What Worked
* keeping all the presents in a central location – I didn’t lose anything! *g*
* wrapping presents as I went.
* shopping for stocking stuffers and hamper fillers, as well as major gifts, throughout the year, especially at op shops.
* recycling decorations – add new decorations in the same colour scheme at post-Christmas sales.
* new pyjamas, stuffed toy per munchkin, and a new family Christmas book and/or puzzle/game on Christmas Eve. Next year wipe their faces before taking photos *g*
* hampers for Beth – keep the food hamper each year and change the major hamper according to her interests.
* taking a couple of hours to open all the presents, with time to have breakfast and to play with loot in between.
* setting the table for breakfast the night before – next time, get Beth to help decorate it to look extra festive.
* hamper for the Sleigh family, as well as individual gifts.
What Didn’t Work
* my budget (ha. ha. ha.). I have no idea how much I spent this year. I didn’t set an amount and stick to it; I didn’t track my spending; I bought too much on impulse. Next year, don’t be such a twit!
* we didn’t send out any Christmas cards because I forgot about them… 🙁
* we forgot about Solstice!
* using different kinds of paper to indicate the gift recipient. Next year just make gift tags!
* panklets for breakfast – insufficient ballast to counteract the blood sugar rush from all that chocolate! Next year, have a big cooked breakfast with lots of protein.
What to try next time
* start holiday baking early in December.
* bake extra biscuits to give to neighbours.
* make an Advent Wreath?
* research more about Solstice celebrations, and start making our own traditions. Have a small present-opening on that day too, to spread out the excitement a bit.
* try the idea of wrapping all our Christmas books and keeping them in a basket, taking out one per night for bedtime reading. If we don’t have enough books for the whole of December, borrow some from the library and open them first! Instead of wasting all that wrapping paper, buy Christmas fabric/s on special and make 24 drawstring bags.
* don’t forget to stock Beth’s Advent calendar with candy canes!
* try online ordering for as many presents as possible, esp. if pregnant/with a new baby.
* don’t forget Christmas ornaments from CAA for each munchkin, to start a collection they can take with them when they move out of home.
* order Christmas cards online nice and early, and write a few per day. Maybe try a Christmas letter, and include a family photo.
* I make up a stocking for E and he makes up one for me.
* the deli at Belconnen Markets (behind Beppe’s restaurant) has individual chocolates eg. insects, teddies etc, for stocking fillers
To be edited as more stuff occurs to me/us.