Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house…was disastrous mess of wrapping paper, unfinished projects, shopping lists, reminder notes, and preparations for relatives coming for a visit.

Is it any wonder that eggnog is the drink of choice during this crazy time of year?

You might think that there is absolutely no way to make room in your crazy schedule for a little volunteer work. But you would be very wrong. For starters, researchers have just completed a study that shows the best time to give some of your precious time away is exactly when you don’t think you have enough. Why? Because it makes you more productive. In addition to that, volunteering connects you with a more profound and meaningful spirit of the season, which in turn increases your energy and joy for the entire season that much more.

How to Volunteer Without Leaving Your Desk

With all of the modern technology and new or improved gadgets we have at our fingertips, there isn’t much that’s impossible to accomplish over the Internet. Including volunteering. Here are just a few ways to brighten somebody’s holiday season via the Internet without breaking your schedule or your bank account.

Hop online and head on over to Global Giving.
Global Giving is a charity fundraising web site that gives social entrepreneurs and non-profits from anywhere in the world a chance to raise the money that they need to improve their communities. Since 2002, GlobalGiving has raised $73,790,813 from 291,956 donors who have supported 6,602 projects. All you have to do is find a project to support and pick an amount to give. Once you have made a tax-deductible contribution, and you’ll get email updates from the project so you can see how your gift is making a difference.

Send gifts and/or supplies to a family affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Various organizations are starting to collect blankets, batteries and other supplies to send to victims of Hurricane Sandy, but Staten Island assemblyman Matthew Titone and Brooklyn Relief (The Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew) have actually set up Amazon wish lists for their areas. Staten Island is requesting things like heavy duty garbage bags, diapers, batteries, flashlights and underwear. These little things can make a big difference for those devastated by Hurricane Sandy, and if you want to donate big Brooklyn Relief is also requesting portable generators along with some of the smaller items.

Become an online tutor.
Many students are struggling with math, science, social studies, etc. Being an online mentor or tutor is a way to help out without stepping a foot outside your door.

Become an advocate for human rights through Amnesty International.

Do your holiday shopping through a venue that benefits charity, such as Give Back America.
It costs you no extra money or time to shop via this toolbar, but each time you make a purchase, you will be donating to a charitable cause.

Ways you can help in 15 minutes or less

If you are able to spare more than a few minutes, here are ways you can make a difference this season in as little as 15 minutes.

Donate, Donate, Donate.
Household items such as glasses, cell phones, computers, furniture, beds, and many more items you probably would not think of, can be refurbished for use for someone who would not have been able to afford purchasing the item new. If you know someone in your household is getting a shiny new tech gadget or phone, don’t throw the old one out. Check first to see if it can be put to good use via a charity.

Create your own drive for whatever cause is closest to your heart.
It only takes a few minutes to collaborate with local charities and discover what needs have yet to be met. Then research fundraisers or seek out those who can donate. Other than a few phone calls, most of this can be done online, as well.

Do you typically volunteer during the holiday time? What’s your favorite way to give back?

Wait…You Get Gifts?

As the wife of a UPS driver, I typically don’t see my husband too often during the Christmas season, nor the gifts he receives. Wait a second. Did I just say gifts?!?!? He receives gifts?!?!?

Because Josh’s office is his truck, he can take only a minimal amount of items with him daily. After work each day, he walks into our home with the same items that he uses – containers with which he packs his lunch. Last year, when he walked into our home with a mysterious large tin, my wheels started turning. It was the first I’d even given it an inkling that he had been receiving gifts during the Christmas season. When I realized the tin was full of chocolates, I thought two things, (1) “Sweet! Chocolate for me! Yummy!” and (2) “Bummer! Chocolate for me. I won’t be able to control myself and will eat the entire tin-full before the night is over. I won’t be able to function tomorrow because I will have a sugar hangover.”

Josh knows that I try diligently to stock our home with only nutritiously dense, whole foods. He also knows that I love me some processed foods and have an amazing sweet tooth. So when I questioned the appearance of the tin, he slapped a grin on his face and explained that one of the patrons on one of his stops gave it to him. I thought it was so sweet and went on and on about it. Then I began to think — hmmm… “Is it possible that he has been receiving gifts from others, and more importantly, what has he been holding out on me?”

Up to this point, it had never occurred to me that he had been receiving gifts all of these years, even though I did it for our delivery folks. Of course, once I “got it,” I became a detective, and pummeled him with questions regarding UPS driver gifts, and in particular, his gifts.

I was shocked when he told me he had received gifts of food…daily! At first, I couldn’t believe that he hadn’t been sharing with me. Then, I thought about it and put things into perspective. During peak season, this guy works a crazy amount of hours each day and, the majority of the time, does not have time to take a lunch break. (Oh! I also thought about how, if he did share the sweets with me, that I would have a constant sugar hangover! But that’s a story for a different time…)

Anyway, the reason for my sharing this story is to:

A.) Thank you for even thinking to give your delivery person a gift. As far as Josh and I are concerned, we would never expect anything, but we sure do think it’s a very thoughtful gesture and we certainly appreciate it.
B.) If you’re like me, you want to give the perfect gift to everyone, delivery persons included. However, you find it challenging to find the perfect gift for the delivery person(s) in your life, especially if budgets are very tight.

To help solve the gift-giving dilemma addressed, I sat down with Josh and asked him this important question, “What types of gifts do you like to receive while delivering during the Christmas season?” Josh’s favorite gift became extremely evident: Food! Food in various forms, that is!

1.Food!

As I mentioned, most of the time, these guys (or gals) don’t get time to take a lunch break, so anything that they can eat while on the run, or quickly in between deliveries, is perfect. This could include; cookies, candies, or anything creative! If it is something that requires utensils, including those is helpful. No matter the food choice, napkins are helpful too, so they look presentable at their next stop! {The pictured reindeer food gift tutorial is available at Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats}

2. Gas Station Gift Card

If you live where we live, restaurants are pretty much non-existent on most routes and gas stations are miles apart. This makes a gift card for the local gas station, to pick up a quick bite or something to drink, an appreciated gift.

3. Gift Card to a Local Food Shop

If a driver does have a restaurant on his route, a gift card for a restaurant that is passed while delivering is well received. If they can’t stop during peak season, they can always use the gift card once peak season is over. And it doesn’t have to be for a huge dollar amount – a $5 card is enough to cover lunch or a good snack.

4. Gift Certificate to a Local Restaurant

This is my favorite response of Josh’s, and I quote, “Since I don’t get to see my family much during peak season, a gift card to a restaurant would be nice, so that we could enjoy dinner together, once peak season is over.” Even a $5 contribution is appreciated. We love any excuse to go out to dinner and this is a perfect one!

5. A Homemade Sandwich

We had this discussion while he was eating lunch. As we were talking, he said, “This would be a perfect gift,” as he held up his lunch meat sandwich. Yes. He was serious! {Sandwich recipe pictured via: Cafe Zupas}

6. A Little Tip

He also mentioned money. Money for food, of course! {Adorable envelopes via: Unexpected 20}

An additional tidbit Josh mentioned is that he doesn’t like to receive anything that contains alcohol.

He feels uncomfortable driving while it is in the truck.

If you’re struggling with this delivery person gift-giving dilemma, I hope Josh’s answers help you. Again, we certainly do not expect anything, but we appreciate your kind gestures! Feel free to ask any specific questions below. I will be sure to ask the UPS driver who loves food, and get an answer to you right away! (Please keep in mind that UPS drivers do not have a policy regarding gifts they are allowed to receive. From what I gather, FedEx drivers are not allowed to receive cash, nor anything over $75. Mail delivery persons are allowed to receive non-cash gifts up to $20. An additional tidbit Josh mentioned is that he doesn’t like to receive anything that contains alcohol. He feels uncomfortable driving while it is in the truck.)

A few days ago, in the midst of a conversation about upcoming celebrations, I overheard someone whisper to a friend, “You say holidays; I say hellidays!”

I just had to chuckle because I completely understand the sentiment. When you’re staring down an already long laundry list of things to do and then add on top of that another list that is just as long related to holiday celebrations — it can seem, well, a little daunting. It can seem even more so if you are hosting a holiday gathering yourself. Happily, following these six organizational tips can help you deck the halls without losing your mind…or the spirit that inspired you to host a party in the first place.

Tip #1: Make A List…Check It Twice

When you leave the organization of lots of moving parts completely up to your brain, you’re asking for a double dose of stress. Why? Because your working memory, which allows you to manipulate and prioritize information, and remember the thread of an argument, is easily overwhelmed by the million-and –one distractions in your environment. In a herculean effort to commit those party to-do’s to memory, one of the tools your working memory uses is repetition: “Don’t forget to buy crostini. Don’t forget to buy crostini.” But it isn’t likely to repeat the items in any order, so you are left with a stressful buzz of “gotta remember” to-do’s randomly zipping in and out of your consciousness. This can make you feel like your list is longer than it actually is AND incredibly stressed you are going to forget something (which you probably will). Do yourself a favor and grab a pen and paper or a tablet or your smart phone and start a list. Start with menu items, then add décor, guest list, RSVPs, etc. Once you see everything you need to do written down in front of you in black and white, it’s a straightforward exercise to create an action plan so that you tackle it all in time.

Tip #2: Ask for Help, Please!

We know that we probably sound like broken records on this front. But honestly, delegating can make such a positive difference – to both parties! Instead of looking at your list and assuming that everything on it must be done by you, look at it and from the start figure out what you absolutely must do yourself and then what can delegate – to family members, friends, or service providers like caterers. For example, if you have children, ask them to help decorate the tree or lend a hand with holiday baking. Give them something to brag about! Each person you ask for help not only gets a sense of significance and accomplishment – but is also given an opportunity to play an important role in an event, which makes it that much more meaningful to them.

Tip #3: Host a Brainstorming Pre-Party

Sometimes when you try to do the planning yourself you get overwhelmed…and stuck. A fresh perspective or two is often just the ticket to getting unstuck and back in an energized, party-throwing kind of mood. Schedule some time with a few family members or close friends who will be attending your event, crank some tunes, pour a couple of mugs of hot chocolate and brainstorm some fun. Dream up yummy foods to serve and a few decorations to create. If you don’t have time for a gathering, chances are you have at least one or two friends on Pinterest – you could also set up a Pinboard for your party and invite good friends to pin their ideas.

Tip #4: Fit In Exercise

When you have a lot to do, it’s even more critical that you find the time to fit in exercise. Why? Because medical research shows exercise is better at boosting energy and fighting fatigue than stimulants. We know, it may seem a bit counterintuitive. But studies consistently show that exercise lifts your energy in the long run, even though it takes energy to do. Get the standard 30-minute moderately brisk workouts by walking, swimming, cleaning the house, or even moving furniture. You can divide the 30 minutes into more doable 10-minute segments, if needed. If you find yourself with ten minutes to spare and haven’t done your workout yet for the day, head on over to YouTube and search for “ten minute workouts.” There are literally hundreds of free, guided workout videos just waiting for you!

Tip #5: Put Free Printables to Use

There are literally hundreds of free printables out there in the blogosphere for everything from holiday coasters to place cards that are perfect for decking the halls on a budget. All you need is a printer. Start at GetButtonedUp.com/Tools. {Printables pictured above via: Pizzazzerie}

Tip #6: Shop Fast

Most people we know, ourselves included, don’t have an army of sous-chefs to help them cook each dish from scratch. Save yourself some time by using convenience products like cooked cocktail shrimp or prepared pizza dough where you can. Trust us, nobody will know the difference.

Of course, another way to stay a step ahead of the chaos is to participate in our December Challenge.

{feature photo via: catch my party}

Are you hosting a gathering this year, big or small? What’s your plan?

While we were running the October Challenge, Anne, one of our participants asked a question about where to draw the line on gifts.

What I’m getting stuck on is what to do about school staff. I was already thinking of making some baked goods to be easier on my budget but my question is where to stop in terms of people. My son is special needs so there are A LOT of people that work with him at school (regular teacher, spec ed teacher, personal aide, speech therapist, occupational therapist). Because the school is smaller a lot of people have gotten to know him & everyone is so great with him that I’m thinking should I also include the principal, secretary, yard duty, student specialist, etc….See my problem? Where do I stop? I don’t want people to feel left out or unappreciated but I also don’t want to be overwhelmed with baking. Any suggestions?

Giving is supposed to be a great satisfaction. Looking at the other person’s face and actually enjoying their surprise and pleasure can be amazing. But when a gift is an obligation, it may be time to think twice about how we spend our money and who we choose to give to. Christmas holidays have rapidly become one of those times in which we have to spend a lot and, instead of enjoying the act of giving, we become worried about credit cards and expenses. The true meaning of a present is lost when instead of joy, we become troubled. So, when should we stop on gift giving?

Where Do You Stop? A Great Suggestion

Ultimately, you are the only one who can decide where to stop. But in situations like Anne’s it can be especially difficult to decide where and how to draw the line. A fellow participant shared this idea:

What I usually do is bake some goods (1 or 2 cakes, cookies, savory pies) and set them all in a big basket, add some flowers and candies, a beautiful thank you card and send that to the school as a gift for all the staff. Something they can enjoy all together at the coffee-break, for instance.

What do you think? Where do you draw the line on gift-giving? What would you do if you were in Anne’s shoes?

We are HUGE fans of anything that makes this hectic Holiday Season simpler and easier.

That’s why we’ve designed some NEW special Holiday gift printables just for you. They make life so much easier – no racing to the store to buy cards. All you have to do is download, print, and attach to your gifts with a bit of ribbon or string and voila – instant transformation!

So whether you’re wrapping up some baked goodies for a favorite teacher or something big for someone you love, use one of these sweet & simple printables to get the job done.

Click here to download

‘Tis the season to be jolly! Hopefully this season is full of fun gatherings for you and your friends.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I think it can be a little stressful trying to figure out what to bring as a hostess gift. Of course, there’s always the old bottle of wine standby. But I like to try to push myself to get beyond that and bring a gift that shows a little creativity and flair…but without breaking the bank.

You know what always gets me unstuck? A list. Yep – it’s true. So I thought, “hey Sarah, why not make a visual list of good ideas for yourself so you can come back to this over the next few years for inspiration and links!”

So without further ado – here is a great list of 16 amazing gifts that cost about the same as a decent bottle of wine but are just so much more fabulous!

Elegant Candle Pot

Any elegant candle is going to make a lovely gift. But I especially love that the purchase of this particular etched candle pot from Pottery Barn benefits St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. On sale now for $22.50.

Chalkboard Jar

A half-gallon jar – with chalkboard label already painted on from Pier 1 costs $10. You could fill this with homemade cookies or Hershey’s kisses and it would be immediately useful! Plus your hostess can re-use it throughout the year in about a gazillion different ways.

A Potted Herb in a Monogrammed Mug

Take this adorable $6 monogrammed mug from Anthropologie, fill it with a little potting soil, plant an herb and voila, you’ve got an amazing & thoughtful gift. Small scissors aren’t even necessary in my opinion! {idea + instructions by a girl who makes}

Jam and Bread

As readers might know, I’m a raspberry jam addict. I make my own from scratch every August (use this super easy recipe). If I were a good girl, rather than hoard the jam jars for me me me, I could share some! Might be better on my waistline too. Leave it to the elves at Martha to figure out how to wrap it all elegantly! There are lots of pretty linen kitchen towels at Overstock.com.

Serving Utensils with a Pop of Color

I don’t know about you, but I could never have enough serving utensils. I just never seem to have enough, especially when it comes to dinner parties. So, IMO, these make a perfect hostess gift – she might even be able to use them right away! For about $3 you can make your own, following this awesome tutorial on Collect & Carry. But even if you’re pinched for time, for about $12 you can pick up a set of these adorable ones

from West Elm.

Alphabet Mugs

Really, mugs of any kind are a great gift. They’re always useful, especially during hot chocolate season! And if you can find some really cute ones, like these from Pottery Barn for $10, your hostess will think of you daily as she sips her coffee or tea.

Bundt Pan with Apron + Recipe

How cute is this idea, courtesy of Coordinately Yours? A simple bundt pan, like this lovely $11 blue one from Sears, with an apron rolled up inside (which I’d say is optional if you’re on a tight budget – but there are very cute ones for $15 at Target) and a favorite recipe, like this one for Monkey Bread that Julie has kindly made int a free printable for everyone.

Gourmet Olive Oil

Who says the bottle you bring has to have alcohol in it? I know I’d be thrilled to get a bottle of something like this. I’d probably never buy it for myself, but would enjoy cooking with it very much! The bottle pictured is $21 from O&Co.

Personalized Coasters

A hostess can never have too many coasters, that is for sure! These darling ones from wh hostess are sold in a set of 25, come in a variety of seasonal prints, can be personalized AND are only $15!

Seasonal Spice Mixes

Whip up three batches of spices that your hostess with the mostest can use to make mulled wine, pumpkin pie and chili in the coming weeks and months. Package them in small, matching bell jars and tie with twine and you’ve got one great gift for a foodie. {spice mix recipe + image via mixing bowl kids}

Paperwhite in a Jar

There is almost nothing more beautiful than watching a paperwhite transform from big brown bulb to drop-dead-gorgeous winter white flower. Put them in a spare planter or in a recycled jam jar – they are so beautiful they don’t need fancy pots to contain them. You can get 10 bulbs for $9.99 on Amazon.com. Then follow this tutorial on Wenderly to put yours together.

Personalized Canvas Tote

For a few dollars and a little elbow grease, you can make your own. Follow these straightforward instructions from It’s Great to Be Home to make one as pictured. Or hop on over to Etsy and order one to be made for you for $15.

A Fun Bottle Opener

Add a little whimsy to her party with a fun bottle opener she can put to use immediately! This fun mustache version is only $12 at Fred Flare and it opens both beer bottles AND wine bottles!

Special Soap and Lotion

Extra special soap & lotion for the powder room is one little luxury that almost can’t be beat. If you can splurge, the Naran Jari Hand Lotion from Molton Brown is just divine – but at $28 might be a tad on the expensive side. Another great option I got once as a hostess gift and now am completely addicted: White Citrus foaming soap from Bath & Body Works. You can grab 3 for $15. Wrap them up in a little cellophane and ribbon and your hostess will thank you for months to come.

Breakfast Basket

The morning after hosting a party can be tough! Set your hostess up with a thoughtful breakfast basket filled with banana bread, honey butter and coffee. Get the complete step-by-step instructions at Everyday Occasions. Find a cute basket lying around your house or grab one at Target for $7.99.

Monogrammed Wine Stopper

It’s possible that all the wine opened during the party won’t be completely consumed (I know it’s a stretch, but work with me here)! Make it last longer with these personalized wine stoppers from Plow and Hearth. They look like a million bucks, but only cost $9.99 – and if you get them right now, they’ll only cost you $7.99 as they are on sale.

What’s your favorite hostess gift to give (or to get)?

When you are on a budget, this Holiday gift-giving season can be a seriously stressful time of the year, especially if you are the type of person who loves getting together with others to swap gifts. Don’t despair. If you’re wallet is feeling the pinch this year, there are wonderful ways to organize gift-giving gatherings that cost next to nothing, are loads of fun, and create lasting memories for all involved. Don’t believe us? We’ve got more than just a few ideas for you below – but rest assured, this is only the tip of the iceberg. There are so many inexpensive ways to throw a holiday gift exchange; all it takes is a little creativity.

All of the gifts brought to the various exchanges below can be handed out via Secret Santa draws, or by playing a game such as Dirty Santa or Bingo or even a variation on musical chairs.

1. The Dollar Gift Exchange

This is perfect for the office – where everyone feels obligated to buy a gift for colleagues, but most have no idea where to start and can’t really afford anything big. Invite everyone to a gift-giving event but specify on the invitation that no one is allowed to bring a gift costing more than a dollar. Tell everyone to visit a fun thrift store or dollar store and find a fun gag or useful gift. Place all the gifts on a table and at a certain time, have everyone grab a gift (not their own) from the pile and open it. The resulting laughter and conversation are often legend. {image & dollar store find inspiration via: keep it simple, sister}

2. The Home Wrap Up

Ask participants to bring something fun from home. They can make a music mix, wrap gently used DVDs, a pack of light bulbs, fun crafts or just about anything they already own or make at home. The only requirement is that it be something people want. {image + song list ideas via: Marta Writes}

3.The Beverage Exchange

Invite participants to bring their favorite alcoholic or other beverage to trade. When you play Dirty Santa or Bingo with this gift, people will get a variety of options; beer, wine, peppermint schnapps, tequila, scotch, hot chocolate mix and more. {image + an idea for throwing a wine tasting version of this beverage exchange party via: You’re Invited!}

4. The Re-Gift Giving

This is a great activity to have just after Christmas. Everyone gets gifts they won’t use or don’t need, so this is the perfect time to repackage those gifts up and give them to someone else. {image via: kontain}

5. The Ugly Sweater Exchange

Ask everyone to bring an ugly Christmas sweater they already have in their closet (most people own at least one). Play Dirty Santa and trade the sweaters between all participants. Put them on and then take a great picture of all the participants. Frame the photo and it will bring lasting memories to everyone. {image via: cake central}

6. Edible Exchange

Invite everyone to bring a yummy edible gift to the party. They can make these themselves or buy something. It can be sweet or savory. After exchanging gifts everyone can share in their goodies. Need instructions on how to organize a cookie exchange or inspiring cookie ideas? {image via: liebesbotschaft}

7. The Book Exchange Gift

Who doesn’t like to read? Who wouldn’t love to swap a book they’ve already read for a new one? Book exchange parties are a perennial favorite, although as people start to shift their libraries to digital versions, this type of party may become a thing of the past. So host one before it’s too late! You could even choose a special theme and ask participants to bring books related to the theme. {image via: under our own olive tree}

8. The Crafty Gift

Hold a gift giving party where the participants actually roll up their sleeves and make something each attendee would want to give as a gift to someone not at the party. You can make interesting Christmas tree ornaments, figurines or other decorative items. Just be sure to have the materials on hand and a print out of the assembly instructions. {image via: Leslie Autumn}

These are just a few fun gift-giving events you can hold with friends, kids or family. All of them are a wonderful reminder that the Holidays are all about sharing your time not your wallet.

Have you ever had a creative gift exchange? What did you do?

Maggie’s post on Monday about cookie exchanges inspired me to get my bake on. Not that I need much inspiring in that department…Lord help my waistline!

But honestly, there’s nothing more fun than whipping up a few dozen cookies, especially if they are going to be gifts for the people you cherish. Here are my ten picks for the best cookies to give and get this season.

Lace Cookies

There’s just something magic about a cookie that’s 95% butter and sugar melted together and hardened.
{image and recipe via: Real Simple}

Gingerbread Cookies

A classic. Whether you go with a crisp version or a chewy version.
{image and recipe via: Meet the Dubiens}

Peppermint Oreo Cookies

As my Kentrucky-raised grandmother used to exclaim when she saw something that just bowled her over, “My Land!” Yes, my land!, indeed.
{image and recipe via: cupcakes and crablegs}

Chocolate Almond Biscotti

Because if I make that Oreo concoction, I will need a crisp, clean option to cleanse the palate.
{image and recipe via: Scientifically Sweet}

Reindeer Sugar Cookies

Take a sugar cookie, add some pretzels and m&ms and voila – you have a reindeer!
{image and super easy recipe via Family Corner}

Nutella Pinwheels

These had me at Nutella.
{image and recipe via: the galley gourmet}

Snow Balls

My heart always leaps when I see these on a plate. The Southern girl in me loves the mix of Pecans, butter and sugar. Mmmm. Mmmmm. Mmmmm!
{image & recipe via: Cooking with Sugar}

Chocolate Macarons

Mon Dieux! Comme j’adore les macarons! Translation – I love me some macarons. Especially the ones with chocolate ganache.
{image and recipe via: home cooking adventure}

Shortbread

I am just like Homer Simpson except instead of donuts, I crave must have shortbread.
{image and recipe via: baker girl}

Rugelach

This is my absolute top pick. I mean, really, do I need to say more than cream cheese pastry? I didn’t think so.
{image and one recipe via: Technicolor Kitchen}

And here’s my mom’s tried and true rugelach recipe (I love how she pronounced it “ruckaluck”) I can almost taste them now…

What is your favorite holiday cookie?

Holiday cards. The only reason people don’t embrace this traditional ritual and go all bah-humbug on it is because they get behind the 8-ball. Then, when they’re exhausted from the Holiday run-around and overwhelmed with everything they have to get done…they just can’t imagine adding one more thing to the pile. So they throw in the towel, or worse, stress themselves to the max getting them done and out the door, missing the point of them entirely.

The solution to all that anxiety: get ahead of it while you can.

In one week you can take seven simple steps, one little one each day, that get you well ahead of the Holiday card madness.

Day 1: Make Your Master List

Make a list of all the people you will be sending holiday cards to this season. You don’t have to worry about their addresses yet (you’ll do that tomorrow). Today, just come up with everyone who should be on the list. If you can, set up a file on your computer (Word or Excel) and keep the list there. If you’re a pencil and paper type, don’t just scribble on any old scrap – set aside a special notebook or nice, clean paper that you can save in a folder.

Your goal is to create a master list that you can use year after year after year.

Day 2: Organize Addresses, Part I

Today go on a hunt for the addresses for the first half of the people on your list and put the address next to each name on your sheet (virtual or paper). If you don’t have someone’s mailing address, email, text, facebook message, tweet or call them TODAY and ask them to send it to you.

Day 3: Organize Addresses, Part II

As you did yesterday, go hunt for the addresses of the people on your list – this time for the people on the second half of the list. Again, put the address next to each name on your sheet (virtual or paper). Make sure you get missing addresses.

Do not go to bed until this task is completely D-O-N-E. You will thank yourself a million times over the coming years for having done this!

Day 4: Take a Family Photo & Upload It

If you already have a photo that you want to use, congratulations, you can skip this day! If not, gather your family (or just your kids, dogs, cats, whatever you usually photograph) and get that photo taken today. If it’s a nice day, take the picture on your front steps or outside. If it’s raining, take the picture indoors. Snap away until you get one with everybody smiling.

When you’re done, upload all the pictures to your computer and organize them in a folder titled “Holiday Card 2013”

Day 5: Edit the Photo & Upload It to a Digital Card Provider, like Tiny Prints

Get rid of red-eye and fix any other issues you might have with your best photo then upload the final image to an online photo card provider like Tiny Prints or Shutterfly. If you don’t yet have an account, set one up – it takes two seconds. Alternatively, you can

Day 6: Pick Out 5 Card Templates You Like

Set aside 30 or so minutes today just to go shopping for some Holiday card layouts that you like. Mark the ones you like as favorites so that you can compare them side-by-side. Winnow your selects down to your five favorites.

Day 7: Pick a Winner and Order

Play around with personalizing the 5 cards you have selected with the photo(s) you uploaded. Decide on your favorite look and order the cards! You might also want to consider adding an order of return address label stickers – it’s so easy to slap those on the envelope – and people who are on the receiving end love them too as it makes organizing Holiday card lists much easier.

That was easy, right? Once you get delivery of your cards, divide them into five groups. Write a quick note, address and stamp the cards for one group each night.

Are you a Holiday card lover or do you think it’s an overrated tradition? What do you think of eCards vs. paper cards?

When I was kid, I remember my mom participating in Christmas cookie exchanges. But as an adult, I didn’t hear about any for years. I’m not sure if that was due to my age, or if the idea had subsided.

What is a cookie exchange?

A cookie exchange is an event in which invited guests bring dozens of one type of cookie, then swap each dozen of the cookies they’ve brought for a different dozen. For example, if I am participating in a cookie exchange that includes 11 people, I would make 10 dozen of chocolate chip. The other 10 people make 10 dozen of a different type of cookie. I exchange my chocolate chip cookies for their various types. You enter the event with dozens of one type of cookie and leave with dozens of different types of cookies. It’s a great shortcut if you are giving cookie assortments as gifts.

Well, a few years ago, I got the urge to try one. My family and I like to eat (and offer guests) a variety of cookies during the holiday season. With balancing our home, the children, work, and life – the stress of making up dozens of assorted cookies on my own became too much. Hosting a cookie exchange was the perfect answer!

The the key ingredients to hosting a cookie exchange are:
1. Date and time
2. Amount of cookies each person will contribute
3. How many people will participate

Some may argue that it is time and money consuming, as well as unhealthy, to participate or host a cookie exchange. Here are a few reasons why I don’t completely agree:
1. Rather than having to make 10 different types of cookies, you make only one type.
2. You spend only a few hours making the cookies and exchanging.
3. You’re buying ingredients for only one type of cookie, not 10 dozen.
4. This isn’t necessarily for you. When you have guests over for the holidays, most like something sweet on which to snack.

My step-by-step guide for setting up a cookie exchange each year

1. Choose a date

My cookie exchange always takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This gives people time to have their cookies throughout the entire month of December. The time of the day changes each year. I let participants vote on a time and the majority rules.

2. Choose a target number of participants

The first year I hosted my exchange, I set my number at 10. After hosting it for a few years, I decided I didn’t want to cap the number. This has become popular and I have so much fun doing it. Rather than limit the number of people, I limit the number of cookies to make to 10 dozen. So, if you show up with 10 dozen, you leave with 10 dozen.

3. Create a list of family and friends

Create a large list to start as not everyone will say yes. If you have too few, you can always request that each person make two kinds, or bring two dozen to share with each person.

4. Contact participants to see if they’d like to participate

In year’s past, I contact participants via text message. This year I utilized Facebook to create a group and an event. Through this, everyone is able to indicate which type of cookie they will bring, so that there are no duplicates. You can use this forum to explain the procedure, vote on times, confirm the date, etc. One of the participants in my exchange suggested that everyone bring a copy of her recipe. This is something I hope to suggest this year via the Facebook page. (Thanks, Becky!)

5. Have a clear plan for the day of the event

As participants enter, direct them to where the exchange will take place and ask that they display their cookies so everyone can see them. (I have been awe-struck at the beautiful packaging people use for their cookies.). Once everyone has set up their cookies, encourage everyone to walk around the tables and to take a dozen of each type. I usually have more people than dozens of cookies. When that happens, each person gets to choose the kinds of cookies they prefer most, making sure to take only one of each type.

Then Everyone takes their cookies home and freezes them. (Hmmm… Well, that is the goal anyway! I have to freeze mine or I would eat them all by the end of the day on Sunday!). Anytime you’re having guests over, pull out a bag of cookies!

Honestly, this is something that I look forward to every year. I think my family does too, since we don’t keep this type of food at our fingertips. Many of the participants bring their husbands and their children. The guys talk, the kids play, and the gals have fun discussing their recipes and the holidays.

Have you ever participated in a cookie exchange? What worked or did not work for you?