How I Planned My Holidays
How did I plan my holidays this year? Very carefully and meticulously. For me planning the Holidays is serious business. In fact it is my business. I make items to sell for holiday gifts, But I also need to plan my personal holidays too. I take that very seriously also.
I start my planning on January 2nd. Yes January 2nd. I start planning crafts to make and start making them. Living in the mountains, in the winter lends itsself to plenty of time for that. I also start planning my next gardens. Many of my gifts, 90% in fact, come from my gardens. From potpourri to specialty foods, I create fantastic gift baskets for my friends and family. That takes a lot of specific planning.
When the snow starts piling up, I really get going. I spend days going through old craft magazines and books for some ideas. Then I spend even more days designing my own creations. I usually have a five subject note book full by February 1st. Then the fun begins. I start crafting, sculpting and sewing early in the morning. I seem to do my best work either very early or very late in the day. I don't know why; it just works out that way.
I visit gift stores for ideas too. When I start to feel cabin fever setting in, I go to the malls. I look to see what's in and how I could make it better. I also shop the indoor flea markets, for add-ins, for the baskets.
I also try to remember what went over big last year, and what people really loved. Those things become regulars for a few years. I write it down when someone says they just love something. If my Mom commented that she is crazy about salsa, for example, I know to make extra for her. That goes in that fat note book.
If my sister mentions she has taken up collecting cat items, that goes in the notebook. I also add things like, my brother lost 75 pounds. So if I get him clothes, I'll remember his new sizes. If grandma has been told to watch her sugar, I write down to add some good sugar-free treats to her basket.
If someone has a baby, or gets a new pet, I plan something new for them now. I also make a note of color changes in peoples houses. I know that sounds like I need to get a life, but when I make them the right color pillow, I've done my job.
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