Countdown to Christmas part 2

2) Now is the time to sit and write a Christmas card list. You may have two lists if you choose to buy special cards for family and close friends but atleast once you've written it you'll have some idea of how many cards you will need.

If you like to get special cards for family and close friends you can of course buy them individually from the card shops but invariably you find a card with a nice picture but inappropriate words or vice versa.

You could of course have a go at making your own.I as a card maker have even cut up pieces of Brett's never art and laminated them and added one or two accessories for last minute cards and there are lots of craft books with simple ideas involving your children if you wish!

Or you could speak to someone like me for individual cards and boxed cards for that extra special someone in your life. See my boxed Fairy Day.

Whatever you do don't let it become a chore!

Countdown is on

This is my hypothetical preparation for Christmas.

1) At the end of September/beginning of October sit down and write a list of all those that you intend to buy presents for.Give yourself an idea of how much you can afford to spend and try and stick to it (after all it's the thought that counts!).

If you have ideas of gifts then make a note of them. If you have nieces and nephews or grandchildren that you intend to buy clothes for check what size they are now wearing as it doesn't always correspond to age. Make two copies of this list, one for you handbag and one for your records and for when the other one goes walk about. Make a note of any other ideas you have as you go along and tick off those that you have bought.

Most of all enjoy it. There is no written rule (in my opinion) that says you have to buy everything or spend lots of money.Sometimes the most insignificant gift can turn out to be the most thoughtful or useful gift. Last Christmas my friend bought Brett some Thomas wellies, day in and day out rain or shine Brett wore his wellies until one day he must have caught the bin in his bid to tidy them and we ended up with one welly. They are as you can imagine back on her Christmas list again.

Enjoy!