It is time once again to post about the most polarizing topic this website has ever seen.
The Christmas Pledge. (also known as the Chanukah/Hanukkah/Kwanza/Winter Solstice(Yule) Pledge)
For those of you who are new(ish) to this site, let me explain. The Christmas Pledge is something I've been blogging about since the creation of this website. It is a pact. A promise. A determination to get EVERYTHING that needs to be done for Christmas BEFORE December 1st. And with that one simple sentence I have instantly divided you into two camps. Let me address your comments before you even have to make them.
From those of you on the NO side.
It is TOO early to think about Christmas. It isn't even Thanksgiving in the States! You're stupid! I hate you! Why are you doing this?!!!
Well, I do it because most of us think there is lots of time to do Christmas things once Christmas actually hits. But most of the time there isn't. And most of the time we're stressed and freaking out and NOT having a good time in the weeks leading up to Christmas because we're too worried about how we're going to find that one toy or gadget that's sold out everywhere.
Plus the point is really to get all the things that are a PAIN in the ass done before December 1st. For me that's shopping. You? You might love going to the mall during the height of the season when you have to fist fight for a parking spot but I don't. So I vow to get the shopping out of the way.
Then there are those of you on the YES side.
This is genius! This Christmas Pledge is the greatest idea ever!
Every year I get emails from people who took The Christmas Pledge and say it changed their life. For the first time in years they've been able to actually enjoy the Christmas season. They can go to parties and bake and enjoy time with their family because they aren't stressed out about the fact that haven't got all the "hard stuff" done yet.
I am obviously in the yes camp. I don't just encourage you to take The Christmas Pledge, I do it myself. Some years are more successful than others, but it always, always makes my life easier.
The Christmas Pledge is a gentle reminder to keep on schedule and not put off things that will eventually need to be done. That's all. And it works.
Please enjoy this handy little Christmas Pledge calendar to help you stay on schedule.
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* the bow making course is subject to change
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Not convinced yet?
Here's an example of the difference you'll see in your life if you take the pledge compared to if you don't take the pledge (based on actual, fabricated examples)
Gonna take the Christmas Pledge? Give your virtual signature now!
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Su
I'm in... already started shopping.... love my UPS and FedEx guys :)... I'm going to start the madness of the season with a vacation on the beach - best way we have found to do thanksgiving and be thankful for all we have... to relax and get in the spirit.... with a margarita or two :)
Tigersmom
I'm a seasoned convert to this way of doing things only partly because I really hate gingerpickle cookies. Christmas is sooooooooo much more enjoyable this way. Especially since I was always the only one stressed and everyone else (with nothing much to do but enjoy the parts of the season that I was working like a hamster to create/take care of ) was relaxed and happy.
I'll be a bit late on the start because I'm finally a participant in the coolest upscale flea market that I have been dying to be in this weekend, but I'm clever enough to justify that as a shopping trip, at least for ideas if not actual purchases.
Oooooh, I think I just farted some glitter.
Su
lol!!!! upscale flea market sounds fun!
molly
oh yeah - i am so in on this! although i may have to alter my plans a bit as time goes on - i may have been a tad optimistic regarding the possiblity of knitting ten pairs of socks AND a giant sweater this month...cheers!
Leisa
I'm in!
Janet
Love this post! Almost made it last year. I WILL make it this year. Am looking forward to a stress-free December so I can really enjoy the season.
Zoe
obviously I'm a well trained monkey from last year - list is already made bar some ideas for one or two difficult people AND I've already bought several gifts and know what I'm making for several others ! (And because I really need to feel good about something this week - all with a 6 month old baby).
Charlotte
Last year was a great success thanks to the Pledge. Consider me in!
lisa mitchell
Karen, will you pledge to please make one of your next posts about great Christmas gift ideas???? Last year you helped me out enormously by posting about some lovely vendors - Cattails took care of the most difficult people on my list thanks to your suggestions! Love the pledge - and it works!
Karen
Hi Lisa - I'm actually going to set up a whole page on my site (hopefully this weekend) with Christmas gift ideas. It'll be a shopping page basically where you can click to go to things I like or think are good presents. Here's hoping the weekend is long enough to get it done. :) ~ karen!
Jane P
Love it, yes camp!
patti
I'm a First Year Person...
Love the Idea !!! I already have Christmas Central set up (all in one room), gift list made, some gifts are being delivered, homemade gifts are in the making, cards bought, wrapping and ribbon bought...
Check, Check and Check !!!!
Mandy Dunbar
I'm in!
However thank god for online shopping or it would NEVER happen!
Have already booked time at a spa followed by afternoon tea to kick start Christmas relaxation and overheating for the 5th - that should so go on your list!
Meg
HAHAH!!
I snorted while laughing too hard. haha the 20th: don't eat your cookie dough. Dec 16: lost 3 pounds!!
YESSSSSSSSSSSS count me in. I almost made it, last year. Then work got me and I was working too much... but yes. I solemnly pledge to have Christmas tasks done by the first week in December, so I may actually enjoy December leading up to Christmas!
Tracey
hi Karen,
this is great...I've printed the calendar and I'm going to do this! I am really tired of trying to get everything done last minute...always thinking there was time, and then scrambling to wrap presents on the 24th. this year I will enjoy December!
without the calendar I would not have known where to start.
thank you!
Tasha
Yes. And my husband loves this too. Our goal will be to be done by December 6. My parents arrive December 10, so it will be nice to relax, drink martinis and oysters, and not worry about getting anything done in the rush.
Thanks for the reminder calendar.
Wendi Miller
I want to say "YES" but....I'm getting ready to go through radiation therapy and I'm not sure how it will effect me. Therefore, what I've decided to do is say "YES" with the stipulation that if at any time I feel too fatigued, I'm just going to skip directly to the "luxurious nap" ;)
Jacquie
Best of luck with the radiation Wendi.
Su
take many luxurious naps Wendi.... best present is to take care of you.... wish you well
Karen
You feel free to take all the luxurious naps you want Wendi! Good luck with the radiation and kick ass. ~ karen!
Elen G
Yes, Wendi. Good thoughts winging your way on the radiation therapy. You're in charge of the Nap Squad. In fact, some time during the month of November or December, please take a luxurious nap for me. Thanking you in advance.... especially if I don't take the pledge. ;-) Best of luck!
Deana
Wendi, you have earned the right to nap whenever and where ever you want. Wishing you all the best and kick the "C" to the curb.
Holly
I wish you the very best, Wendi. Definitely put yourself first and forget about the rest..I know, it is hard for us women to do that at times, but you need to. Here is to luxurious naps for you! Merry Christmas.
Holly
Andrea
Karen, I love you! You're a genius. I am definitely in the YESYESYESYES camp having done it both ways. I'm proud to say I paid a visit to the Container store last night and stocked up on stocking stuffers. And beat my husband to it. Hah! I think I'll put up the big 10' fake tree tomorrow, now that you've seriously motivated me. The real tree will go up the day after our American Thanksgiving. I got this. I WILL get Christmas cards out on time this year!
barbee
For the first time in a decade I will not be working retail (in a christmas store no less) so I will take this challenge! I might even remember some part of December!
Jan In Waterdown
OH Barbee! Congratulations on your escape! I worked in retail for 5 years and I still get the heebie jeebies in December. I was REALLY starting to hate Christmas and knew it was time to get out. I think everyone should have to work in retail once in their lives just to know how and how not to treat store clerks! It's absolutely amazing how entitled some people think they are. I guess some folks are just "special" eh? Hope you get to bask in the glory of not working at Christmas!!
Ritz
You are some funny!!
Nancy
I think the US Virgin Islands is far enough away. The Antarctica might require shopping for new and yucky clothes.
Terrie
I like my idea for this year better: Go to Antarctica for a month from mid December to mid January. Not the north pole - Antarctica as far from Santa as possible. The only thing to do is call family and tell them you won't be around....done.
amyfaith
I'm in! You bring the crackers and cheese, I'll bring the manhattans.
Amy
I did this last year Terrie. Christmas morning playing with penguins while the chef cooked diner. Best.Christmas.ever!
Mindy
I'm on it. Amazon has already began making deliveries and I've been working on diy gifts all week. Woot woot. Just gotta keep the momentum going.
Becky
The first year I read about this, I was DEF in the NO camp....last year, I said, "what the hell, I'll give it a try"
sold.
Count me in.