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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Shauna
oh wait, I'm ahead of the game, a game for which I AM NOT playing of course...I made my list of people yesterday and I even worked out my budget. From there it's all downhill.
Shauna
I ask you this one simple question, knowing how you prepare for Thanksgiving, and imagining that others who are your readers also prepare similarly for Thanksgiving. If you still had to do Thanksgiving, on say, I don't know, the last Thursday of November, would you be so bold and holier than thou about this Christmas Pledge of yours?
Clearly, I'm not in the 'No' camp, I'm in the 'No fucking way' camp.
Now, I'm off to read your stupid pledge to see if I can somehow pile more shit onto my plate in an effort to take on the challenge (which I know I won't but whatever).
Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Karen
Ummmmm. ~ karen
Shauna
You know it's all in love Karen. You're a rock star and this pledge is more proof of that:) Now, the real pledge is if I can get all of this done and Thanksgiving crap done before the last Thursday of this month. THEN, I too can be a rock star:)
Karen
Oh thank God, lol. I thought you were *this* close to standing on the roof of a McDonalds with a sawed off shotgun. It takes me about 3 days to do Thanksgiving (that's without any help from anyone to get ready or anyone to cook anything). One way for you to make it easier is to have each guest bring something. That's what we normally do but this year I didn't want anyone screwing with my special Thanksgiving dinner. But normally Betty brings turnip, Pink tool belt brings pies, Bikram Yoga brings buns, and Fish Pedicure brings green beans. If you really want and they're family you can probably legally order them to do it. ~ karen!
Shauna
Yes, a little overly snarky there in my original comment. If you had heard it rather than read it, it maybe would have been funny, but now that I re-read it, I just sound like a raving bitch. Anywho, all this has actually made me get half my list of gift ideas in a spreadsheet. So take that PLEDGE!
I did tell my Mom yesterday that I would be giving her and my brother an assignment along with a recipe for them to follow for Thanksgiving. Now, if only I could get an answer from the other side of the family as to who is coming, I could maybe force them to make something too:)
Karen
Oh don't count on that, lol. We were all sitting down eating dinner and I still had no idea if 2 of my guests were going to show up. They did. They were eating their meal while we were eating our pie, but whatever. ~ karen!
Elen G
I'm taking the pledge for one reason, and one reason only -- Dec. 20th under the ...If You Take The Christmas Pledge column. :-D
Signed,
Christmas Pledge First-Timer.
Pam
HA HA!! I had to scroll back up to see what great thing was promised for Dec. 20th. It's a good one!
Julie
yup and yup. i shop early…like august early...and say things to my girls like "wouldn't XXX be great from santa?" that's because i've already bought it and it's under the bed waiting. keep that little ear worm in there and then you've got santa covered. no last minute buying of toys that don't exist.
downside…i forget about everything under the bed and by the time november rolls around i've overspent :) oh well, happy times!
Fred Barrett
I'm newish, have picked up a lot from The Art of Doing Stuff and definitely am on the yes side.
Lynn (really spelled w/ an "e", but somebody else already has that spelling on here)
My first thought was Hell no, I'm not in the get ready early camp. Already got pissed off that Christmas decorations were out on the shelves BEFORE Halloween - made my stomach hurt just to see that. But your timetable / calendar is so reasonable and rational, I am re-thinking this. Last year I was so overwhelmed that I never even got my Christmas tree up. Made me so sad. If my Momma was alive, she would have been SO disappointed in me. I know I was disappointed in me. There must be a better way and I think your calendar w/ a few modifications for American Thanksgiving is a wonderful idea.
P.S. Positive thoughts and big hugs to Wendi. Go girl!
Beth
I'm going to do this! But only because there is only 1 day during which I cannot eat cookie dough, otherwise I wouldn't be so sure. Honestly, I'm a little disappointed, Karen, I expected more cookie dough eating from you. :)
Bridget P.
Given that the last two years we got our Christmas decorations up 2 days before Christmas and finished wrapping presents on the way to the party (thank goodness for gift bags!), I'm so doing this this year. Plus, my Christmas stuff is still out from last year cause I never stored it, so I'm practically half way there!
Safetydog
I took the pledge last year, and it did help tremendously. Taking it again this year. I've already created hand-painted gifts (3 were delivered when we visited out-of-town family last month!). We have the cards and card list. Planning to start list-making, shopping, and baking this weekend. No decorating allowed until after Thanksgiving. Now I'll have more time in December to drink vast glasses of wine at the in-laws (no, really, it's a necessity).
Rachel
Oh hell yes! I've been doing something similar for years, although not as organized. I'm nearly done with my Christmas shopping (three more people to buy for, plus stocking stuffers). It makes December so much more enjoyable to get everything done beforehand. I still have a very strict no Christmas anything until after American Thanksgiving though. No decorations, no music, no wrapping. I like to save the festive-y fun things til it's really time to get in the spirit.
My only hold up is getting the rest of the family on board. We draw names for my husband's side and they are not ones to be on the ball. One year I got them to draw names in mid November, but normally it is early December.
Maryanne
Hi Karen, First - Still loving your blog even with the new timing. The longer posts are worth the wait :) Second, I'm going to try your Christmas pledge this year (compared to last year when I only "said" I was going to do it, now it's on the internet so it must be true, right?) - I can't wait for December 16th! A thought I had for a future post idea (if it's not already in your archives), is that I would love to see your take / calendar on preparing for a Christmas party/open house in the future - maybe to fill up some of that free time in December ;) Thanks for the chuckles, Maryanne
Eric H
Just wanted to comment that gingerpickle cookies made me LOL
LazySusan
I'm in! Already have everything planned. Already have the card list. Already have the cards. Already have the stocking stuffers and most of the presents. Next week the new refrigerator arrives, which will get stocked with cookie dough the following weekend. I even already have up some of the Christmas lights, they're just not turned on yet!
kate-v
I propose and alternate-endings sort of calendar for those of us who celebrate Thanksgiving on the 4th Thursday of November. Those exemptions depend on if you are (1) traveling for Thanksgiving, (2) hosting, (3a) bringing required food you prepared, (3b) bringing food you've bought (4) just showing up.
In any case all Thanksgiving in November folks get to miss the 27th and then take up where they left off. Those just showing up (4) get one day's grace - Thanksgiving only- then carry on. Those bringing food they've purchased get two days grace, November 26 and 27; while those bringing items they've cooked get off from November 25 through 27 (three days). Those hosting get off November 21 through 28 - then they can continue the scheme. Those traveling get off the day before they travel until the day after they arrive back home and then continue.
I propose those get full credit for following the plan as laid out if they are forced by national boundaries celebrate Thanksgiving in November. You won't be done as early in December but you will be done by the 10th (at the latest) and that's not bad!
Vanessa
This year I already have my husband DONE! I don't know why, he is really an easy guy to shop for, but he always goes on some sort of a spending spree right before any gift giving event (his birthday, xmas, our anniversary, valentine's day etc.). I think it is to reward himself for holding it together. He invariably buys for himself what I planned/did get for him. This year, I am on top of it!!! And I have got to say I have gloated a bit I am feeling so smug that I am ahead of the game this year.
So I am totally and completely, unreservedly IN!!! Plus Christmas is at my house this year, so I want the admiration/envy of my family. ;)
Vanessa
And I printed 2 copies of the calendar, one for home one for work!
Jenifer
I am definitely going to implement this with some minor adjustments for Thanksgiving (in the US). This may be the only way the gifts get wrapped instead of me! And if I do manage to get in just 1 nap, I will pledge my loyalties to you forevah and evah!
Thanks so much!! LOVE the calendar! It's going in my Christmas notebook AND on the frig!
Pam
Hee hee!! Love the comparison of life with and without the Pledge! (...'one impressive cold sore scab'!) I won't take the pledge, though, because I just don't need to plan out the very few things I need to do for my very quiet, low key Christmas. Maybe I should schedule a couple of days to develop a tasty gingerpickle cookie recipe. Would you be willing to be a taster for me, Karen?
Kate
I was in the NO camp before, just because I couldn't handle two holidays in one month, but I'm going to give it a try this year! Even if I don't get it perfect, it has to better than the usual scramble that I call December! Thanks for the encouragement!
Rebecca
First year you did this, I was definitely in the NO category. But after taking the Christmas Pledge last year, I'm sold. I stress myself out so easily so it was truly refreshing being able to actually relax and enjoy the holiday.
Nancy
Last night I printed out a really nice free vintage robots print from the Disposable Art site. I'm going to frame it for my geeky husband's desk area. So now, I think I'll wrap it first and it can be a gift. Y'all got to look at that site, disposableartshop.com I like it a lot. And it's one of your advertisers.
I love Jesus and all but I kinda hate Christmas. Perhaps The Pledge will help me. I'm saying yes. Reluctantly yes.