed jalapeños peppers, or Taco Soup, or Lasagna. Sometimes we go out to eat and meet at home for the gifts. We usually leave our decorations and tree up until the weekend after Christmas or Nrw Years day. Cas, I can’t wait to see your new house decorated.

[@jenniferrumsey9887]

We decorate the weekend after Halloween, so before the holiday rush the house is ready to entertain. We fall clean the weeks before the decorations go up so everything looks extra nice.

[@Tha_G0at]

I never knew about decluttering until now, I'm so mad. My house is a mess I'm nowhere near done I have so much more to do. I will just do what I can and enjoy the holidays the best I can for now

[@jillychandler]

I shop for Christmas pressies all through the year for folk, maybe just getting the last one or two in the run up to Christmas. I live alone with my dog, so spend Christmas Day on my own, but maybe this is the best way for me, as I could not cope with lots of people and noise! I used to love Christmas with my family and husband, but all that has changed now - parents passed a long time ago, as did the husband, in that I got divorced) so it is just the way it is now for me. But I love decorating my home non the less, and shall be bringing my living Christmas tree ( that I have from last year, and has been out in it's pot growing happily in my tiny front garden) into my home soon, as it really cheers me up seeing the lovely coloured lights on there, and all the decorations. I think this can be such a stressful time for a lot of folk, when it should be a happy, joyous one. My Mother loved Christmas, so I take after her. xxx

[@desireetman]

For the decorations, I apply the same concepts of tidying. I set a timer and limit myself to gathering, decorating and decluttering as my schedule allows. Gifts really depends on my budget and with each passing year, I am to give more meaningful gifts. Each person will receive an experience or memorable item (family heirloom). The food is usually a collective effort, all of my siblings pick a protein to cook/bring and the parents make the sides.

[@Angebaby1237]

I start decorating November 2st. And the tree goes up December 1st. But last year we had a family emergency and we put up the tree 2 weeks before Christmas and while I was putting it up I felt like I didn’t want to because it just felt like a waste. I have found some new decorations at homesense so I’ve started now. Teehee😂 it’s ok. It always feels warmer and cozier once it up! Great tips her Cas!! Thank you!!!!! ❤

[@grinchy56]

I start decorating the day after Thanksgiving and it all goes away the day after Christmas. I have three main areas I decorate... the mantle over fireplace, front door and kitchen table. Easy peasy, not so queasy. 😺I take at least one evening to wrap presents while playing old Christmas records. It is very fun and relaxing. Some cocoa makes it even better.

[@MK-lp4he]

It’s nice to support small business and hand-made when possible. I got many thoughtful gifts relating to people’s interests on Etsy this year. And you don’t have to leave the house! Win-win!!!❤️

[@lisahumlicektaylor2682]

We always start with the outdoor lights the day after Thanksgiving. Then on to the next stage of decorating (removal of Fall and the Fall holiday's decor). I often sort through for any items to donate for the coming season and get them to the center before December.

[@altaneri6980]

Christmas shoppimg done. Meals planned and food bought for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. Wrapping gifts this weekend. House is decluttered. 😊

[@suestewart546]

After a rather stressful Christmas season last year I wrote out several resolutions and pinned them to my 2023 calendar on the month of November. I just saw them the other day and what a lifesaver they have become. Just an idea for everyone. Thanks Cass for all you do to help us out in KZbin land.

[@debbiev.1311]

Love giving the gift of time together w/ loved ones & sharing an experience!! Have you ever thought of combining 2 things...having a "Tree Decorating Party"!? Meal planning...always crockpot meals & casseroles!! When it comes to whole family meals...in ours, the host makes the turkey & stuffing, & the rest bring a side dish/dessert. May the holidays bring comfort & joy to everyone!! 🙏🏼❤️🤗🕊

[@TheClutterLady]

I just put my tree up today because we won't be home December 22-Jan 7, so I've gotta enjoy Christmas at home now. 😅 And by "tree" I mean Dollar Tree mini tree with Dollar Tree decorations, but I love it, my husband loves it, and it will fit in our one bin of Christmas decorations if we decide to store it for the year!

[@tracysmith6865]

I’m decorating my home this weekend! I know, it’s not even Halloween; however, that’s never been my type of holiday. I love getting my home decorated and then I get to have the time to do all the other holiday traditions without having to think about putting up the tree. I love it and it works for me! So, on that note….I wish everyone Happy Halloween, Happy Thanksgiving (for the American peeps out there), and Merry Christmas!!! 🎃🦃🎄

[@julietannOsfan1972]

With putting your Christmas decs up so early do you find that you’re reading to take them down around Jan 1st or maybe before? I put mine up at the end of November & take them down around Jan 10th.

[@poppet808]

As someone who hosts Christmas lunch every year, I learnt the hard way about 10 years ago to get organised and not leave everything to December, when i nearly had a breakdown. I too, need to buy gifts for approx 45 people so i try and create themes eg candles, water bottles, to go cups, fragrances, jewellery boxes, sun hats/caps (christmas in Australia), skin care, or small hampers which i put together myself. So, i decide on a theme and this year all the females are getting candles and the males are getting water bottles. With the exception of the 2 families which will get a hamper each. I know its a bit of a cheat but it saves my sanity 😅 I wrap and label gifts as i go and store in my room. Tree and decorations go up in November. Menu is set in October. But the part that I'm ALWAYS struggling with is the decluttering and cleaning! Cas, I'm on day seven of your 30 day decluttering course (which you didn't mention in your podcast - shame) and its the best thing i have ever done.....i wish i had discovered you 10 years ago!!! So this year I'm hoping the house organisation and decluttering are taken care of with this course and just leaves general cleaning and food prep for December. Thank you for all you videos and encouragement ❤️

[@coxlisar]

Two years ago I put my tree up on Halloween 😊 We don’t celebrate Halloween so it was wonderful. As far as Thanksgiving I am thankful for my tree!! I love it so why not look at it on Thanksgiving too! The next year my I will as taking care of my Mom who was dying and this past year in a camper while building a home so I haven’t had a tree 😢. But after doing that once and loving it I will do it from now on! Besides it’s too much work to only enjoy for 3-4 weeks!

[@katsuki427]

For the last few years, I start planning and budgeting for Christmas the last week of September. This year I started mid-July. It's exhausting but a lot smoother to start chipping away at it earlier but I agree that I also don't want to see or hear anything Christmas-y until December 1 even though I feel socially pressured to start decorating right after Thanksgiving dinner.

[@kakylong2]

A few wks ago, we had family come in town unexpectedly & I told Mt Hubby if he'd help me, we would put up some Christmas decor. We are already enjoying it. 😊

[@augustarrowmaker1933]

We put up the tree in October and decorate it for Halloween/fall it has been a game changer . which o could post a picture. During November we right on paper leaves what we are grateful for. We are not perfect and miss days but my kids love it.

[@kristinaatgreenmeadowswede6714]

Hello from Sweden....🇸🇪🇸🇪 Here we celebrate Christmas a little bit different than in the US. Our main celebration Day is Christmas Eve Dec 24.. Most Swedes have a Christmas Smorgasboard (at least we who are oringinally swedish from generations back). My Family do not put up the Christmas Tree before the night before the Dec. 13... This day, Dec.13, is a very special celebration Day for Us Swedes... It is the "St. Lucia Day" when people, especially the children, dresses up in special white gowns, carying lit candles in their hands or in a wreath on top of your head and walk in some kind of procession, singing and offering people something to drink and also serves "Lussekatter" (soft sweet buns with raisins and saffron) and gingerbread cookies to eat.... I always bring a real tree inside and decorate it in a modest way which is the most common way to decorate our christmas tree here in Sweden... I think you Americans woul call it a minimalistic one🙂😉 It is a Norweigian Spruce one, 'plastic reuseable ones are not an option for me..😊 But except for that "luxury" I am a very responsible person when it comes to keeping a sustainably friendly functioning environment. But I start to celebrate the Christmas season on Dec. 1 doing a little every day, because Chrismas is "My " best and of course, the cosiest Holiday season .... I just LOVE Christmas!🎄🎄

[@tknows470]

I bought my first token gifts for my coworkers yesterday. I am planning to get my tree up early, too!

[@mariahaggman7027]

Best ”Christmas speach” ever ❤

[@traciedugan6573]

We always decorate the day after American Thanksgiving. It seems to take the edge off of December craziness for me.

[@leahrowe847]

We've always done so too 4 yrs... Black Friday shopping, then it's home to deck the halls, so to say~ LOL!

[@PapillionEra]

In October I make a list of all the people I need to buy for and then try to shop handmade as much as possible from Etsy and local craft fairs. Do you know what makes a great gift, too? Food! Especially now, or even a restaurant gift card. People have so much "stuff" and I swear handmade yummy consumables are a great way to go - be it treats or a food basket you make for them with non-perishables, it's better than some junk they don't need and won't use. For my kids, I always ask them for a list of ideas as early as possible - if things need to be ordered it can take a while. Normally, the tree goes up in December because my hubby is all "it's too early" but you know what? It's only me who does the decorating anyway, so this year I'm just going to do it on my schedule, which might actually be ASAP. My business goes bonkers in early November and doesn't stop until mid-January, so I need to keep everything as low-stress as possible! Downloading your list right now, thank you!!

[@amandabousheley3189]

I'm sooo here for this!! ❤❤❤ I asked to host Christmas instead of Thanksgiving this year just so I can go straight to Christmas after Halloween, haha 🎄

[@jessandrew]

Cas, I love the new office look that is behind you! Good job! Enjoy the new home!

[@lindaarnold9322]

I have been putting up Decorations the Sunday after Thanksgiving! Has saved me stress time, in the month of December...🎉

[@j.chayo45]

Last night I was decluttering and my husband was laughing at me. He said you have all day tomorrow and the weekend. ( I'm a stay at home mom/wife) I told him the difference between me being a" sahm" and having a job is I don't get paid. I still have a busy schedule more so when his kids are at our house.

[@glynyswhite21]

I have just spent the weekend on a paper and cardboatd hunt through the house. Even the food cupboards wrre gone through so found out of date food and cardboard packaging. Was very productive.

[@persephonebasilissa5109]

This year, I've decluttered and simplified our holidays by embracing seasonality. Instead of putting out specific St. Patrick's Day and Easter decorations and linens, I grouped everything together in Spring Greenery and Spring Linens boxes, decluttering as I went. I packed away my Desert Rose serving dishes as Spring Dishes, making room in the hutch for our autumn serving dishes. I also designated all of our usual kitchen towels and hot pads to specific seasons (or new life as rags), putting the autumn towels and hot pads in their place. We put out more pumpkins and pinecones, and fewer monsters. (The ravens will stay all fall, too). For Christmas, we often start by just having the tree up, plain or with lights only, for a few weeks. There have been years when family arrived for the holiday *while we were still putting the ornaments on the tree,* and they loved that! We also string fairy lights around the windows and put out the wreath early, because they are seasonal rather than holiday-specific. These are also the items taken down later (or not at all, in the case of some lights) because we need the cheer in the dark, cold days of January.

[@dsmith9796]

I started doing pretty much the same several years ago - I have spring/summer items together - with the exception of a very few things that are, 4th of July specific, my spring decorations are appropriate for all the warm months, at the end of summer I change dishes in my china cabinet and put out decorations using colors that are appropriate until Thanksgiving - then I change and use "winter" decorations. Except for the actual tree and door wreath most other decorations can be left up until January and some things like fake fur throw pillows for the rest of winter! After that I'm tired of winter and start slowly changing decorations over to the spring theme again. I enjoy making these tweaks to my home and it's a lot less work than decorating for specific holidays.

[@kimcoburn9798]

Thank you for the printables! Good advice.

[@juliecancook]

I have decided to pare down my decor to more if seasonal (winter) and less holiday. This allows me to keep it out longer. I’ve also simplified the amount that is really Christmas. So I’ve eliminated Christmas outdoor decor and gone to a big lighted snowflake on the front window. So if it goes up early and is still there In January it’s fine. I’m trying to make the tree be the only Christmas specific winter decor.

[@nancybryant6647]

I’ve done Christmas decorating before and after Thanksgiving. ( married 45 years, three kids, 4 grandkids). So, I’ve learned for ME, at my age, 65, waiting after TG is too hard. Way too hard. So, I would prefer starting the first few days of November, at least for the tree. This year, I’m moving all the “ fall” decor to the kitchen and dining room. Christmas everywhere else. Then after TG, I’ll put out the Christmas kitchen decor. But, for the kitchen and DR, that’s not too hard.

[@rachelt727]

Yay! I need this help! Thank you Cass!

[@glynyswhite21]

My family have 3 birthdays in November. Mine on the 29th, as I put up the tree,strict rule not before my birthday. When I was working it could go up Christmas eve. This week I will do my my Christmas prep work. I am also.taking things to the thrift shop here in my town in the UK. Making room. Thanks for your help. Glynys.

[@LNelson882]

I have started basic cleaning prep this weekend, got a basic gift ideas and always plan to start decorating the less iconic areas between Nov 1 and 11. Then Nov 12 put up trees garlands etc…. My decorate made it easy instead of taking apart and putting together things each year I just keep together so when decorate it is less work

[@Blossom_Chops]

I save £20 per week for b'day & Christmas presents, taking it straight out of my pension every fortnight. In the 1st week of January I work out the budget for all the b'days & Christmas for the coming year & make a page for each in my mobile phone notes section. That way a) I know how much to spend on each person & b) I can jot down ideas which I can access when shopping. Also having the money in a separate savings a/c means if I find something that wd be a perfect present I have the funds to buy it straightaway. It is quite surprising how much "stuff" I can actually get in the January sales 😁😁

[@soapylulu]

We watch Elf on repeat too! 😂

[@catherinetweats8050]

We have just gone through our Christmas decorations and decluttered. It feels SO good and we will also start decorating early this year, just after our big Bonfire Night/Guy Fawkes party on the 5th November (we are in the UK). My husband's birthday is December 25th so he loves to go all out with Christmas lights in every window which we can hang but not turn on until early December. I am never usually this organised but we are decluttering to downsize so doing the Christmas stuff seemed logical this year. Thanks for the perfect timing of the podcast Cas. Xxxxx

[@celestep157]

The holidays were always a struggle for me . I never had enough money . Now that I’m older I can see if I had put aside a set amount of money each month for Xmas instead of each year having Xmas land on me , that would have been better . If money is already tight there isn’t anywhere to pull Xmas money from in the month of December . What fun , what fun , my car insurance always came on January 10th along with some other bills having nothing to do with Xmas .

[@SandraOgrodnik-wm4ph]

I got your planner last year and really like it! I recommend it. Even if you’re generally organized it helps. Thank you for this. I enjoy your channel. Keep doing what you do!😊

[@ClutterbugPod]

Yay! Thank you!

[@elainef639]

I decorate the weekend after Thanksgiving, usually takes all day because I have too much. Trying to get rid of some of it. We go ice skating at outdoor rink and enjoy baking sugar cookies and while drinking hot chocolate. I do gift shopping all year long, but have cut back on material things and give my grandkids ski lift passes.

[@deniseharrison1410]

I save up all yr so come time to start Christmas shopping, there is no stress for myself or my husband

[@melissataylor8910]

One word minimalism

[@Liamsmom06]

I love to put lights up Inside the house. Makes me so happy 😊❤

[@melindastimpson9014]

Many people in the US put up the tree the day after Thanksgiving. If you could convince your dh of this, you could do it even earlier than we do! Lol.

[@1hellonikki]

Also ... Our families do secret santa during turkey day, so we don't need to stress about buying each sibling, grandparent, uncle, aunt, etc a gift. We can focus in that ine oerson and give it a lit of thought. The kids however can be showered with a gift from anyone if desired.

[@cindiweedon2683]

We always put up the tree on the day after Thanksgiving….unless Thanksgiving is really early that Advent doesn’t start right away. We do make sure it’s up before Advent. Although I do love to celebrate Advent as well. And a pet peeve….that Christmas music everywhere (except in my home) stops the day after Christmas Day. Christmas lasts for 12 days and those 12 days go thru January 6th. We do try and keep up our tree until the 6th but we do have to see what else is on our calendar so sometimes it comes down the weekend before that.

[@Homelifelearning]

I ask my sister every year for Christmas and my birthday for cinema and a meal as i don't need anything but i love spending time with her. She does the same with my kids for their birthday (or bowling).

[@francoiselafferty-hancock5112]

Yay my sister and I don't buy for each other or each other's husbands either. It's awesome. 😊 We stopped ages ago. We do buy for each other's kids though as they're still little. Christmas dinner here is easy. No roast dinners here because it's summer in New Zealand.

[@sarahdingeldein6129]

I'll buy stuff as early as July for my kids, if they see something they want. I'll buy it and set it aside. They have their own bin for gifts in a closet. They know to not look. But usually in October or November I'll think about what to get for others. For the trees (I have multiple ones), I put them up by Thanksgiving, because I take pictures of my kids in front of the main tree and use that for our picture card. And cards are usually on sale for Black Friday, so I want the pictures done and edited by then.

[@spookyfish3792]

My husband starts saying "it's christmas time" as soon as the temps go below 80°. He wayched the Grinch 2 weeks ago and put the tree up on a whim. I just stayed out of it. Luckily the tree is beautiful on its own without ornaments cuz that aint happening till after Thanksgiving.

[@karladenton5034]

I shop and wrap early. My goal is to have the gifts stuff done by Thanksgiving weekend/ Black Friday. But decorating is in 'stages'. I come from a very High Church Anglican background and December in that tradition is a season of contemplation and was a fasting time second only to Lent. Then Christmas lasts the entire Twelve Days from the 24th to Epiphany. So the first Sunday in Advent, the wreath comes out, the second Sunday - outdoor decorations go up, third Sunday all the 'small decor' stuff goes out and the mantle is decorated, the fourth Sunday the tree goes up (a little earlier than my parents put it up, which was Christmas Eve - but like you, I want to enjoy it longer. If the fourth Sunday is on Christmas Eve like this year, I shove week 1 and 2 together and push 3 and 4 back a week) . Christmas Eve the gifts go under the tree. There's lots of baking done all month long. Nothing comes down until January 7.

[@barbarahaberman349]

I got to adulthood and my mother was still buying multiple gifts like when I was a kid. I didn't even notice until my hubby (then Jewish boyfriend) asked me how many gifts he needed to buy and how to know. I approached my Mom and asked if we could start the "one man one gift" rule, and I think she was relieved.

[@lylagray9669]

I shop for gifts all year long. My mom and dad are easy (she loves snow babies and he loves anything chickens). I make a list around September of who I want to buy for and how much I want to spend on each person. It makes it so easy to make sure I know what my budget is going to be. This year, I have bought things for myself and then realized that it was something I wouldn't use but I know someone who would enjoy it. I have already spent the money and instead of it cluttering up my house, it goes to someone who will actually use it 🙂 A couple of years ago, I got something for all my cousins and all my aunts. I now will just get them a card with a photo of Chris, the puppies and I inside of it and they love it so much more than the clutter.

[@liap1293]

I love all these tips. Thank you for all the downloads.

[@lindar1715]

I love listening to you ❤ Your voice is magic. I don’t even have to be paying attention to what you are saying- your voice just motivates me! I know- weird. But true. I’m so glad you keep podcasting!!

[@Nona-ih5lk]

We started putting up the tree in the beginning of december with only the lights in it a few yaers ago. And the day before Christmas we decorate it. That has become a nice tradition. My husband and I have started to focus on what we love the most about Christmas in regards to food and decorations and that has made it alot less stressful. A list for presents is very helpful to, bought the first ones yesterday and it felt so good to have started. Great vid this one😊

[@jamiehernandez1283]

❤🎉I'm definitely 🖨 out the holiday stuff. I did set up wrapping station. And I definitely want to do your advice. I usually get it out after Thanksgiving. But since cv19 I have been taking the decorating out early. So 2 months is better. And my daughter ❤️ s it. Definitely bring joy seeing All the decorations.

[@Curiouscrafter-j1r]

We just give gift cards. We don't do parties. I just put up a tree while watching lampoon's Christmas vacation on Christmas eve with a baileys. Christmas day we have bucks fiz and open our gifts. Christmas dinner is picky food. No big roast. We hate Christmas dinner, hate mince pies, hate Brussels, hate Christmas cake. We just enjoy the fun bits and relax. I work Christmas eve and boxing day and new years eve and new years day, Christmas day is the only one I get off work. Tree comes down new years day when I get home from work. Done! Lol 😂

[@martaehulech6474]

In my country,Argentina, we put the tree on December 8th and put it down the first week of January. Here we are in summer so our traditions are very different.

[@kaseyjondahl7979]

we only do dinner with the family that lives in the house for Thanksgiving so I'm always super bored, so I usually decorate for Christmas on Thanksgiving 😆

[@debbieyergert1162]

Cass thanks for sharing your ideas about how the holiday season honestly happens. I have been thinking about this too. Your ideas helped me to solidify THE PLAN. My plan is to open the bins and make piles of donations-Simplify! Then I will group the items I will use together and stage them in my storage room to be ready for the day after Thanksgiving. Then I usually put up the tree in my bedroom during thanksgiving week because no one will see it-early decorating! PS- I am a ladybug. Merry Christmas!

[@karenrich9092]

Since my husband passed 6vyears ago and my daughter got married, I don't decorate much anymore. I do enjoy baking and writing my Christmas letter. As a web designer, my letter is online and the link is emailed to my friends and family. I like to post that the weekend after Thanksgiving, which is the 4th Thursday. My baking schedule needs a little more work. I've decided to do only 1 cookie per day or one candy, one bread, etc. My list of EVERYTHING to do must be made today. Ironically, this is the very weekend that Cynthia Ewer, Organizer used to do her Christmas Countdown. She also had a holiday schedule that began on Labor Day (first Monday in September), then there's the Rudolph Club that "met" on the 25th of the month January to November. So, there's a number of ways to plan for this special holiday. And finally, the US Thanksgiving is a major memory for me because I cooked with my mom for years. This means I have Thanksgiving on the left side of my brain. From National clean out the frig day to prepping for a meal we would eat for a week. If someone wants a Thanksgiving menu, let me know. Some people don't know where to begin when planning that special feast.