If I'm honest, and this is quite sad, I probably enjoy planning and organising events more than the actual events themselves and Christmas is no different. List are made, budgets and spreadsheets tinkered with and recipes clipped from magazines. I find organising my life soothing and the smug sense of pride I get manages to soothe me just that little bit more.
I've kept scrap books for other events but never Christmas but this year as Mr Thrifty and I finally have a few Christmas traditions of our own, I thought it would be a good idea to start one. I wanted a place to keep cuttings, craft ideas, lists such as Christmas card lists, must watch movies, our favourite songs etc. because every year I try to rack my brains for this kind of information but it is never forth coming. I want something I can pull off the shelf every year and have the basics already there but also space to add more things.
My Christmas Survival Guide* which is a personalised hardback book, arrived in the post from gettingpersonal.co.uk a few weeks ago along with a few bits and bobs from Hobbycraft* and I've been slowly but surely adding bits and bobs to the book.
I'm putting together my Christmas card list and lists of our favorurite Christmas films. I'll slowly but surely add old family recipes like my mother in law's amazing Christmas cake which has been passed down the generations and the veggie dish which was initially designed for the one veggie member of our family but we all love it so much we insist on having a spoonful too.
Budgets and lists will be added and removed from our survival guide as the years go past but I'm hoping the core recipe for our Christmas (songs, movies, food, crafts, church and family) will remain and this scrapbook of sorts will become essential to our Christmases and maybe even those of our future family.
Do let me know if you'd like to see some more Christmas posts. I'm planning on doing lots more organising posts but if you'd like to see things like recipes, budget gifts, crafts etc. do let me know down in the comments and I'll work on getting those published as soon as possible.
TTFN,
P.S. Do you document Christmas in a specific way? Do you have a scrapbook or computer file dedicated to planning Christmas and documenting the Christmases which have passed?
I love this idea! I too am making a Christmas book for organising this year and future years Christmas lists!
ReplyDeleteThis year is the first year i will successfully make ALL my cards (35 done, only another hundred to go!).
I love all your posts! Christmas and all!!!
'only another hundred to go!' lol. :D
DeleteAw this is such a cute idea, i love it :)
ReplyDeleteSophierosehearts x
I really love this idea!!!! I never document chistmas - but I think I shall :D
ReplyDelete"but if you'd like to see things like recipes, budget gifts, crafts etc. do let me know down in the comments"
ReplyDeleteyes please, all of the above :D
I do most of my christmas planning in my filofax (possible gifts, my own wishlist, crafts to make, recipes to try...)but I also keep a little notebook where I write down all the presents I got and what I gave out to other people. That comes in very handy when I'm a bit clueless what to give to someone because there are already so many good ideas from past years that I can adapt
I have a folder on my computer marked 'Christmas' but this seems much nicer. I've been paying for Christmas all year and I get my vouchers at the end of October and that's when the fun really starts. I've been pinning since August (sad I know) and as documented on other blogs I'm hoping to do twelve dates of Christmas with my little girl this year. A little book will be a lovely way of encapsulating Christmas 2012.
ReplyDeleteJem
http://www.mumblingsandstumblings.com/
That's such a nice idea and I'd love so see some more Christmas posts! :) Might think about nicking this idea from you but I'm not sure I have enough traditions yet to fill a scrapbook but it's just too cute! :) x
ReplyDeleteI've kept a Christmas gift book since 1981. I list everything I give to people. It's also turned into a record of people coming in and going out of my life.
ReplyDeleteAs this will be my first Christmas as a vegetarian I'd love to see your veggie recipe.
I enjoy getting prepared for Christmas early. It spares running around the shops like a headless chicken with everyone else and gives me time to do fun things like decorate the house or watch Christmas movies (The Family Man has become my new 'must see' at Christmas).
So yes, please continue with the Christmas posts. I'm sure we'd all be grateful for your ideas. xx
That's a really good idea. I keep a Google spreadsheet, which is just as helpful in remembering what I've bought people but not NEARLY as nice...
DeleteI would love to see more Christmas posts please. It's almost October and definitely time to think about Christmas...
This is such a nice idea. I keep a Google spreadsheet, which is accurate and helpful, but not nearly as pretty!
DeletePlease yes to Christmas posts!
Gaaah, that notebook is too sweet! I've just made a board on pinterest for Christmas, which is getting me excited already! I can't wait to get all my decorations up. xo
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see some more Christmas posts and think your new scrapbook is a great idea
ReplyDeleteNeed to do this! I too also seem to enjoy organising events more than the event itself.
ReplyDeleteThank god!! I thought I was the only one getting ridiculously excited about Christmas! Even though I was sternly reminded that there is still a third of the year to go :( BOO! xx
ReplyDeleteCould you please share your veggie recipe? Every year for the last 5, I have tried something different and never found anything that I am happy to take through to the next year. there are always okay, but never perfect!
ReplyDeletePoppy xxxxxxx
This is such a great idea! It'll be something nice to look back on in future years too.
ReplyDeleteI just have a budget book, so I write down every gift I buy and how much it cost. I might start doing this though, it'd be a nice keepsake x
I organise Christmas in my head, as I have always organised hideously ludicrously complex events involving outside speakers, many kids, logistics hell and so forth for work (whatever sector I have been in) I don't find the concept of a book/folder relaxing (and can do without thanks to those parts of my brain having expanded over the years). The only thing I've ever needed a folder for was my wedding/Hen do. Everything else just gets notes in my diary and on the calendar in the kitchen, recipes do get pasted into my scrap book though.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea! X
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful idea your Christmas family guide is! I love it. Every year my Mr and I get together and plan a special Christmas celebration with his daughters. We rotate films to watch each year and plan our buffet. It's an anchor in our year and we totally love our Christmas traditions. Em ♥
ReplyDeleteThis is incredible! I love the theory of being super organised and having everything in something you can physically pick up but I find I never stick with it and keep it all in my head instead. My mind is good with lists and I remember dates/events/shopping lists quite well so I never write stuff down. This scrapbook is a fantastic idea for Christmas though and Christmas IS the one time I write lists but they're so messy I wouldn't want to spoil a nice book! Hannah x
ReplyDeleteI really love this idea! I am hosting my first ever Christmas this year and I am so nervous - have to start planning pretty much now! I am going to set up a pinterest, but it would be nice to have something "proper" that you can keep each year x
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! I always find myself slowly forgetting to write things down in them though, I suppose if I got a cool one like yours I'd remember it more often! Love Christmas, so this would keep my mind on track :)
ReplyDeletehttp://pale-girl-reviews.blogspot.com
I love this idea I have to admit too that I love to organise events like Christmas and the build up to it more than the actually day itself.
ReplyDeletehttp://joannavictoria-x.blogspot.co.uk/
This is such a great idea! I love organising, and I love Christmas..ergo, I LOVE your blog!
ReplyDeleteThis is brilliant, what a great idea and such fun to put together, then look back on it! x
ReplyDeleteA lot of crafters I know do a book called a 'December Daily' where they document each day in December as it happens. They tend to plan the various activities and stick photos and ephemera in on a daily basis. It is also a place to add lists and plans for Chrimbo too. They share them on their blogs and people swap ideas too. I think some people even co-ordinate it so lots of crafters do the same subject on the same day. I did my own book last year but only did 14 days worth, think I might finish it off this year. Here are a couple of days I did: http://creativeflourishes.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/december-daily-pages-days-1-and-2.html
ReplyDeleteAwesome idea, I generally just write down who I plan on buying for, price budgets etc but don't really think about the other stuff till the last minute. Way to keep organised :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to read more Christmas stuff - I'm an equally obsessive Christmas planner, but I do all of mine on an Excel file. My wail of distress when I realised I'd accidently overwritten last year's file and then saved the blank pages could be heard in the office next door.
ReplyDeleteA great idea, but exactly the sort of thing I would buy all the supplies for, and then never actually do, sadly. I am good at initial enthusiasm, but unfortunately equally good at not completing projects. I do, however have running lists of ideas for gifts for all the people on my list, which I add to all year as things occur to me. This year I have a list of handmade gift ideas too, I always want to make things and then leave it all far too late. I got very ahead this year by making my son's girlfriend's Christmas present in February! (and then they split up...)
ReplyDeleteI love Christmas posts and ideas, of all types. Keep them coming! (and I'll add my voice to the requests for the veggie recipe)
That's such a great idea!! xx
ReplyDeletepetticoatsandpansies.blogspot.co.uk
Such a good idea :-) I used some of your organising ideas last year and did a proper budgeted Christmas meal plan :-)
ReplyDeleteThis year due to my other half's work, we might get to spend the hols in Hawaii!!! So excited! But I will be using your scrap book idea for said other half's birthday, to remind myself about all those little things he says he likes :-)
I have a christmas binder! I love it! :D
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely idea - great to keep for the future!
ReplyDeleteAbi x
Please have more Christmas posts - I want to be organised this year!
ReplyDeleteAnd what a lovely personalised notebook.
:) You make me want to write down lists and get all organized.. What a wonderful book!! I'm sure it will store lots of sweet memories!
ReplyDeleteGreat way to organize christmas!
ReplyDeletehttp://beauty-fashion-crush.blogspot.co.uk/
xx
This is such a lovely idea, I think I'll do something similar and organise presents and events around Christmas time. I'd love to see some Christmas posts!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea :) You should add the film Elf to the Christmas films list haha, that's the film which always gets me in a Christmassy mood! I would definitely love to see more Christmas themed posts! xxx
ReplyDeletelipsticksandheels.wordpress.com
This is such a cute idea! You could adapt it too and do with holidays, moving house, anything!
ReplyDeletewww.iwishicouldwink.blogspot.co.uk
Going to be checking that site out.... Been wanting to do this for a few things as my memory is still in baby/toddler mode! Have been wondering how to organise all the great ideas I keeping finding on that wicked pinterest...
ReplyDeleteI have kept a special Christmas diary since my children were old enough to enjoy the season. It starts on the first of Advent and finishes on my daughters birthday every year and we can look back on the last ten Christmases by now. Of course it is littered with x-mas stickers, photos and other mementos.
ReplyDelete♥nic
P.S.: I also keep a present list for b-days and x-mas for all the people we give gifts to.
ReplyDelete♥nic
I think this is a fab idea! I want to do something similar myself, I love Christmas films and want to watch one every day in the lead up to Christmas so a list is needed!
ReplyDeleteI love your Christmas posts so more would be fine by me xxx
My Christmas list is just a spreadsheet on my desktop. Not very pretty. Not like this! x
ReplyDeleteI freaking love this idea, Thrifty. I have something like that but it's all on my laptop or post it notes dotted around the house. I would love to just keep all my Christmas favourites together.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy collecting and planning!
x
I LOVE this idea. It is wonderful, especially if it is something that remains in your family and gets passed down through the generations! I also love the book, and the wooden ruler. I have a penchant for wooden rulers.
ReplyDeleteI think I may have to give this a go! Xx
This is such an amazing idea! I love organising and planning events, its so much fun. May definitely have to make a Christmas planning scrap book
ReplyDeleteI love this, just like everyone else above! I'm going to begin a folder and when I have enough to fill a book, I'll make one. I can't wait to have my very own unique Christmas handbook to pass onto future generations,
ReplyDeletePlease give lots of Christmas posts.
And, are you planning to go to London for the Cosmo awards? I'm hoping to go and it would be great to meet you in the flesh.
Katie x
Read all of your christmas posts and defiantly in the mood for christmas now!
ReplyDeleteso lovely!!
Aimie
X
Love this!! I treated myself to a slightly more expensive academic diary this year that goes til DEC 2013 and has whole section in it for Christmas planning, summer hols planning, monthly budget lists, etc. The C'mas section is my favourite though cos it has space to write Name, gift idea, budget, and then what you actually spent - it is really helping me to stay on track with my budget cos I just LOVE it when the "actual" figure is less than the planned budget :D
ReplyDeleteMY TOP TIP: I bought my stamps for sending cards from discountedstampsforpostage.co.uk which means if you're organised you can send all your cards 2nd class, for 46p each instead of 50p each and delivery is free too so check it out.... their payment system is through amazon so if you already have an amazin account set up the payment is quick & easy x
What a great idea - I love the fact it will become something of a Christmas tradition too. x
ReplyDeleteLovvve this!I've gotta spreadsheet and have started on the crafts!I'd love more ideas for budget but nice gifts soon tho!xxx
ReplyDeleteI do love a Christmas Spreadsheet. I have a present cupboard (it was a box initially but it has grown) & so will do an inventory at some point soon to see who I have to buy for. (Mostly kids stuff but if I see any beautiful grown up bargains they go in there too). Am starting a patchwork course this week & will be making many gifts this year. x
ReplyDeleteI fricken love this post such a bit of me !! Moreeeeee moreeee xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm starting early this year so I can actually get some homemade stuff done on time. I have such great ideas that never come to fruition *sighs*
ReplyDeletei would looooove to see some more christmas posts! unfortunately i was quite ill last christmas so wasnt able to enjoy it properly so want to make up for it this year! im starting to think ahead about presents etc so would love some cheap and cheerful ideas!!
ReplyDeletenicola xxx
Such a good idea, would love to see more Christmas posts :) x
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see more organisation and Christmas posts! :) xxx
ReplyDeletehttp://jeminixlife.blogspot.com
yes please to more christmas posts! i love christmas and get excited for it from boxing day the year before ;) xoxo
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea! Christmas will be a low-key one for me this year: I'll be working in the morning then coming home to an empty flat, but it's my favourite holiday and I am determined to make it festive. I love the entire season, the run-up to Christmas day. I might make a little section in my Filofax with things to do around Christmas, inspired by this.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, please to more Christmas posts!
This is such a great idea! I literally cannot live without lists and I love making things so this is the perfect thing for me to do :D
ReplyDeletehttp://frankest.blogspot.co.uk/