12 MORE Things to Do in November to Make Christmas Run Smoother

We're back in November again.  How did that happen?  2017 has flown by.  And the last 2 weeks have been lighting speed.  I always say that once Halloween hits, we'd better be ready for the craziness of the holidays.  This year, I'm prepared.  I've been making a list and checking it twice.  Just like last year's 12 Things to Do in November, I'm attempting to mark items off my list, keep myself focused, and savor the season.

1. Order holiday cards-- Seen we just finished birthday photos in the fall leaves, now is the time to order our Christmas cards.  A couple of weeks ago, I picked out the design I wanted and added a family photo from our summer vacation.  Now I just need to edit the kids' photos, plug them in, and we're set.  By ordering early, I can spend some of my time off at Thanksgiving addressing them.  Probably while I'm digesting some yummy turkey.

2. Create teacher gifts-- We're keeping it "simple" by making ornaments this year.  The kids and I went through pinterest and found some inexpensive ornaments that match their abilities.  And we'll be creating those over the next couple of weekends.  They're always looking for a project to do so we're making this one productive.  Especially since it's been getting dark earlier.

3. Hang outdoor lights-- yes, it's a little bit early, but hanging lights in November is a lot less hectic than waiting until December.  Bonus: you get to enjoy them longer.

4. Prep Christmas Book advent-- We do a Christmas Book Advent every year from Dec 1-25th.  This is the time order any books you're planning to purchase or put books on hold at the library.  Then spend about 30 min in the evenings to wrap a few books.  Set a timer, and stop when it beeps.  And you'd be surprised how much you get done.

5. Purchase kids' ornaments-- I like to have a new ornament for the kids on the night that we decorate the tree.  Now is the time to purchase those.  Whether you're dropping into Hallmark, the Dollar Tree, or making your own, this is a good time to mark that off your list.  Bonus:  Dollar Tree has some stunning ornaments this year.

6. Start stocking up on holiday ingredients-- Holiday meals can get very expensive.  So I've been adding a few non-perishable items to our grocery list each week.  It still comes out of the grocery budget, but I can pick up items as I see them on sale and spread the cost around.

7. Make/freeze holiday cookies-- I love to bake this time of year, but I don't always have the time I'd like to bake for holiday parties.  So on the weekends, my daughter and I have been making double batches of cookies, baking a few for desert, and freezing the rest of the dough for homeschool parties, bonfires, and last minute invitations.

8. Fill out your gift list-- Now is the time to finalize, or almost finalize your gift list.  Make sure you've included everyone you're wanting to remember this year.  Trim, fill in, and trim again, until you have the list you want.  Then write down your gift ideas as well.  So you don't find yourself standing in the middle of Target, grabbing anything you can get your hands on.  Be flexible, but be prepared.

9. Do any online shopping-- I've had those years where I'm panicking a little, wondering if that special gift is going to arrive on time.  And there's lead way for those great last minute deals that you just can't pass up.  But this year, I'm attempting to have all my online purchases complete by the end of November, in order to avoid that panicked feeling.

10. Ship your packages-- Along with that, mail all those packages in November as well.  Then you won't have to wait in such long lines at the post office.

11. Start planning a girl's night for January-- Christmas is the time that we want to all spend with friends and family.  But let's be honest... December is crazy.  Or maybe it's just my life.  :-)  So my thoughts are this: try to spend as much time as you can with your family and friends over the holidays.  But know that you probably won't get to see everyone.  So why not start planning a girl's night for January?  Let your friends know that you love them, but realize that you're all busy.  So if it doesn't happen, know that time to get together is just around the corner.

12. Take care of your spiritual life-- It sounds crazy to add one more thing into your day.  But taking care of your spiritual life will go a long way toward keeping your sanity through this crazy time of year.  Start your morning in your Bible and prayer.  And know that if your to do list isn't completed, it will all work out.

How are you preparing for the holidays?