As promised, here is a look at my Christmas Binder. (See my last post for list of supplies). The pictures aren't the best because of the page protectors...which I sewed closed in order to have a tab/ divider for each section. First, I went through all of my October Afternoon flashcards and picked the ones I thought best represented what I wanted each section to be. Then, I added a sub-title to be more specific about what's in that section. I have a picture of each section.
Start with an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of white cardstock. I used the 8x8 collection pads form OA- and that made it really simple. I adhered the PP and added one or two embellishments to each page, such as a sticker, shipping tag or Sizzix die-cut. I adhered the flashcard so that it had about a 1/2" overhang. In order to use page protectors, I used a craft knife and slit along the fold of the plastic, just long enough for the flash card to fit through. Then, I sewed it closed, securing everything and hopefully protecting it for years to come.
Section 1: Gatherings~ December Calendar. I do a December Daily Album each year, and this made it really easy to jot down what we did each day so I could transfer it into my DD Album when I was ready.
All I needed to do this year was print out a blank 2012 December calendar.
Section 2: Fun Finds~ Gift Ideas and Receipts
This is the section I needed the most. I put a few empty page protectors for magazine cut-outs (from the toy catalogs, etc) and one for coupons as I find them.
The first zipper pouch: for receipts so I have them all in one spot.
Then, I searched on-line for just the right Christmas list. I will use this one for the kids and I also keep track of who I suggested the item to (Aunt Ashley, Grandma, etc). This way I won't suggest it twice. (This one is from:
www.thetruckerwife.com). You can also find these in my Pinterest Board labeled Christmas Crafts.
This list was better for all the people I need to purchase something small for, such as teachers, the mail man, etc. (This one is from:
www.lifeinyellow.com)
Section 3: Story~ Christmas Card Mailing List. I printed a list of addresses of the people we send cards to.
Second Zipper Pouch: a place to keep postage stamps.
Section 4: Good~ Recipes. I typed up all of my favorite/ traditional holiday recipes. Everything is in one place such as Quiche, Green Bean Casserole and Sugar Cookies.
Section 5: Together~ Traditions for our Family. I typed up a list for each family member to record what Christmas traditions are important to them this year. This way, I won't forget what really important to them. This is especially helpful with my husband, because his family traditions would have been different from my family's.
Section 6: Home~ Decorations: plans and ideas. This is the place where I can keep any magazine items that I tear out for decorating ideas or shopping ideas.
Section 7: Treasure~ Holiday Crafts. A place to keep craft ideas and directions. Good for annual crafts like Gingerbread Men and Houses to new ones that I come across.
Section 8: Simple~ Menus and Shopping Lists. This section is for when we have company. Often times, we have three sets of visitors over the holidays.
Section 9: Place~ travel plans and check lists (for packing). This where I would keep info about traveling- whether they are coming here or we are going there. I would have flight itineraries in one place.
Ta-Da! There it is. A handy (and simple) Christmas planner that can be used each year. Being organized sure does feel good!!
