My Lessons Learned from Christmas' past (including where to buy trees in Toronto)
December 5 2011, 7:51 AM
Christmas for me is many things, including an annual exercise in planning.
I keep a Word document that I update every year. It contains the typical
list of things to do, by when. It tracks cards sent and received, presents
given to whom, key dates, even what I need to buy for Christmas Day meal. One other thing I keep is a list of lessons learned. Here's mine. · Christmas planning should start the day after Remembrance Day.
· Get gifts at the end of November, if possible. It takes time to get
them, wrap them, send them off.
· Indigo has lots of gift ideas, not just books. Music, movies, nic nacs.
Plus, if you shop there early, you can provide gift ideas for others.
Winners is also good. Future shop is better than Toys R Us for
electronics for the kids.
· Get time consuming activities done asap. You have less time in December
than you think.
· Check Canada Post web site for mailing dates. It helps to keep you on
track.
· Get tree on Saturday. While it is settling, put up the lights. On Sunday
bring it in and decorate it. It takes time to set it up and decorate and
it is difficult to get done during the week.
· Get a poinsettia around the same time you get the tree (or much
earlier). You can get some small plants at the green grocer for $2.99:
has the same effect as a big one.
· I used to say: get your tree at Sheridan: It is close, you don?t need a
car, and the prices are better. But last year a 6? tree was $60 and a 7?
tree was $99! And we need a 7? tree. I called after the fact and the
Loblaws trees this year were $40 for 6-8 feet. IKEA trees are $20 and
you get a coupon for $20 for a purchase of $75 or more.
o After that, you can get your tree from Dominion at Bayview/Eg. It
was better there than Loblaws. Then IKEA last.
· Use cut off branches from the bottom of the tree to make something to
hang on the door. Just add some red ribbon.
· Plan Christmas spirit events throughout December. Start planning them in
November. Besides putting up the tree and Santa, there could be: get a
gift for poorer children, Swiss Chalet Festive Special Run
· Put up decorations outside earlier than you think. Lots of people have
them up in the first week of December before it gets too cold
· Indigo is good for more than books: calendars, DVDs, music CDs,
starbucks, nicnacs
· The week before Christmas is busy. Not just with the Xmas activities,
but with cleaning, etc. Don?t assume you have time to do much more
· Playing shinny / going skating daily is a great idea over the Holidays.
I keep a Word document that I update every year. It contains the typical
list of things to do, by when. It tracks cards sent and received, presents
given to whom, key dates, even what I need to buy for Christmas Day meal. One other thing I keep is a list of lessons learned. Here's mine. · Christmas planning should start the day after Remembrance Day.
· Get gifts at the end of November, if possible. It takes time to get
them, wrap them, send them off.
· Indigo has lots of gift ideas, not just books. Music, movies, nic nacs.
Plus, if you shop there early, you can provide gift ideas for others.
Winners is also good. Future shop is better than Toys R Us for
electronics for the kids.
· Get time consuming activities done asap. You have less time in December
than you think.
· Check Canada Post web site for mailing dates. It helps to keep you on
track.
· Get tree on Saturday. While it is settling, put up the lights. On Sunday
bring it in and decorate it. It takes time to set it up and decorate and
it is difficult to get done during the week.
· Get a poinsettia around the same time you get the tree (or much
earlier). You can get some small plants at the green grocer for $2.99:
has the same effect as a big one.
· I used to say: get your tree at Sheridan: It is close, you don?t need a
car, and the prices are better. But last year a 6? tree was $60 and a 7?
tree was $99! And we need a 7? tree. I called after the fact and the
Loblaws trees this year were $40 for 6-8 feet. IKEA trees are $20 and
you get a coupon for $20 for a purchase of $75 or more.
o After that, you can get your tree from Dominion at Bayview/Eg. It
was better there than Loblaws. Then IKEA last.
· Use cut off branches from the bottom of the tree to make something to
hang on the door. Just add some red ribbon.
· Plan Christmas spirit events throughout December. Start planning them in
November. Besides putting up the tree and Santa, there could be: get a
gift for poorer children, Swiss Chalet Festive Special Run
· Put up decorations outside earlier than you think. Lots of people have
them up in the first week of December before it gets too cold
· Indigo is good for more than books: calendars, DVDs, music CDs,
starbucks, nicnacs
· The week before Christmas is busy. Not just with the Xmas activities,
but with cleaning, etc. Don?t assume you have time to do much more
· Playing shinny / going skating daily is a great idea over the Holidays.