Operation Organization...The Christmas Binder

By now, you've probably seen them all over the Internet...

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...they're a favorite on Pinterest ...



...the "Christmas Binder" or the "Holiday Planner".

Source: teresacollins.typepad.com via Valerie on Pinterest

Whatever you wish to name your organizational tool, just know that this little 1-inch binder can revolutionize the way you prepare for the holidays.

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I've been using my "Christmas Planner" for several years now.  It is a life saver.  And although it is not nearly where I want it to be "organization-wise" I still benefit from referring to its contents and I carry it with me everywhere I go!

Here are just a few samples of the contents between the covers...

All of these pages and more came from a home organization website called The FlyLady.  She has awesome house cleaning tips, routines, tutorials, etc. and she has free downloads of her organizational binder tools including her "Holiday Control Journal". 

In addition to the organizational pages that I downloaded, I also stick toy magazines that my kiddos have marked up to show me what they wish to get for Christmas.  I love having those with me because it often prevents me from making impulse buys...as well as getting them something that they really do desire.  With three, we don't spend a lot and so I want to make each dollar count!

I also keep clear plastic zipper pouches for gift receipts and purchase receipts.  It is so nice come January to have all those receipts in one place to verify credit and/or debit card purchases.  (I won't lie...sometimes I'll forget that I purchased and gifted an item and I will swear it's a bogus charge on my card...until I get out those receipts!  This year we've done more with cash so I'm actually looking forward to January!  ha!)

I hope that this has provided you with some sweet ideas of how to get organized for the holidays!  I love the creativity of some of the women out there...they've made some beautiful binders.  With surgery and the flu bug hitting out house early this season...I'm just excited I've got my binder together!  There's always next year to get my beauty on!  ;)

By the way...I wanted to give a big shout out to my girl friend, Melinda over at Country Dreaming to say thank you for reminding me about my Christmas Binder.  She did a similar post about her Holiday Planner and is doing a fabulous and unique daily post of Christmas Fun ideas.  Be sure to drop by her place and check it out!

XXX OOO