Christmas Organized

Select any of the following options to jump directly to the respective section about Christmas Organized:

Christmas Organized: Planning, Organization and Storage
A Very Merry Idea! = A Place to Hold Holiday Keepsakes
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year = A Holiday Planner That Will Help You Organize Christmas and Beyond!
A Very Merry Idea! = Keeping Up With Gift Receipts
A Very Merry Idea! = Stop Holiday Cards From Becoming Clutter
We Need a Little Christmas, Right this Very Minute! = Holiday Storage Options to Improve Your Christmas Organized
Here Comes Santa Claus, Here Comes Santa Claus... = How Santa Has a Christmas Organized Each Year
A Very Merry Idea! = Keeping Up With Gift Ideas for Family Members and Friends

Christmas Organized: Creative Ideas
All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth = 20+ Ideas for Clutter-Free Gifting
Have a Holly Jolly Christmas = Create a Fun, Festive Christmas Wreath With Your Treasures

Christmas Organized: Miscellaneous
FREE Tip Kit = 50 Ideas to Improve Your Organizing Savvy
Joy to the World = Even More Links and Resources to Help You Have a Christmas Organized
We Wish You a Merry Christmas = Final Thoughts Re: a Christmas Organized
Go Tell It on the Mountain = Guestbook

This page is a small sampling of what you'll find on my other websites:

Home Organization Online: Your complete guide to an organized home.

Get Organized: A blog about all things organized, including motivation, time management, productivity, and organizing in pop culture.

Clutterbugs: Anything and everything about Clutterbugs professional organizing products and services.

At any of these sites, you can sign up to get your own copy of the FREE Tip Kit, which includes over 50 ways to boost your organizing savvy!

Clutter-free Gifting is the act of giving someone a present that will not, in turn, clutter their home, office, or life. It's a reciprocal philosophy; it applies not only to the act of giving gifts to others but also to asking for gifts that you'd like to receive.

Whether you're a creative spirit or not, it isn't hard to come up with a gift idea that will enrich someone's life without causing physical clutter.

The following 20+ ideas for Clutter-free Gifting will hopefully inspire you to spread a Christmas Organized to all your friends and family!

> Passport Wine Club Membership from the Traveling Vineyard

You can set up a 3, 6 or 12 month membership for someone on your Christmas list!

A Passport Wine Club Membership includes:
(1) Your choice of two different, first-quality wines from around the world.
(2) Exclusive 8-page Passport Wine Course.
(3) Special reorder discounts and Members Only offers!
(4) 10% discount on wine accessories.
(5) Your own Personal Wine Advisor and access to the toll-free Wine Hotline.
(6) Convenient delivery directly to your home or office.

There are two levels of membership:
(1) World Explorer, which is $29.95 per month + shipping, or
(2) First Class Traveler, which is $49.95 per month + shipping.

For more details, go to this website: http://www.myttv.com. Select "Our Products" from the top menu bar, and then "Passport Wine Club."

> Beer of the Month Club

If wine is a little too refined for your recipient, then maybe beer is in order! The Beer of the Month Club works side-by-side with professional brew masters to select premium beers from over 1000 International and U.S. microbreweries and brewpubs.

You may choose from 3 different membership types ranging from $19.95 to $30.95 a month + shipping. The memberships can be purchased in 2-12 month increments and either billed in one installment or monthly installments. Regardless of the membership selected, 12x 12-oz. beers are delivered to members each month! The gift beneficiary will also receive a monthly newsletter which details each featured beer, the breweries that created them, and what to look for when tasting each one.

For more details, see http://www.cheesemonthclub.com/beergifts.htm.

> Professional Organizing Services

Most professional organizers offer gift certificates upon request. You set a limit for what you are willing to spend, and the organizer will lay out the purchase options for you. It is typical to buy a gift certificate for a set amount of time, such as 1-2 hours of professional organizing services. If you're wondering what this might cost you, a ballpark figure is $50 - $100 per hour. The price tag could be more or less, depending on the size of the city and experience level of the organizer.

The National Association of Professional Organizers provides a free Automated Referral Program for those searching for a professional organizer in their local area: http://www.napo.net/referral/.

> Operation Christmas Child

If you are like me, then you enjoy the act of giving a gift more than the act of receiving a gift. Perhaps instead of exchanging gifts among friends and family, decide to exchange efforts for the greater good this Christmas!

Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is a Christian-based charity that provides gift-filled shoeboxes to children around the world during the holiday season. The shoeboxes are themed for either a boy or a girl and are filled with fun toys, school supplies, and necessities like soap and toothpaste. For more information, instructions, and drop-off locations, visit the OCC homepage: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/index/.

It's an extra bonus that OCC allows you to eliminate old, unused shoeboxes and scraps of wrapping paper that are cluttering your home!

> Netflix Subscription

If you have a friend or family member that loves movies, then connect them to the movie world without bringing the DVDs into their home to stay! Purchasing a membership provides the recipient the ability to make an online wish list, watch movies, and return movies with no due dates or associated late fees. If you would like more details on Netflix and their membership options, see http://www.netflix.com/.

> Gourmet Cheese of the Month Club

The Gourmet Cheese of the Month Club works with Zingerman's Delicatessen, which was rated the #1 deli in the USA by Zagats. They look for natural-ingredient farmhouse cheeses and then buy each from its place of origin. (ie. Brie would come from the Il de Re, north of Paris, France, not in Wisconsin!)

Each month, members receive 3x half-pound freshly cut blocks of extraordinary cheeses selected from boutique manufacturers around the world. Gift memberships are just $26.95 USD per month + shipping and range from 2 to 12 months. Pay in one installment or monthly. For more details, see http://www.cheesemonthclub.com/index.htm.

> The remaining Clutter-free Gifting options don't require much of an explanation and can be found easily in your local area:

>> Gifts that Save Time
Professional Housekeeping or Cleaning Services
Lawn Mowing
Car Wash and/or Detail

>> Gifts that Save Money
Grocery Store Gift Card
Gas Gift Card
Pre-paid Phone Card
Dry Cleaning Gift Certificate

>> Gifts that Pamper
Spa Treatments
Flowers
Babysitting
Restaurant Gift Certificate

>>Gifts that Improve Quality of Life
Savings Bonds
Online Magazine Subscription
Event Tickets (Theater, Concert, Movie, Sports)
Gym Membership or Sessions with a Personal Trainer
iTunes Gift Card
Classes (Self-defense, Karate, Language)

>> Gifts that Give Back
Donation to Recipient's Favorite Charity

One last note - contrary to popular belief, gift cards to department stores do not count as Clutter-free Gifting! While the card itself may be small and un-clutter-like, the person will use the card to buy something for themselves, for their home, or for their office - and that something will eventually turn into clutter! So, in reality, you're not spreading a Christmas Organized by purchasing department stores gift cards...

Most folks don't have time to work on holiday scrapbooks until after the New Year.

Have a basket or container to store Christmas keepsake items for the family album (photos, gift tags, samples of wrapping paper, Christmas cards, etc.).

The bits and pieces will be in one place and easy to access when your schedule allows for a little scrapbooking. Plus, it makes for easy sorting of what you really want to keep for the memories and what to ultimately throw away.

The Get Organized Now! Holiday Planner is the most extensive holiday planner on the market, and it includes tons of checklists and forms to create a Christmas Organized. You can kiss Christmas-time stress and frustration goodbye.

Grab a large manila envelope and mark the current year on the outside (example: Christmas 2007).

Place the envelope in an easy-to-find spot, like a basket on the kitchen counter or a drawer in the study.

When you purchase Christmas gifts, stash the receipts in the envelope.

After Christmas Day, if you have returns or exchanges, you know exactly where the receipts are located. Plus, you can quickly file receipts for big-ticket items after Christmas is over.

Little trinkets, gadgets, and gizmos have a way of coming into our lives and accumulating over time.

I'm sure you have a few! Souvenirs from your summer vacations...the tassle from your high school graduation...the first Barbie doll you ever had...the cassette tape from 1984 that you played constantly through your senior year of college...all the mementos that are so hard to throw away because of the sentimental value.

But what can you really DO with them?! Normally, they end up crammed in a drawer somewhere, never to be seen again or used again for a very long time.

Instead of allowing these items to be clutter in your home, gather them up and put them to good use -- you can use the keepsakes to create a colorful Christmas Trinket Wreath!

Supplies

Accumulated trinkets
Large 20-24" wreath with greenery
Medium-sized floral wire
Wirecutters (pig-nosed pliers, etc.)

Directions

(1) Cut a 6" wire strip for each trinket (some larger trinkets may require an 8" strip).

(2) Lay wreath flat on a counter or table, and then arrange the trinkets on the wreath in an eye-pleasing pattern.

(3) Attach the wire to each trinket and then wrap the wire securely around one of the branches on the wreath.

The Christmas Trinket Wreath not only makes a great conversation piece, but it also functions as an unusual memory box. Plus, it's a fun project for the whole family to enjoy!

This is definitely one bit of seasonal decor that will contribute to a Christmas Organized. I wish I could take credit for this fabulous idea, but the creative genius behind this design is my very own mom! :)

When I was growing up, my mom created a Christmas Trinket Wreath for her and my dad, for my brother, and for me. The wreathes became a Christmas staple in our home, and we all looked forward to unpacking them during the holidays and re-living old memories.

In order to really have a Christmas Organized, you must have the proper tools for storing Christmas decorations. Not only will appropriate storage prolong the life and condition of Christmas items, it will make unpacking and re-packing a breeze!

*** These are only a handful of holiday storage ideas that can help you pull off a Christmas Organized! For the complete product line, please see visit The Container Store. ***

(1) Gift Packaging Workstation

The Gift Packaging Workstation stores gift wrapping supplies and offers a roomy surface for wrapping gifts. Unfold the legs to create a comfortable workspace. The top features clips to hold a roll of wrap and grid lines to help cut in a straight line. It also features a ribbon dispenser and tool caddy that can be clipped to the side of the station. A storage compartment in the lid holds gift totes, tags and tissue. When not in use, the Workstation folds down to a mere 7-1/2" for convenient storage under a bed or on a shelf.

(2) Wrap & Craft Gift Wrap Organizer

Or if you are looking for a gift wrap station that is a little less elaborate than the one above...

Store and protect your gift wrap collection in the Wrap & Craft Gift Wrap Organizer. Sized to slide discretely under standard beds, it hides away when not in use. There are two trays inside for ribbons, bows, tags, tissue, tape, and scissors.

(3) Snap & Stack Ribbon Dispenser

Keep spools of ribbon organized, tangle-free and ready to use with the Snap & Stack Ribbon Dispenser. An interior dowel keeps spools in place and five slots allow for dispensing ribbon. A secondary tray provides room for scissors, tape and accessories.

(4) Wing-Lid Ornament Storage Box

The Wing-Lid Ornament Storage Box can store and protect up to 75 holiday ornaments. It is constructed from polypropylene and features an interlocking hinged lid. Inside, there are three layers of corrugated dividers. The box is stackable for compact storage of a large collection of ornaments in a garage or closet.

(5) Light & Garland Box

The Light & Garland Box is ideal for keeping holiday lights, garlands and electrical cords organized and tangle-free. It's made from sturdy polypropylene and features a secure, locking hinged lid, making it easy to stack multiple boxes. Three Cord Wraps (included) hang on metal rails, providing an easy way to wrap your decorations and suspend them inside the box. Each Cord Wrap can accommodate up to 100 feet of tree lights or garland.

(6) Cord Wrap

Designed to hang inside of the Light & Garland Box, the Cord Wrap is a quick and easy way to store and organize holiday lights and garland. Each Cord Wrap can hold up to 100 feet of cord or garland.

(7) Holiday Dinnerware Storage Set

The classic 100% cotton Holiday Dinnerware Storage Set in Red features specially made dividers that cushion your precious china from harm. The six-piece dinnerware set shelters a complete service for 12. Each of the storage cases are top loading for convenience and have self healing nylon zippers. The vinyl lining resists moisture while the cotton exterior has a warm natural look that doesn't have to be hidden away from view. The plate cases come with cushioned dividers for each plate, the cup chest has chipboard dividers that fully enclose the cells - even on the outside wall; the platter case is fully lined with foam for protection.

The six-piece set includes cases for Dinner Plates (12" diam. x 5-1/2" h); Salad Plates (9" diam. x 5-1/2" h); Dessert Plates (7-1/2" diam x 5-1/2" h); Saucers (6-1/2" diam. x 5 1/2" h); a Cup Chest (14" x 12-1/4" x 4-1/2" h); and a Platter Case (18" x 12" x 1" h). The Cup Chest holds 12 standard coffee or tea cups.

(8) Holiday Stemware Case

The classic 100% cotton Holiday Stemware Case in red features specially made dividers that cushion your precious crystal and glassware from harm. The vinyl lining resists moisture, preventing mold and mildew. Each case holds 12 stems or glasses.

(9) Artificial Tree Bag

The Artificial Tree Storage Bag is designed to store artificial trees between 8' and 10' tall, protecting them from dust and dirt. The bag is made from heavy-duty, water-resistant polypropylene and features a durable double zipper and convenient carry handles.

(10) Wreath Storage Bags

Wreath Storage Bags are designed to store wreaths up to 46" in diameter, protecting them against dust and dirt. They're also a great option for storing outdoor furniture cushions and other large items. Each bag is made from heavy-duty, water-resistant polypropylene and features a durable double zipper and convenient carry handles.

(11) Greeting Card Case

Organize greeting cards you plan to give, or those you've received, with the Greeting Card Case. It's made from a clear polypropylene and features a tab-lock closure and a convenient handle. There are twelve color-coded tabbed dividers for names, dates or occasions. Both preprinted and blank labels are included.

(12) Magnetic Wreath Holder

The Magnetic Wreath Holder is a clever solution for displaying decorative wreaths on single-paned glass windows or doors. Two strong magnetic halves attract through the glass pane, providing a secure and hassle-free way to display decorations indoors or out. Use the magnetic hook by itself to hang wreaths on metal doors. Not recommended for double-paned windows or leaded glass doors.

(13) Red Moire Archival Ornament Storage Box

The Red Moire Archival Ornament Storage Box features a removable 3" deep tray with a total of 28 compartments, and a 4" deep bottom area with 16 compartments for oversized items. All dividers are fully adjustable. The life of your favorite or most special ornaments will be extended because of the acid-free, heavy-duty fiberboard construction. This beautiful storage box includes a vinyl zippered bag for extra protection during storage.

Hang some simple green garland around a door frame or on staircase railing.

Each time you receive a Christmas card, use a hole punch to make a hole on the top corner closest to the fold (back side of card).

Thread some red curly ribbon through the hole, tie the ribbon around the garland, and use scissors on the red ribbon to make a little curl.

Voilà! You have some very meaningful ornaments from family and friends. Plus, you're using those greeting cards in a practical way instead of letting them clutter your counters and desks.

For close family and friends, keep a running list all year round of potential gifts. Invest in some large Post-it Notes (with lines).

Remove as many notes as needed from the stack to correspond with the number of people you want to include.

On the very top of each note, place a person's name from your list.

Keep all the notes stuck together, as if they had never been removed from the original stack.

Place the grouping of Post-its in the back of your planner or calendar. Each time you think about a gift for one of the people included, write it down under their name. Or if you hear one of them state that he/she really wishes they had this or that, jot it down.

When Christmas rolls around, you'll never have to wonder about what to buy whom again. Not to mention how thoughtful you will seem!!! :)

Whether you like to plan for Christmas year-round or whether you plan for Christmas during the holiday season, I sincerely hope that the Christmas Organized lens will prove to be a useful resource for you.

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This page is a small sampling of what you'll find on my other websites:

Home Organization Online: Your complete guide to an organized home.

Get Organized: A blog about all things organized, including motivation, time management, productivity, and organizing in pop culture.

Clutterbugs: Anything and everything about Clutterbugs professional organizing products and services.

At any of these sites, you can sign up to get your own copy of the FREE Tip Kit, which includes over 50 ways to boost your organizing savvy!