By Diana Saufley

“Organize” and “budget” are two words most people cringe from when talking about Christmas.  However, keeping your gift selections and wrapping process simple through organization will ease your budget and holiday stress.  Making wise choices and sticking to a plan can increase the joy of gift giving for your gift recipients and you.

Have  you had those Christmas’ past where you pull out all the purchases you have made that have been shoved to the back of a closet or under a bed, only to realize you have too much for one person and nothing for another?  I like to be organized and usually have all my Christmas done by Thanksgiving, but invariably I have forgotten someone or bought too much or too many similar items for another.  By using a system that I started last year, I found that this familiar phenomenon was minimized and my budget was as well.  

Each year you probably buy gifts for a specific group of people, being mostly family with some friends or business associates in the mix.  To help you organize your purchasing, here is what you will need:

• Small bins or containers of some sort for each family member. You may also need containers for each friend or for business associates with whom you exchange smaller gifts or just one item. 
• Do not get large containers as they require space and you might feel inclined to fill them completely, increasing your budget.
• Tape a note with the person’s name on each container for whom you are planning to purchase.  This will help you so you don’t omit someone and end up empty handed.
• Make a list of whom you plan to purchase for, a few ideas for that person, and the price you plan to spend for each.
• When you return from shopping, take the items you purchased, sort them into the bins, and attach the receipt with tape, a paperclip, or in plastic seal bags for small items.
• A quick glance at the containers will help you visualize who you have shopped for, how much you have or have not purchased, and how much you have spent.
• When it is time to wrap the gifts, you can choose a specific color of wrapping paper for each person. When wrapping the gifts, place a small piece of that paper on that person’s container to remind you which “dad,” “mom,” “Susan,” or “Bob”  your gift is for so you don’t give a gift intended for the “other” dad, mom, Susan, or Bob.
• I keep one bin for stocking stuffers and another for last minute unexpected guests so you the opportunity to share a gift and brighten their holiday too.
• When Christmas is done, you can utilize the bins to sort wrapping paper, tissue, and gift bags to use for the following year when you repeat the process.  I keep the face of received Christmas cards to decorate next year’s Christmas gifts. 

It a blessing to bless others with gifts of my appreciation for their help, friendship, and support over the past year.  Christmas gives us the opportunity to make others feel blessed by showing them how much meaning they add to our lives.  So go out there and bless someone this Christmas.  God blessed us with His Son and His Son blessed us through His salvation.  No matter the size or cost of the gift or act of service for another, make Christmas the Most Wonderful Time of the Year for someone.