I Karen, being of sound mind and body, (except for an occasional dagger-like pain in my eyeball from a migraine) hereby declare I am going to be completely and totally organized for Christmas by December 4th.
That gives me exactly one month to get everything done.
By everything, I mean by December 4th I want all of my presents bought, the house decorated and all my Christmas cards completed and sent out. That leaves pretty much the entire month of December to actually enjoy the festive, holiday season as opposed to cursing it and everyone associated with it.
I should let you know, I have this thought in my head every year, but never actually commit to it.
So here and now, in front of blog and everyone, I am committing to attaining this goal.
Here's the schedule ...
November 5th - November 30th - Buy presents, put lights up outside, do outdoor Christmas planters.
December 1st - 2nd - Decorate inside of house.
December 3rd - 4th - Fill out Christmas cards.
December 5th - 31st - Enjoy festive holiday season. Maybe get drunk or take on a new and exciting lover. Who knows. There's a world of possibilities.
Every year by the time the middle of December comes around, I'm thinking .... I'll never get everything done, I hate this, this is stupid, I haven't even baked a gingerbread man, why did I buy my mother a set of boxing gloves, who knew a parking lot could actually cause my blood pressure to rise to the point of my ears bleeding? And then I'm officially overwhelmed, I pop a Gravol and crawl into a corner to nap.
I've been known to become violent throughout it all and once almost ripped a cashier's arm out of her socket when she told me after spending $350, I'd have to PAY for a box if I wanted one. Since then I've taken to calling the holiday season, Dismember December.
My hope is to make this the most relaxing, enjoyable Christmas season ever. I challenge you to do the same.
I, Karen, being of sound mind and body, challenge you the readers, to a Done by December duel. Are you up for it? You can totally apply this method to Hanukkah or Kwanza or whatever other holiday you celebrate that seems to last for a month.
We can do this if we encourage each other as opposed to trying to run over each other in the parking lots.
I will be keeping you updated as to my progress and I trust you will do the same. Come December 5th I plan to be full of Christmas cheer, standing smack dab in the middle of the mall handing out free boxes.
Deb J.
I won't sign on 'cos I work best to a deadline. But one year I almost did this because I gave lots of people advent presents as a Christmas gift. They each got 24 small presents (one each day) instead of one large one on the 25th. It is a lot of work and can get expensive. But it's fun to get. However I nearly poked my eyes out wrapping 24 x 8 small gifts. No fancy Karen wrapping on the last few of those!
Gloria Westerman
Let the madness begin.....your on!....I'm going to post this w/link of your challenge too.....and I believe I can even pull it off....and I might add....I buy alot on line so this will be even easier for me....thanks for the challenge and putting my feet to the fire....so to speak.....
Lindsay
You just made Christmas joy sound attainable, bless your heart, Karen.
Treva
I'm with ya! Every year I make the promise but since it's only ever a promise to myself, it never ever happens. So count me in! And I'm throwing in the "get everything done for Orthodox Christmas on Jan. 7 as well- including ALL gift-buying" (don't get me started on finding gifts during the Boxing Day mayhem- let alone wrapping paper on Jan. 6). Yes- we celebrate both and get to spread Christmas out for another two blessed weeks. Shoot me now.
Rachel
I'm in...I have always hated christmas (for numerous reasons) and am a real scrooge, but I now think that part of it is because I don't try to like it (duh) So, this year I cross my heart to take part and make the holiday season fabulous!thanks Karen
Lori
Great idea. This is the first year that I actually have a hope in hell of accomplishing this great feat. I hear you about the horror of shopping in December and how it sucks the life out of actually enjoying the season. This year, I set up an account that I put money into every week AND I've done a pre-shop and have written down ideas and prices for everyone's gifts. When I've decided on something, I transfer the money over into my regular account and buy it. All this so that the January bills don't suck the joy out of December too. I'm rambling...anyhow, I accept your challenge! Game on!
Langela
If I join your gang, are you going to "jump me in"? I'm very fragile and cry easily. This is the main reason I have avoided gang activity and membership thus far in my life. But I DO love jackets. Hmmmmm. Ok, count me in, I'm ready to live on the wild side.
Langela
BTW, this Saturday in the States, Walmart is having something they call "Super-Saturday". It is Black Friday savings early in the season. Maybe this might help someone????
Karen
Langela - LOL! Consider yourself in. ~ karen
paula
Yes! I'm in. I'm making a list this weekend of everything I need to do. I may even do some delegation this time - that's my promise to myself every year - as yet unfulfilled - try NOT to be superwoman. Here's hoping!! Thanks for the starting *the gang* Karen!
Andrea @ The Greenbacks Gal
I'm gonna do ya one better. House will be decorated by the Friday of Thanksgiving weekend.
Stefanie
Though I "committed" to being done before the kids are out on break, I'm with you! Maybe now I'll have time to visit with friends too.
Thera
Hmmm kinda sounds like Mission Impossible lol.
Does this include baking? Are Fake Pies allowed too? lmao
Okay, I am in!
ELISE
I'M IN.
Sharon North
Don't forget to pencil in "plan meals for all the family and friends that will be here" and "shop for all the food for all the family and friends that will be here." Or, "pick out ten restaurants to take family and friends to while they're here."
Radiomomrhetoric
I am SO IN! I need this! I have "some" gifts purchased--but really need to make a list-your deadlines for having things done are definately gonna help!!
Thanks from crazytown!
:)
Nicole
Let's up the challenge a notch. All the gifts have to be homemade!! Well, maybe not, but I'm going to at least try to buy things to encourage local merchants, such as gift certificates to restaurants or spas, crafts from amazing artisans, local wines, etc., anything to support our local economy. (Boxing gloves for your mother? Heck, if I gave my mother boxing gloves, they would become a lethal weapon...)
Tisha
I love this idea! Since I don't really decorate the house, all I have to do is get the presents bought and cards sent out! Thanks Karen, for making Holiday Season 2011 that much easier for me lol
Brenda j
Great idea!
I'm in. Was thinking I ought to send my son up a ladder this weekend to put up lights before it gets really cold and or he finds another excuse besides "busy with GF" as a reason not to help out.
I'm starting cards this weekend too; buy em' during Boxing-week sales.
magali
I actually ordered one stocking stuffer and three gifts online this week! I have never been so early! As for the decorating and xmas cards however, the boyfriend and I are planning our engagement party for the 26th of November so I think those things will be done later!
Anne-Marie
Me too.....me too! It's a yearly ambition, but has never yet happened....it WILL this year......yaaaaay us!
marilyn
oh im in! hosting a bday party for my sis on nov 25 so will certainly be motivated and i dont do christmas cards so thats one less thing.