Even in the best case scenario, there is always room for improvement. A quick look at how we can have an even better Christmas when it comes to logistics…

And so we had planned on taking a day off or two before the Big Day. We envisioned getting ready on time, without having to run all through the house like a tornado. We ended up having to squeeze hours of preparation, from food to presents, the night leading to the event—and early morning hours… What happened ? Too many people at the office had already put in their time off, ahead of time, so our request got denied.

The solution. This year, we start early.

Time Off.

We write down on the calendar, right away, to submit our request by August. Better yet : we ask for it as soon as we get back to work after the New Year. Just think about how much time was really needed this year to have everything ready. Then check when the next Christmas Eve will fall (that’s easy, December 24th ! I mean Sunday, December 24th, for 2023) and give yourself sufficient time to handle the beginning of the season with peace of mind. With a little thinking ahead, there is so much that can be done for a smoother holiday. Yep, Christmas can get even better with some tweaked logistics. Everything will just come right into place, naturally.

Light And Bright.

As for the prep all around the house, write down the decorations that were actually used this year. And where they looked best. Part with the ones that did not feel right. Simplify. Sort the lights now. Instead of having to find a spot to store them for many months ahead and then try to remember at the last minute what was the plan last year. Make sure to label what goes where and recycle the strings that do not work, even after attempted repair. You changed your theme this year ? Make sure to give away anything that does not belong to the new scene. And yes. There is such a thing as too many decorations. Once a certain point is reached, there is that time when hanging just one more ornament becomes overwhelming. Just too much we can handle. It is so much better to have a little less and yet feel that it is more. Only significant, special ornaments. Actually enjoying trimming the tree with those few ! Rather than having a load of mass-produced items we don’t even relate to, which would transform a bliss moment into a mere task.

Fit In The Outdoors.

We should plan for more together time in the outdoors too next year. Yes, our Maritime weather is not always up to par… But we have so many wonderful places to go visit in early Winter ! We really need to enjoy it to the max and use that outdoors time to bring some distraction in the midst of gatherings that can otherwise seem a little heavy to handle. And it does not have to be too hard on the wallet either. There are so many budget-friendly options to choose from ! It may be only a brisk walk around the ‘hood, or a whole day at the Oval. No matter how simple or well planned it is, an opencast outing will be sure to lift our spirits and make us deserve that extra cup of hot cocoa with +++marshmallows.

Sustainability Is Key.

For next year, let’s invest in a nice set of Christmassy table linen, the whole deal : table cloth, runner, napkins, cocktail napkins, coasters, you name it. The one requirement ? All reusable ! Make sure you love the style you pick and you will buy it once, use it for life. And I can guarantee you it will become one of those staples you need to have to feel Christmas has come ! No need for further disposable items. We make it sustainable, to make it right. For us, of course, and for our beloved environment. Time to give back to Mother Nature, she already gives us so much all year long.

The Christmas List.

As for the traditional last-minute crunched Christmas cards, it all gets quite simple once we have prepared our list. All through the year, staying true to smart logistics for a better Christmas ahead, we take note of the people we want to acknowledge and give our thanks to. The dear ones we want to share a piece of our Christmas spirit with, once the time has been reached. It may be family members, friends, neighbours. Or simply someone that did make a difference in our life at some point. It does not matter how big or small the favor was. Simply the fact that it did make our life better that day. Enough of a reason for them to feel special comes the end of the year. Think sustainable cards, smaller formats. Locally made, recyclable and eco-friendly printed. Spreading love and care all around, until next year.