Works For Me: A Christmas-ish Edition

It's the last Works-For-Me Wednesday before Christmas, so in the spirit of last-minute shopping, I'm calling a last-minute, spur-of-the-moment Christmas edition.

(Never fear; if your WFMW post isn't Christmas-related go ahead and post it.  This is just for those of us who are sitting looking at a blank computer screen wondering WHAT ON EARTH to write about.)

I thought it might be fun to share some tips for keeping all the little holiday odds-and-ends wrapped up.  Here's a few things that work for me around here:

::  Store gifts by family groups.  Group 1 (kids' gifts) all are carefully tucked in the attic.  Group 2 (Hubs' family) are sitting in a laundry basket in the garage so that they can travel with us to Arkansas in a few days.  Group 3 (my family) are in my closet.  This way I can immediately put gifts in the proper "stash" so nothing gets forgotten.

::  Wrap gifts immediately.  I know, some of you love the idea of staying up all night Christmas Eve.  Not me.  I wrap stuff AS SOON as it enters my door.  I'd rather spend my Christmas Eve sipping egg nog and watching It's a Wonderful Life.

::  Keep one receptacle for Christmas receipts/packing slips/etc.  I did this a couple of years ago and it was helpful.  I totally forgot about it this year, and it's already put me in more than one little pinch, not being able to find a receipt.

::  Keep Christmas baking simple.  I know many of you enjoy spending as much time as possible in the kitchen.  My hat is off to you, and I would very much like for you to feed me dinner.  I, however, am not a kitchen slaver-awayer, so my baked gifts to friends, neighbors, etc. stay super easy.  This year I made this recipe. 

::  Remember E-Bay.  I am so tickled--I just won these fantastically awesome figurines for $6.  SIX DOLLARS, people:

Okay, so those aren't exactly ground-breaking, but they'll have to do in a pinch.  (Thanks to on-going issues from the ice storms, I've had about 45 minutes of internet access in the last 2 days.)  If you've got some fun tips to share, whether they're Christmas-y, or not, please do so below.  WFMW guidelines can be found here.

NOTE:  This will be the last WFMW of the year.  The next edition will be January 2nd.  No theme, just write about whatever you'd like.

1. Lady Why (Christmas Stocking Tradition) 2. Memarie Lane (Make Husbands Listen) 3. phyllis (keys) 4. Mom Is Teaching (charity gifts kids can make) 5. Ronnica (Sleep Well) 6. PursuingSimplicity(travel size room freshners) 7. Infinity Goods (Christmas ideas) 8. ellen b 9. Summer (Diet Egg Nog) 10. Karla ~ Looking Towards Heaven (time-saving clean up) 11. Alli ~Mrs Fussypants (How to be Loving to your Hubby over Christmas) 12. Jill (Christmas Card Display) 13. Amy @ Hope Is the Word (The Nativity Story) 14. Michelle at Scribbit (Christmas ideas) 15. jennifer- Christmas Brakfast 16. Edi (Tracking Medical Information) 17. Christa @ No End in Site (DIY Christmas Cards) 18. WorksForMom (Holiday Hor\'dourve) 19. Amy @ By His Grace (Walking away the Christmas pounds) 20. Ann Kroeker (keep perspective-it\'s all stuff) 21. Activities Coordinator (Rearranging Furniture) 22. Sarah @ Real Life (Humorous Tips Giveaway ) 23. Shauna (virtual helpers) 24. Ann@Holy Experience (How to give gifts to the Birthday Boy: Jesus) 25. Staci at Writing and Living (Turkey Cranberry Wreath) 26. Stretch Mark Mama (Cereal Bag Cookie Logs) 27. Martie (Martie\'s House) 28. Need A Nap2 (parchment paper and brownie tips) 29. Peggie(stress less) 30. Peggie(gift order) 31. Brenda (scented ornaments) 32. Jes@beautyfromchaos (bathroom order) 33. Jenni 7 - No More Soggy Rice! 34. Tamara (original artwork for present) 35. Stacey (easy christmas casserole) 36. Janelle@NowPlayHappy (stockings & hiding baby Jesus) 37. abrianna (Powdered Sugar) 38. Duckabush Blog (Wrapping Presents) 39. Frazzmom (great Christmas book to read with your kids) 40. Christy (keeping gifts straight) 41. Nichole (VS Coupon) 42. Kristen M. (preserving family memories) 43. margalit (our Christmas day rituals) 44. Nichole (Shopping Trips) 45. Dot (Displaying Christmas Cards) 46. My Twenty Cents Keeps Moving (kids homemade gifts) 47. Emily @ Laundry and Lullabies (get-ready-for-Christmas party) 48. ~Amy (watering a poinsettia) 49. JoAnn (Washing Dishes) 50. Holding Little Hands (Christmas tradition for kids that teaches scripture) 51. Jen Morris (freezing food) 52. Mommy Cracked (Funny Traditions & Giveaway) 53. Tina in Thailand (Harry sings Christmas) 54. Karen (Organized Shopping Process) 55. It Coulda Been Worse (Perfect Bows( 56. Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home (healthy cookies that work for allergies) 57. RandomRamblings (Christmas light storage) 58. Laane (old year tradition) 59. Abel (Unique Christmas Gift Ideas for Men) 60. Shalee (great gift for tweener)

61. Amy (floor cleaning tip) 62. Willa (shopping around) 63. Trixie @ Farm Home Life (Best Ham Glaze) 64. Beth (Buying gifts when you have to travel) 65. Lorraine (Sleep in Christmas morning!) 66. Tiffany (Monster Cookies) 67. Clappy Shoes (Enjoyable Holiday Travel-Great Discipline Idea) 68. Saph (homemade wrapping paper) 69. Amy (Dry Skin Remedy) 70. Dawn @ Baby Addiction (Make Holiday Memories) 71. jennifer -utensil holders 72. twentysixcats (guest room sundries) 73. Amy (Cook for a Crowd) 74. Stop the Ride (gift certificates) 75. Tonsofsons ~ tree after the holidays 76. Brittani (Christmas light storage) 77. Coralie (Organizing and Saving on Groceries) 78. Katie @ Endless Day (Christmas story traditions) 79. Melissa Markham (snowflakes) 80. AmyG (Prayer Basket) 81. Mommin It Up (Reindeer Food) 82. Ornery\'s Wife (eating fruit) 83. Sarah @ Ordinary Days (Christmas Pickle) 84. Britni (Online Cookbook Creator 85. Barb (Epiphany) 86. Milehimama (Pajama Party Christmas) 87. Megret (gift list organization) 88. Gift of Green (Use Holiday Card to Make "Bubbles") 89. Christine (Eternal Christmas Gift Bag) 90. Kristin (sleeping amid chaos) 91. Veggiemomof2 (easier wrapping) 92. Erin (reusing Christmas cards) 93. Reflections. (Christmas Box) 94. The Not Quite Crunchy Parent(Parhcment paper in the Microwave) 95. Peggie(gift order-an oops from 30) 96. Liza\'s Eyeview (C-Card Display & keeping kids busy while you "work") 97. Amy (Christmas unwrapping supplies) 98. Laurie (fabric bags-wrapping paper) 99. Liisa (Preparing Ahead) 100. Christine (linking and scrolling blogrolls! YEA!) 101. Alison (Chocolate Clusters) 102. Amy (easy sugar cookie icing) 103. Dawn (Easy Yummy Cookie Bar Bake) 104. Emily (5 Holiday Tips) 105. Crafty Pumpkin (Simple Sweet Treat & Needle Picker Upper!) 106. Jacquelyn: Because I Said So! (Make your own Sugar Houses!) 107. T with Honey (Annual Homemade Ornament) 108. Jennifer (using old Christmas cards) 109. DeputyHeadmistress (home-made gift ideas) 110. Jen (Hanging a Wreath) 111. Wendy (First timer--free pool table) 112. MemeGRL (great list of stocking stuffers) 113. MemeGRL (tip for hanging lights) 114. Kirstin (Christmas spending and other tips) 115. Sarah (Easy Crystal Ornaments) 116. Melissa (Stocking Stuffer Game) 117. De (gift giving) 118. SAHMmy Says (daytrips/travel with baby) 119. GP 120. Pieces (wrapping idea)

121. RibbonRockStar *Candy/cookie recipe* 122. The Correspondent (\'Tis the Season -- PROPER LINK) 123. Many Little Blessings (Aprons) 124. Amyswandering (Repurposing Christmas Clearance) 125. Wendy Darling (repurposing fudge) 126. Heather (A cheap, quick and easy chocolate gift that looks like you spent a bundle) 127. Texastanya (Toddler Travel Tips) 128. Kara (Christmas pj\'s and other goodies) 129. Amy (cheap & easy homemade gifts) 130. Karla (gift boxes) 131. Amy Jane (Cold weather safety tip) 132. Michelle-Un-Mainstream Mom (gift boxes will save your sanity) 133. Cindy@ ValuesDrivenFamily.com (Christmas in January) 134. Amy W (polish silver in a pinch) 135. Genni (gift for the neighbors) 136. Erica (A Yankee In Jawja) Christmas Decor, Fudge & Memories 137. Melonie @ Momma & More (baby\'s nails) 138. Megan(making Christmas last all week) 139. Smockity Frocks (Heirloom Tree Skirt) 140. Mom2fur (Christmas Folder) 141. Lylah - My Five Year Old Grandson\'s Pictures 142. K :) (Reindeer Food) 143. Melonie @ Workerette (travel tips) 144. Melonie @ Workerette (travel tips) 145. Jeni (keeping track of medication) 146. MomAdvice.com (Cleaning The Stove) 147. Scott (Headband/Bookmark) 148. MrsScotsman 149. Crystal @ Biblical Womanhood (a fun, Christ-centered Christmas idea for young children) 150. Kisses of Sunshine (receipts in order & picture-card storage) 151. Crystal @ Biblical Womanhood (Occupying young children on road trips) 152. Money Saving Mom (Free Glade candles, veggies, baby wipes, and more at Target!) 153. Robyn (Getting rid of the Pacifier) 154. Garvey (make your own wrapping paper!) 155. The Garveys (save on disposable diapers) 156. Shelly (Christmas dessert) 157. The Garveys (save on disposable diapers) 158. Bethany (moisterizer that works) 159. Tickled Pink (10 Ways to Reuse Wrapping Paper) 160. Jo Gram (Pretty Presents) 161. Kerry (Christmas Craft clutter - and an activity idea!) 162. Suzanne (turkey brine recipe) 163. BRC Banter (pie) 164. Parentingskillsonline.com 165. Childlife (GFCF Christmas Cookies) 166. Abbi @Proverbs31Living (Prioritizing) 167. momrn2 (spouse gift, family gift) 168. Sarah (simple Christmas traditions) 169. Deb (photo calendar) 170. Amanda (Best Appetizer for Xmas Party) 171. SAHMmy Says (correct link to daytrips/travel with baby) 172. Simply A Musing (cut wrapping time) 173. The Garveys (save $ on coffee, enjoy it more) 174. Womanly Pursuits (family traditions in a young family) 175. mod*mom (free stuff) 176. Prettylifeonline 177. Donna 178. Sophia Dare 179. Lifeisadare- Journal on gratefulness 180. Leah

Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.

Comments

[Marie]

I will be making this year's last daily batch of pumpkin rolls tomorrow. Yippee! I don't particularly enjoy baking, but I have some family coming for Christmas that I haven't spent holidays with forever, and I have a billion non-pumpkin roll things I want to make.

[Vickie]

I had a feeling you would have a Christmas version but I had already prepared the other post.

I do a couple of the things you suggest with receipts and packages. Sadly I am a all at one time wrapper. It truly is my downfall this time of year.

Hope your power issues are resolved. We still have people in Edmond and surrounding areas without power issues too.

[ellen b]

I'm going to try to do the wrap the gifts immediately method next year! I do have a Christmas receipt envelope! A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours!

[Ronnica]

I totally made puppy chow for everything this year too! I had to find a recipe that would keep long enough since I had to make it several days in advance and that would be appealing to both kids and adults, as I made it for 2 different occasions.

[Amy]

I can't believe I'm #13!!!! Yeah for me and reading late on Tuesday night when I should be cleaning the kitchen!

[Michelle at Scribbit]

Good tips, anything to help get through the holidays, right?

[Jenni]

You won the auction! Good job!!

[Jenni]

You won the auction! Good job!!

[Sarah @ Real Life]

Great tips. I'm usually so organized at Christmas, but this year, I'm going crazy!

Merry Christmas!

[Leanne]

Hmmm. I have a deal with hubby, I shop. He wraps. THAT works for me. I hate wrapping, he hates shopping. I do everything else so he can do SOMETHING. Lol, sounding a little tense these days but still Lol.

[Brenda]

I'm doing the "wrap the gifts immediately" thing this year. Much less stressful! Who knew?

[Joanne]

What, you have all of your presents bought and wrapped?

[Joanne]

What, you have all of your presents bought and wrapped?

[kimberly]

My husband and I have streamlined our Christmas list:
---for our parents: we contribute with our siblings to a special savings account for each set of parents. The $$ is to fund their mission come retirement.
---for our siblings: we've opted not to exchange gifts but give that $$ to charities like the Angel Tree
---for nieces/nephews: we give an ornament each year, same one to each kid
--for our child: we set a budget and boundary (like, 3 gifts maximum) and make the purchases before December 1. No more shopping after that.
---For neighbors and friends: I only make 2 kinds of treats each year, neither requires baking, and I package them in kraft paper bags with pretty ribbon and tags.
---for eachother: this is always a surprise and dictated by our budget.
Yes, the wrapping and tagging gets done immediately so I, too can enjoy a warm beverage, a delightful movie (Miracle on 34th Street for me!) and reading the Grinch to my baby!

[kimberly]

No stress here: No Christmas Shopping after December 1st, make only 2 kinds of treats, stocking stuffers must be 90% Target finds.

Yes the wrapping (and tagging, lest I forget what's what) gets done immediately so I, too can enjoy a warm beverage, a delightful movie (Miracle on 34th Street for me!) and reading the Grinch to my baby over and over and over and over!

[Emily]

I like the idea of wrapping right away. Too late for me to do that, but I think I'll try to just do a little bit each day for the next week.

This year I got to bake Christmas cookies WITH my toddler for the first time. I'd forgotten how much fun even simple baking can be! We only did sugar cookies, but boy did we have a good time. Nothing like a toddler to bring you back to simplicity AND remind you how much you enjoy it!

[~Amy]

I need to start wrapping gifts. That would be helpful.

I started saving the receipts this year. You are right that is helpful!
~Amy

[Stephanie]

Oh, such a good reminder to keep all receipts in one place. I should have done that. Next year, I will!

Also, I think one of my best Christmas tips (not what I posted about, because it's just too simple!) is to get your shopping done early! I've been done for over two weeks now, and sent my packages to family over a week ago, and it's such a beautiful feeling. I'm reveling in it, because it's never happened before! :)

Now I just have to work on that whole Christmas card thing... they're printed, they're great, but they're not sent. Tomorrow, I promise...

[Linda at 2nd Cup]

A thoughtful, inexpensive gift that can be given year-round but is probably most appreciated during this season!

[Rebecca]

Merry Christmas, all!

[Laane]

Thanks Shannon for very week of fun.

I want to wish you, your family and the visitors of your blog a

Merry Christmas

and a

Happy New Year!

[Shalee]

For the record, I would LOVE to come make dinner for you, even with all the baking. (This year I made Puppy Chow by the kid's request and Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls by mine and my lands! If I had known how easy and simple it was to make anything with yeast, I'd be at least 20 lbs heavier than I am now!!!! (So maybe it's a good thing I've only just found them...)

Merry Christmas and thanks for doing what you do.

[Amy]

I was bummed..at first...but only because I had prepared a post for floor cleaning (which is my obsession anytime, but especially when company is coming!) So I was glad when you wrote that we CAN post anything. On the upside all these tips will really help me who is unprepared this year!
I am trying to be a compliant, "Miss Manners" blogger but I posted to my home page again!! grrr. I went back and posted again with the right page. I am SO sorry. So you'll see two from Amy at Crosswalk but the second the linked correctly. LOL

[Heather@mommymonk]

Last year, I kept my receipts in an envelope upon which I also listed what I bought for each person - scribbling everywhere, but it was in ONE place. Too bad I forgot about that brilliant idea this year too!

[Tiffany]

I love Puppy Chow and have always wondered how to make it. Now I know. Thanks!

[Jill]

I think that is called an audible. Lucky for me, I already had a Christmas one planned. I will be looking forward to reading other ideas!

[Mary]

Merry Christmas to all the bloggers to RIMD. I did my primary and most important baking when I made our famous Springerles night before last and yesterday morning (they have to sit overnight) and this morning I have to get a box of them off to children and grandchildren. It is a lot of work but so worth it. Yummy! One granddaughter says it wouldn't be Christmas without Grandma's springerles.

[Dawn @ Baby Addiction]

I love your suggestion to wrap gifts as soon as you buy them. I've been trying, but Baby doesn't always cooperate. We're half done and that's better than nothing.

[Melissa]

I also wrap my gifts when I gte them and I sort presents by groups that we will see so nothing gets lost:)

[Amy]

I left tips on both my main blog and my cooking blog. Merry Christmas to all!

[Dawn]

Great ideas!

And I forgot Ebay this year! GASP!

[Dawn]

Great ideas!

And I forgot Ebay this year! GASP!

[Dawn]

Great ideas!

And I forgot Ebay this year! LOL

[Christina]

I'm reposting last week's WFMW b/c it's just the right thing to do. I can't let anyone out of the loop with my tip and recipe! Plus, I posted the wrong linky loo last week!

[Wendy]

Hi Shannon!
I knew I'd love your blog when I saw the name listed somewhere, sometime, someplace. Thanks for sponsoring WFMW. I love it. You have such great ideas!

[Kirstin]

I love this site. I love all the tips I recieve from other women! Way to go. Be blessed and see you after the New Year!

[Brandi]

I wish I had the energy to do wfmw today, but I don't. :( I am like you, though, no wrapping on Christmas Eve. This year we will be putting a kitchen set together, and watching It's a Wonderful Life!! Have a Merry Christmas!

[The Correspondent]

Hooray for WFMW's Christmas Edition! Thanks for hosting.

[mom2fur]

The "Santa" figurines are so cute! Lucky you, finding them at such a bargain.
We do a traditional Italian seafood feast on Christmas Eve. My husband handles the sauce and scungilli (yuck), and I do the appetizers and dessert. I'd say that a good 75% of what I make are things that can be done and frozen ahead of time. That sure makes the party easier!
Have a wonderful Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year!

[Amy Jane (Untangling Tales)]

I like the idea of wrapping as soon as i get home, but once you miss (don't have) that chunk what do you do?

[Michelle O.]

This is my first WFMW contribution, so I hope I did it right.

[Amy Jane (Untangling Tales)]

I like the idea of wrapping as soon as i get home, but once you miss (don't have) that chunk what do you do?

[Cindy]

We used to keep all of our receipts but have gotten out of the habit. It IS a good idea to keep all of the Christmas receipts separate, "just in case."

This is my first time participating in WFMW--I think it's a great idea! Thanks for hosting. :)

[Genni]

First time poster here. Great ideas. Merry Christmas!

[Smockity Frocks]

Thank you, Shannon.

[witchypoo]

I have a great tip to share. If you have cats, keep them away from your tree or anything else you want to keep them from by using citrus peelings. If you don't believe me, peel an orange in front of kitty and watch her scramoose!

[Robyn]

I've always loved WFMW! Thanks for letting me post my tip, hope it might help someone!

[SAHMmy Says]

Great score on the Rudolph figures! Thanks for the organizing tips!

[Jo Gram]

My first WFMW!

[Kerry]

Whew - Better late than never, right? :) Thanks for a fun idea for WFMW.

[Liz C]

Here's mine, since I've not started a blog yet:

Streamline Christmas by going toxemic, getting put on bed rest, and then induced three weeks early, and spend all of December snuggling the newborn who ought to have arrived just before Christmas Eve.

No one expects you to do ANYTHING. It's GREAT.

:)

Seriously, though, I've still got a raft of stuff to finish before Christmas, but one rule we have is "no shopping the last two weeks", so any purchasing is done, and it's just wrapping or sewing at this point.

We'll do sugar cookies Christmas Eve, to make the afternoon pass more quickly.

Oh--my other tip: take a break from Christmas Music and listen to the Bee Gees.

[childlife]

Three great gluten-free casein-free cookie recipes for our friends with wheat and dairy allergies - enjoy!

Childlife @ In The Life Of A Child

[Deb - Mom of 3 Girls]

Great job on the EBay auction! I wish I could wrap everything as soon as I bring it home, but somehow it just never gets done - I haven't even started yet this year... Sigh.

[Karen @ Simply A Musing Blog]

Love the ornaments - I'm an ebay fanatic.

Be sure to check my blog for tips on how to have an almost WRAP-FREE Christmas!

[Donna]

Fun ideas!

[Sophia dare]

Visiting your site has helped me set a new commitment this year to dare to blog more often, as I find humor and gratefulness in my life. (And learn more about being a great blogger!)I will be adding this site and others to the list! Thanks!
Sophia

[leah]

i just found this blog and am in love!!! thanks for giving me some smiles and a great many chuckles!