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Get Yourself Organized for Christmas: Simple Steps to Enjoying the Season
Have you lost your Christmas joy? Does the thought of jam-packed malls, maxed-out credit cards, overcrowded supermarkets, and endless to-do lists give you the feeling that maybe Scrooge was on to something? In Get Yourself Organized for Christmas , Kathi Lipp provides easy-to-follow steps to reduce the stress of the holiday season, including tactics for how to By putting into practice Kathi's tricks and tips, you'll finally be able to fully enjoy this most wonderful time of the year.
144 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
About the author
Kathi Lipp
43 books338 followersKathi loves giving real help and how-tos to move people forward in every area of their lives. With humor and wisdom, Kathi offers hope paired with practical steps to live with meaning.
Kathi Lipp is the Publisher Weekly bestselling author of 17 books including Clutter Free, The Get Yourself Organized Project, The Husband Project, and Overwhelmed.
She is the host of Clutter Free Academy the Podcast, runs the Facebook group Clutter Free Academy where 8000 women (and a few brave men) learn to live free from clutter. Kathi speaks at conferences across the US.
She is featured on Focus on the Family, MOPS International, Crosswalk.com, Girlfriends in God and Proverbs 31 Ministries as well as a number of other media outlets around the country. And she’s a featured expert on clutter for Women’s World Magazine and has been named “Best of Broadcast” on Focus on the Family twice.
Kathi Lipp is the Publisher Weekly bestselling author of 17 books including Clutter Free, The Get Yourself Organized Project, The Husband Project, and Overwhelmed.
She is the host of Clutter Free Academy the Podcast, runs the Facebook group Clutter Free Academy where 8000 women (and a few brave men) learn to live free from clutter. Kathi speaks at conferences across the US.
She is featured on Focus on the Family, MOPS International, Crosswalk.com, Girlfriends in God and Proverbs 31 Ministries as well as a number of other media outlets around the country. And she’s a featured expert on clutter for Women’s World Magazine and has been named “Best of Broadcast” on Focus on the Family twice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 3, 2017
This is a concise, little book that will give you some ideas about how to make your Christmas holidays less stressful because of a plan you set in place. It gave me some practical ideas about planning ahead, scheduling way in advance, communicating with your spouse and family about expectations and plans.
I read this book in about 30 minutes. Some of it I skimmed because I know that we aren't planning to do that specific thing or whatnot.
Read it. I'm sure you'll get at least one good idea from it. And to me, if I can take away one good thing, it's worth it. ;)
I read this book in about 30 minutes. Some of it I skimmed because I know that we aren't planning to do that specific thing or whatnot.
Read it. I'm sure you'll get at least one good idea from it. And to me, if I can take away one good thing, it's worth it. ;)
November 3, 2015
Title: Get Yourself Organized for Christmas
Author: Kathi Lipp
Genre: Nonfiction, Christmas, Organization, Self-Help, Humorous, Handy Holiday Guide
Plot: Christmas comes around once a year and you eagerly look forward to it, reminding the stuffed stockings and glorious feast from your childhood, and the looks of joy on your children's faces from last year when they unwrapped the perfect gift beautifully wrapped by you, followed by a delicious meal with all your relatives and perhaps a memorable board game or two. But as the festive day draws nearer, you remember that it took you hours to find those perfect pricy gifts, you bought three times the amount of wrapping paper you needed because you couldn't find last year's stash {and then you found it the day after all the presents were wrapped}, and that delicious meal took all your energy to create but you still forgot the apple pie you wanted to make by hand with little dainty decorations baking into the crust. And for some reason, only one side of your house was lit up.
If you find yourself dreading another year like that or maybe just the whole season in general, Kathi Lipp's new book is exactly the dose of reality and encouragement that you need. Filled with twenty-one easy to understand {and more importantly, follow} projects to start now that will help your Christmas go off smoothly, this book will be dog-eared and highlighted in minutes and kept close at hand every year till you have the routine down. And even then, you'll still keep this book nearby because it might very well have saved you from another disastrous unorganized Christmas. From online shopping to present shipping to meal planning and stocking stuffers, this book covers everything and then some. And it'll make a great present for that bookworm friend of yours.
Likes/Dislikes: I loved this book! I love being organized and getting a jumpstart on Christmas is something I'm trying to do this year, so when I got the chance to review this book, I jumped at it. While I figured it would be a good idea to round up needed items such as tape and wrapping paper, and do the present shopping and shipping early, it had never occurred to me to meal plan for the whole month or make a Christmas binder of all my Christmas-related stuff, right down to secret hiding places and favorite recipes. I will definitely be buying a hard copy of this book {partly because it's so great and partly because the format I reviewed it in was a little funky}. There's plenty of great tips and ideas in here to make anyone's Christmas a smooth peaceful event.
Rating: G- 14 and up for reading level. Highly recommended for all ages!
Date Review Written: November 2nd, 2015
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I wasn't required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed in the above review are my own.
Author: Kathi Lipp
Genre: Nonfiction, Christmas, Organization, Self-Help, Humorous, Handy Holiday Guide
Plot: Christmas comes around once a year and you eagerly look forward to it, reminding the stuffed stockings and glorious feast from your childhood, and the looks of joy on your children's faces from last year when they unwrapped the perfect gift beautifully wrapped by you, followed by a delicious meal with all your relatives and perhaps a memorable board game or two. But as the festive day draws nearer, you remember that it took you hours to find those perfect pricy gifts, you bought three times the amount of wrapping paper you needed because you couldn't find last year's stash {and then you found it the day after all the presents were wrapped}, and that delicious meal took all your energy to create but you still forgot the apple pie you wanted to make by hand with little dainty decorations baking into the crust. And for some reason, only one side of your house was lit up.
If you find yourself dreading another year like that or maybe just the whole season in general, Kathi Lipp's new book is exactly the dose of reality and encouragement that you need. Filled with twenty-one easy to understand {and more importantly, follow} projects to start now that will help your Christmas go off smoothly, this book will be dog-eared and highlighted in minutes and kept close at hand every year till you have the routine down. And even then, you'll still keep this book nearby because it might very well have saved you from another disastrous unorganized Christmas. From online shopping to present shipping to meal planning and stocking stuffers, this book covers everything and then some. And it'll make a great present for that bookworm friend of yours.
Likes/Dislikes: I loved this book! I love being organized and getting a jumpstart on Christmas is something I'm trying to do this year, so when I got the chance to review this book, I jumped at it. While I figured it would be a good idea to round up needed items such as tape and wrapping paper, and do the present shopping and shipping early, it had never occurred to me to meal plan for the whole month or make a Christmas binder of all my Christmas-related stuff, right down to secret hiding places and favorite recipes. I will definitely be buying a hard copy of this book {partly because it's so great and partly because the format I reviewed it in was a little funky}. There's plenty of great tips and ideas in here to make anyone's Christmas a smooth peaceful event.
Rating: G- 14 and up for reading level. Highly recommended for all ages!
Date Review Written: November 2nd, 2015
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I wasn't required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed in the above review are my own.
November 13, 2015
Based on the title and subtitle I was expecting more. When I spotted this on NetGalley, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and start organizing the heck out of my holiday. I was even happier when I started reading it and realized I was already ahead of the game simply by reading it in October. But my happiness dwindled and fizzled out around the fourth chapter. Author Kathi Lipp has some good ideas, but nothing earth shattering or revolutionary. Her primary tool is a three-ring binder with pockets and sheet protectors for organizing. In today's digital age, it seemed a little old school, particularly since each chapter contains a section on decluttering. The first step in decluttering is going digital in my opinion. So I decided to keep a digital binder using Microsoft OneNote.
But the more I got into the book, the less I even did that. Things like organizing recipes in the binder seemed silly. I have a Pinterest board for those already. Same for gift ideas. I don't need to rip out pages of magazines and stuff them in my binder if every catalog has a website now and ideas can easily be pinned to private boards. It's also nothing I haven't already been doing for years. I think the subtitle is right -- they are simple steps. As in the very basic things most people are probably already doing anyway unless their incredibly disorganized and barely able to get out of the house most mornings.
That said, the part of the book that really spoke to me was the first few chapters where she recommends making a list of what's really important. Asking your family for the things they cherish the most and doing away with the rest. We implemented that and have our list. We don't need 76 different types of Christmas cookies. Each member picked one favorite and that's what we're going with.
Most of the rest of the book I could do without and ended up skimming some of it. I rarely write bad reviews because normally if I don't connect with a book, I don't finish it, and then I don't feel like I can write a review on a book I didn't finish. But with this book, I did end up reading the whole thing because I wanted to see what other great ideas I could find. In this case, less than half a book's worth.
Bottom Line
A good book for someone who is really disorganized. If you're looking for something revolutionary, it's not here.
Disclaimer
I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my review.
But the more I got into the book, the less I even did that. Things like organizing recipes in the binder seemed silly. I have a Pinterest board for those already. Same for gift ideas. I don't need to rip out pages of magazines and stuff them in my binder if every catalog has a website now and ideas can easily be pinned to private boards. It's also nothing I haven't already been doing for years. I think the subtitle is right -- they are simple steps. As in the very basic things most people are probably already doing anyway unless their incredibly disorganized and barely able to get out of the house most mornings.
That said, the part of the book that really spoke to me was the first few chapters where she recommends making a list of what's really important. Asking your family for the things they cherish the most and doing away with the rest. We implemented that and have our list. We don't need 76 different types of Christmas cookies. Each member picked one favorite and that's what we're going with.
Most of the rest of the book I could do without and ended up skimming some of it. I rarely write bad reviews because normally if I don't connect with a book, I don't finish it, and then I don't feel like I can write a review on a book I didn't finish. But with this book, I did end up reading the whole thing because I wanted to see what other great ideas I could find. In this case, less than half a book's worth.
Bottom Line
A good book for someone who is really disorganized. If you're looking for something revolutionary, it's not here.
Disclaimer
I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my review.
December 10, 2015
GET YOURSELF ORGANIZED FOR CHRISTMAS is a go-to holiday manual to take you through this Christmas and everyone to come. Filled with tips and advice, it will show you how to start taking the crazy out of the season. Too much to do? Eliminate some of your traditions and only keep your favorites. Skip the Christmas letter and just send cards. Skip the cards if you want. Your holiday, your choices.
With Christmas parties and plays, cantatas and gitt exchanges, not to mention, shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking and more, this season has to potential to get out of control quickly. Ms. Lipp will show you how to organize, manage, and control your celebration instead of letting it control you.
Recommended for this Christmas and everyone to follow. Buy now and start taking control of your Christmas. Highly recommended.
With Christmas parties and plays, cantatas and gitt exchanges, not to mention, shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking and more, this season has to potential to get out of control quickly. Ms. Lipp will show you how to organize, manage, and control your celebration instead of letting it control you.
Recommended for this Christmas and everyone to follow. Buy now and start taking control of your Christmas. Highly recommended.
August 11, 2015
A really lovely book to delve into in the build up to Christmas. I am looking forward to picking up some tips to use. It wants to take the stress away from the organising process that stresses so many people. It suggests limiting the presents for certain people- one fun present, one clothing gift and one spiritual gift- rather than a whole collection of things to make a spectacular pile but a whole load of stress. Or going out for a meal in large groups rather than exchanging lots of token presents. It also touches on budgeting, recipes and planning special treats for people that don't cost any money but make the festive season more special.
September 1, 2015
I love this book! To be honest, the past several years I’ve let Christmas be led by my mother and mother-in-law with our family get-togethers with them. We’ve started just a couple minimal traditions with our girls now 3 and 5. I just never felt capable of anything more. With Kathi’s help, I now feel like I can have a plan and a plan with a purpose. I can already avoid so much of the chaos and stress that overwhelms so many women but no longer leave it up to someone else to do for me.
January 2, 2016
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I admit I am one of those people who vow to be more organised every year and then I'll perhaps do one or two things early then time will just slip away from me until I'm left with a long list of tasks and not so much time to get them all done in. So when I saw this book I thought I can't be the only person who is like this and decided to read and review this book!
FINAL THOUGHTS BYLINE TO TALK ABOUT
I downloaded an e-copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. The cover shows a row of candy canes at the bottom of the page and a beautiful blue sky with white snowflakes on it. Would the cover make me pick this book up from a bookstore shelf? I think I would pick it up, both out of curiosity and the pure desperation to actual feel/be organised one year!
So I suppose I should start off by explaining that though this book is aimed more at Americans and their traditions, a lot of the traditions and trappings of Christmas would easily transfer over for a UK Christmas equivalent.
Kathi begins by explaining there are two types of extremists.
Type One - The first type has a selection of ugly Christmas jumpers to choose from, is first in line at Target (so in the UK the friend would probably be queuing outside Primark) on 26th December for the bargains, she also has three types of Christmas dishes, formal, semi-formal, and casual. Also her husband has submitted footage for The Best Christmas Display to TLC. (again the UK equivalent would possibly be the "local news").
Type Two - This second extremist type will want to hide in a corner where "Christmas" should have been, rocking back and forth (and UK equivalent possibly fingers in ears humming random non-Christmas songs), waiting for 1st January to arrive.
Kathi goes on to explain that the actual problem is not Christmas, it is our expectations for Christmas and all we think should go with it! The expectations of Christmas are, (in no particular order) shopping, hosting, wrapping, cooking, designing, mailing, entertaining,and baking. (I would personally add visiting relatives to that list of expectations too!). Individually these things may not cause you any worry at all, but place them on a list along with a time limit and monetary limit and the pressure begins to mount! Increasing pressure inevitably leads to a decrease in pleasure and energy!
After telling the reader all this the following line is in the book. . . "Worry no more Kathi Lipp is here to help us!"
Kathi herself admits to running around frantically sourcing the "perfect gift" as well as spending far more money than she could reasonably afford. Both things I think most of us will have done at some point! Personally I remember when my daughter was very young and Teletubbies were the "in thing" to have, I went all over to get her, her very own Po, Tinky Winky, Dipsy and finally queued outside a Toys R Us store at 7am one very cold winter morning to purchase the remaining Teletubby La-La! who ended up being her favourite. I still say today it was well worth it to see the joy on my daughters face on Christmas morning as she lined them all up. Then when bedtime came she insisted on taking all four to bed with her too!
Kathi admits to staying up many a late night baking cookies for the "cookie exchange" (I know this is a more American tradition but I have heard many UK mum's say they bake cookies for their children's class, so I guess that is a similar pressure.
Kathi goes on to explain about she once broke down in tears on Christmas Eve when she ran out of clear tape for her gift wrapping!
It was after a few disasters and/or near disasters that Kathi sat down and decided which traditions she wanted to continue with and which ones her and her family no longer wanted to do. So for example Kathi kept things like viewing the neighbourhood Christmas Lights after drinking a Starbucks hot chocolate, but she ditched the cookie exchange! Kathi goes on to advise you put aside the expectations of what you should or shouldn't have. I totally agree with her that for most people Christmas is a time for faith, family, friends and the addition of fun and food too!
Kathi wishes to help us all have a clutter free Christmas and she repeats this message over and over during the book.
I guess we all have some traditions are old, that we are a little fed up of and we can really do without them, though I'd also say there are traditions that we should hold onto. One of Kathi's idea is to make a list of all the traditions that you do faithfully every year and go through the list deciding on which ones you would like to keep and which can be dumped forever! or even just temporarily stopped for a year or two.
Kathi gives pointers to everyone dependant on the time frame you have to organise everything in. For example if you pick the book up in the suggested month of October, there is more time to do things slowly, and obviously if you don't pick up the book until the end of November or even the beginning of December you will have a lot more to do and a shorter time to do it all in. I guess the most important point to keep in mind is to prioritise the things that are important to YOU, not what everyone else thinks is important.
I could go on and on about all the different things Kathi brings to the readers attention and how to choose what you really want to do etc but this book is one you need to read for yourselves and choose the parts of it that are most relatable to you.
So Did I enjoy the book? Yes, it was informative, and had some fantastic suggestions. I will say that some of the traditions mentioned in the book are aimed more at an American audience but others can be relevant to UK readers too. Would I recommend the book? Yes, if you need help sort out what to do and in what order as well as coordinate the Christmas rituals that are really important to you and get rid of the ones that have you yawning, dreading them and just literally "going through the motions". Would I want to read another book of organisation by this author? I would certainly take an interest in learning more about any book written by Kathi Lipp. Would I be interested in reading other organisational books? Well I'm not sure about you guys but I have plenty of areas of life that can always do with a helping hand and I am always willing to look at things from a different angle, or view point, So I guess the answer to this question has to be Yes!
I admit I am one of those people who vow to be more organised every year and then I'll perhaps do one or two things early then time will just slip away from me until I'm left with a long list of tasks and not so much time to get them all done in. So when I saw this book I thought I can't be the only person who is like this and decided to read and review this book!
FINAL THOUGHTS BYLINE TO TALK ABOUT
I downloaded an e-copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. The cover shows a row of candy canes at the bottom of the page and a beautiful blue sky with white snowflakes on it. Would the cover make me pick this book up from a bookstore shelf? I think I would pick it up, both out of curiosity and the pure desperation to actual feel/be organised one year!
So I suppose I should start off by explaining that though this book is aimed more at Americans and their traditions, a lot of the traditions and trappings of Christmas would easily transfer over for a UK Christmas equivalent.
Kathi begins by explaining there are two types of extremists.
Type One - The first type has a selection of ugly Christmas jumpers to choose from, is first in line at Target (so in the UK the friend would probably be queuing outside Primark) on 26th December for the bargains, she also has three types of Christmas dishes, formal, semi-formal, and casual. Also her husband has submitted footage for The Best Christmas Display to TLC. (again the UK equivalent would possibly be the "local news").
Type Two - This second extremist type will want to hide in a corner where "Christmas" should have been, rocking back and forth (and UK equivalent possibly fingers in ears humming random non-Christmas songs), waiting for 1st January to arrive.
Kathi goes on to explain that the actual problem is not Christmas, it is our expectations for Christmas and all we think should go with it! The expectations of Christmas are, (in no particular order) shopping, hosting, wrapping, cooking, designing, mailing, entertaining,and baking. (I would personally add visiting relatives to that list of expectations too!). Individually these things may not cause you any worry at all, but place them on a list along with a time limit and monetary limit and the pressure begins to mount! Increasing pressure inevitably leads to a decrease in pleasure and energy!
After telling the reader all this the following line is in the book. . . "Worry no more Kathi Lipp is here to help us!"
Kathi herself admits to running around frantically sourcing the "perfect gift" as well as spending far more money than she could reasonably afford. Both things I think most of us will have done at some point! Personally I remember when my daughter was very young and Teletubbies were the "in thing" to have, I went all over to get her, her very own Po, Tinky Winky, Dipsy and finally queued outside a Toys R Us store at 7am one very cold winter morning to purchase the remaining Teletubby La-La! who ended up being her favourite. I still say today it was well worth it to see the joy on my daughters face on Christmas morning as she lined them all up. Then when bedtime came she insisted on taking all four to bed with her too!
Kathi admits to staying up many a late night baking cookies for the "cookie exchange" (I know this is a more American tradition but I have heard many UK mum's say they bake cookies for their children's class, so I guess that is a similar pressure.
Kathi goes on to explain about she once broke down in tears on Christmas Eve when she ran out of clear tape for her gift wrapping!
It was after a few disasters and/or near disasters that Kathi sat down and decided which traditions she wanted to continue with and which ones her and her family no longer wanted to do. So for example Kathi kept things like viewing the neighbourhood Christmas Lights after drinking a Starbucks hot chocolate, but she ditched the cookie exchange! Kathi goes on to advise you put aside the expectations of what you should or shouldn't have. I totally agree with her that for most people Christmas is a time for faith, family, friends and the addition of fun and food too!
Kathi wishes to help us all have a clutter free Christmas and she repeats this message over and over during the book.
I guess we all have some traditions are old, that we are a little fed up of and we can really do without them, though I'd also say there are traditions that we should hold onto. One of Kathi's idea is to make a list of all the traditions that you do faithfully every year and go through the list deciding on which ones you would like to keep and which can be dumped forever! or even just temporarily stopped for a year or two.
Kathi gives pointers to everyone dependant on the time frame you have to organise everything in. For example if you pick the book up in the suggested month of October, there is more time to do things slowly, and obviously if you don't pick up the book until the end of November or even the beginning of December you will have a lot more to do and a shorter time to do it all in. I guess the most important point to keep in mind is to prioritise the things that are important to YOU, not what everyone else thinks is important.
I could go on and on about all the different things Kathi brings to the readers attention and how to choose what you really want to do etc but this book is one you need to read for yourselves and choose the parts of it that are most relatable to you.
So Did I enjoy the book? Yes, it was informative, and had some fantastic suggestions. I will say that some of the traditions mentioned in the book are aimed more at an American audience but others can be relevant to UK readers too. Would I recommend the book? Yes, if you need help sort out what to do and in what order as well as coordinate the Christmas rituals that are really important to you and get rid of the ones that have you yawning, dreading them and just literally "going through the motions". Would I want to read another book of organisation by this author? I would certainly take an interest in learning more about any book written by Kathi Lipp. Would I be interested in reading other organisational books? Well I'm not sure about you guys but I have plenty of areas of life that can always do with a helping hand and I am always willing to look at things from a different angle, or view point, So I guess the answer to this question has to be Yes!
July 31, 2016
I couldn’t resist requesting this book when I spotted it on Net Galley recently because I’ve previously read Kathi Lipp’s book Clutter Free and her ideas really have helped me have a much more organised (and streamlined!) home.
This is a guide to getting organised for Christmas and it’s really useful. In short, easy to follow chapters Kathi explains how to be much more organised in the run up to Christmas. Each chapter is dedicated to a different element of Christmas planning and everything is broken down into easy to manage tasks. The idea being that the planning is started early so that there is no last minute rushing to cause stress as Christmas gets closer.
Get Yourself Organised for Christmas contains chapters on a variety of Christmas tasks. It may be that not all the tasks are relevant to how you spend the holidays but the book is set out in such a way that you can mark the chapters that will be helpful to you and then focus on those. My favourite chapter, and one I will frequently refer back to, was about making a Christmas binder that I can then amend each year but will basically contain all of my lists, recipes, gift ideas etc all in one place. It’s such a simple idea yet one I’d never come up with myself.
Kathi encourages working out what the most important aspects of Christmas are to you, and your family, and then to just focus on those. She also encourages sharing tasks so that one person isn’t stressed out doing everything, and if you’re someone (like me) who isn’t good at accepting offers of help when you’re stressed, Kathi has suggestions for how to deal with this which are practical and helpful.
It’s lovely that the book includes a reminder to plan all the things that you love to do in the build up to Christmas but often run out of time for – like driving around the local area to see all the Christmas lights or making time to go into the town centre to drink a hot chocolate while mooching around soaking up the Christmas atmosphere. I always want to do this but usually remember when it’s too late so it’s good to have a reminder that these kind of things should be scheduled in if they’re important to you and your loved ones.
Kathi’s emphasis on prioritising the people who are most important really struck a chord with me and has actually helped me finally make the decision not to send any Christmas cards this year.
Kathi offers suggestions throughout this book on how to make every aspect of planning Christmas easier and much less stressful. This book just really makes you feel like you’re in good hands, that you are capable of having the relaxing, fun Christmas you’ve always dreamt about.
I rate this book 7 out of 10 and recommend it to anyone who finds getting organised for Christmas difficult or stressful.
This is a guide to getting organised for Christmas and it’s really useful. In short, easy to follow chapters Kathi explains how to be much more organised in the run up to Christmas. Each chapter is dedicated to a different element of Christmas planning and everything is broken down into easy to manage tasks. The idea being that the planning is started early so that there is no last minute rushing to cause stress as Christmas gets closer.
Get Yourself Organised for Christmas contains chapters on a variety of Christmas tasks. It may be that not all the tasks are relevant to how you spend the holidays but the book is set out in such a way that you can mark the chapters that will be helpful to you and then focus on those. My favourite chapter, and one I will frequently refer back to, was about making a Christmas binder that I can then amend each year but will basically contain all of my lists, recipes, gift ideas etc all in one place. It’s such a simple idea yet one I’d never come up with myself.
Kathi encourages working out what the most important aspects of Christmas are to you, and your family, and then to just focus on those. She also encourages sharing tasks so that one person isn’t stressed out doing everything, and if you’re someone (like me) who isn’t good at accepting offers of help when you’re stressed, Kathi has suggestions for how to deal with this which are practical and helpful.
It’s lovely that the book includes a reminder to plan all the things that you love to do in the build up to Christmas but often run out of time for – like driving around the local area to see all the Christmas lights or making time to go into the town centre to drink a hot chocolate while mooching around soaking up the Christmas atmosphere. I always want to do this but usually remember when it’s too late so it’s good to have a reminder that these kind of things should be scheduled in if they’re important to you and your loved ones.
Kathi’s emphasis on prioritising the people who are most important really struck a chord with me and has actually helped me finally make the decision not to send any Christmas cards this year.
Kathi offers suggestions throughout this book on how to make every aspect of planning Christmas easier and much less stressful. This book just really makes you feel like you’re in good hands, that you are capable of having the relaxing, fun Christmas you’ve always dreamt about.
I rate this book 7 out of 10 and recommend it to anyone who finds getting organised for Christmas difficult or stressful.
November 8, 2015
What feelings do you experience when you hear that Christmas will be here in no time?
Dread, excitement, shock, exhaustion……
Christmas is meant to bring us joy! I hope that it does when you have a chance to take a deep breathe and think about it. If there are any negative emotions associated with how you feel about this special holiday. I have a great resource for you.
Get Yourself Organized for Christmas: Simple Steps to Enjoying the Season by Kathi Lipp
Get Yourself Organized for Christmas is a quick read, which is jam packed with lots of great ideas. One of the best concepts from Kathi’s book is the Christmas Binder.
When I taught 4th grade I required all my students to have one notebook. It made all of life easier. There was never a questions where their math paper, spelling words or planner was. Everything was supposed to live in their notebook. All of these concepts ring true for a Christmas Binder too.
Kathi recommends you put everything in your Christmas Binder. Including a budget (for all your holiday purchases), all the recipes you will need (from the big day to all the parties you will attend), names and addresses for Christmas cards, a calendar with all the events of the season and shopping lists, just to name a few.
Just like a school binder you will want to include dividers with all the sections labeled. Kathi goes into great detail in the book about what she recommends you should include in your binder.
Get Yourself Organized for Christmas also has great tips and tricks to organizing your priorities. Christmas can be such a busy time, there are so many things to do. School concerts, parties, family Christmases, and don’t forget shopping for gifts.
Kathi encourages you to stop and consider what activities bring you joy and which ones bring you stress. She then gives you permission to decide if you want to continue to do them or not.
Family traditions are important but we often take the joy out of the holiday by trying to keep up with all the traditions we have adopted over the years. Having a heart to heart with your family can give you insight into what traditions are really important to everyone and which ones you might have out grown.
Don't miss all the great tips and ideas.
Now is the time to start preparing for the best Christmas ever, so be sure to pick up the book now and get started getting organized today!
Dread, excitement, shock, exhaustion……
Christmas is meant to bring us joy! I hope that it does when you have a chance to take a deep breathe and think about it. If there are any negative emotions associated with how you feel about this special holiday. I have a great resource for you.
Get Yourself Organized for Christmas: Simple Steps to Enjoying the Season by Kathi Lipp
Get Yourself Organized for Christmas is a quick read, which is jam packed with lots of great ideas. One of the best concepts from Kathi’s book is the Christmas Binder.
When I taught 4th grade I required all my students to have one notebook. It made all of life easier. There was never a questions where their math paper, spelling words or planner was. Everything was supposed to live in their notebook. All of these concepts ring true for a Christmas Binder too.
Kathi recommends you put everything in your Christmas Binder. Including a budget (for all your holiday purchases), all the recipes you will need (from the big day to all the parties you will attend), names and addresses for Christmas cards, a calendar with all the events of the season and shopping lists, just to name a few.
Just like a school binder you will want to include dividers with all the sections labeled. Kathi goes into great detail in the book about what she recommends you should include in your binder.
Get Yourself Organized for Christmas also has great tips and tricks to organizing your priorities. Christmas can be such a busy time, there are so many things to do. School concerts, parties, family Christmases, and don’t forget shopping for gifts.
Kathi encourages you to stop and consider what activities bring you joy and which ones bring you stress. She then gives you permission to decide if you want to continue to do them or not.
Family traditions are important but we often take the joy out of the holiday by trying to keep up with all the traditions we have adopted over the years. Having a heart to heart with your family can give you insight into what traditions are really important to everyone and which ones you might have out grown.
Don't miss all the great tips and ideas.
Now is the time to start preparing for the best Christmas ever, so be sure to pick up the book now and get started getting organized today!
September 30, 2015
Synopsis: "Have you lost your Christmas joy? Does the thought of jam-packed malls, maxed-out credit cards, overcrowded supermarkets, and endless to-do lists give you the feeling that maybe Scrooge was on to something?
In Get Yourself Organized for Christmas, Kathi Lipp provides easy-to-follow steps to reduce the stress of the holiday season, including tactics for how toput together a holiday binder you'll use year after yeardetermine a budget that won't break the bankgather your elf suppliesget your gift list together (including ideas for various ages and relationships)collect your recipes and prep your kitchen
By putting into practice Kathi's tricks and tips, you'll finally be able to fully enjoy this most wonderful time of the year."
My Review: I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I always stress out about the holiday season, between regular work schedule, hosting the Christmas celebrations, trying to incorporate 3 family's traditions, dealing with a young child and having a husband working nights and being unavailable I find myself floundering. I am also a checklist and organization nut, I am always looking for ways to trim time off the never ending chores. This book was really quite helpful. While it does lean a little towards the religious side, Lipp give some great tips and ideas. I found several of her tips to be complete hand to forehead type moments for me, why didn't I think of that. I also really like how everything was laid out as a simple project, an easy thing to mark off the to do list without it feeling overwhelming. I particularly found the post holiday tips and projects to be inspirational. I find myself actually looking forward to the holidays this year and I feel with starting these projects late October to early November, I may just be read too.
In Get Yourself Organized for Christmas, Kathi Lipp provides easy-to-follow steps to reduce the stress of the holiday season, including tactics for how toput together a holiday binder you'll use year after yeardetermine a budget that won't break the bankgather your elf suppliesget your gift list together (including ideas for various ages and relationships)collect your recipes and prep your kitchen
By putting into practice Kathi's tricks and tips, you'll finally be able to fully enjoy this most wonderful time of the year."
My Review: I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I always stress out about the holiday season, between regular work schedule, hosting the Christmas celebrations, trying to incorporate 3 family's traditions, dealing with a young child and having a husband working nights and being unavailable I find myself floundering. I am also a checklist and organization nut, I am always looking for ways to trim time off the never ending chores. This book was really quite helpful. While it does lean a little towards the religious side, Lipp give some great tips and ideas. I found several of her tips to be complete hand to forehead type moments for me, why didn't I think of that. I also really like how everything was laid out as a simple project, an easy thing to mark off the to do list without it feeling overwhelming. I particularly found the post holiday tips and projects to be inspirational. I find myself actually looking forward to the holidays this year and I feel with starting these projects late October to early November, I may just be read too.
December 14, 2015
Kathi Lipp not only knows what the buzz is about, but she really knows what the buzz is about - about joy and peace, about the God coming to Earth.
And this point is what I consider the most important about the whole book - getting down deep into the true meaning of Christmas amidst all of the non/important traditions and spending madness going around. I love she is aiming us to that through the pages. And the pages are filled with a lots of useful tips! Even partly-organized person with no real thrive for discipline (dichotomy, I know, but that´s how I am) like me was able to find some nice practice and tips to save me some stress.
Now, I am not American, so it is really difficult for me to process all the money-spending traditions. Christmas is about so much more than the annual picture-taking (with new clothes buying just for that, which I truly don´t get, because it shouldn´t be about clothing, but happy faces), don´t you think? I am glad that Kathi encourages her readers to do only that traditions, which they find meaningful and are comfortable with. This can save you a lot of headache, really, to follow what you really feel like following.
Kathi guides her readers through 21 projects (one for each day) to get all the stuff getting done without much stress. Although the advice will not do the work for you (and some will sit with you better than other ones), it can help to concentrate and planning. You can go your way from this point, but feeling more in control.
As for the advice - I always find it more difficult to buy gifts for men in my life, so I would love some nice gift tips for them. Maybe in next edition? :)
The tone is warm and friendly and funny. Kathi shares bits from her personal life, which feels inviting.
All in all, nice and readable book which can really help! Not a small accomplishment.
And this point is what I consider the most important about the whole book - getting down deep into the true meaning of Christmas amidst all of the non/important traditions and spending madness going around. I love she is aiming us to that through the pages. And the pages are filled with a lots of useful tips! Even partly-organized person with no real thrive for discipline (dichotomy, I know, but that´s how I am) like me was able to find some nice practice and tips to save me some stress.
Now, I am not American, so it is really difficult for me to process all the money-spending traditions. Christmas is about so much more than the annual picture-taking (with new clothes buying just for that, which I truly don´t get, because it shouldn´t be about clothing, but happy faces), don´t you think? I am glad that Kathi encourages her readers to do only that traditions, which they find meaningful and are comfortable with. This can save you a lot of headache, really, to follow what you really feel like following.
Kathi guides her readers through 21 projects (one for each day) to get all the stuff getting done without much stress. Although the advice will not do the work for you (and some will sit with you better than other ones), it can help to concentrate and planning. You can go your way from this point, but feeling more in control.
As for the advice - I always find it more difficult to buy gifts for men in my life, so I would love some nice gift tips for them. Maybe in next edition? :)
The tone is warm and friendly and funny. Kathi shares bits from her personal life, which feels inviting.
All in all, nice and readable book which can really help! Not a small accomplishment.
November 15, 2015
Last year I signed up for Kathi Lipp's 21 Day Get Organized for Christmas challenge and I was able to get organized for Christmas in a much better way than I ever had before. I got my Christmas cards ready, I found recipes to make, I wrote gift lists and I collected addresses. Now, they are all stored in my binder that I made on the first day. It was simple and easy. The projects were fun and practical. Best of all I had a Christmas that was finally enjoyable!
This year, Kathi packaged up her 21 Day Challenge along with host of other ideas into her new book: Get Yourself Organized for Christmas. This book has 21 projects, a few bonus and catch up days and a 5 day plan to put Christmas away. She included tips from her faithful readers for gift ideas, food ideas, family fun, ideas to refresh yourself. Each project also includes a way to make it a clutter free Christmas. This is a great book to keep handy when planning for Christmas as it covers so many areas that might be forgotten. It helps to set in motion a Christmas planning time that will be less stressful and more fun every year because most of it will already be done for you!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I tend to get a little anxious about the holidays and what exactly needs to be done, but this little book gave me 21 projects that were short and purposeful. Do you want to get organized this Christmas? Pick up this little book and go for it.
This year, Kathi packaged up her 21 Day Challenge along with host of other ideas into her new book: Get Yourself Organized for Christmas. This book has 21 projects, a few bonus and catch up days and a 5 day plan to put Christmas away. She included tips from her faithful readers for gift ideas, food ideas, family fun, ideas to refresh yourself. Each project also includes a way to make it a clutter free Christmas. This is a great book to keep handy when planning for Christmas as it covers so many areas that might be forgotten. It helps to set in motion a Christmas planning time that will be less stressful and more fun every year because most of it will already be done for you!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I tend to get a little anxious about the holidays and what exactly needs to be done, but this little book gave me 21 projects that were short and purposeful. Do you want to get organized this Christmas? Pick up this little book and go for it.
August 22, 2015
Title: Get Yourself Organized for Christmas
Author: Kathi Lipp
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Get Yourself Organized for Christmas" by Kathi Lipp
What I liked about this novel....
These were all great suggestions...about getting well organized for Christmas...whether if its June, July or August there will be certain things one can do early that can lessen the stress that usual appears during the Christmas season. This author really does a great ob at presenting to the reader 'Simple Steps to Enjoying the Season.' One thing that is for sure if you plan for this holiday season one can have a great holiday. From this novel you can be prepared by using some helpful tips over budgeting, great ideas, hints, recipes and how to even plan special treats that may not cost you anything. There will also be helps about food buying suggestions presented to help and keep you organized. I found this novel can be a big help to all by getting yourself ORGANIZED for the holiday season. I found all of these helps very easy to follow. Would I recommend this well written informational holiday novel? YES!...there are some great ideas that will be presented by this author.
I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Kathi Lipp
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Get Yourself Organized for Christmas" by Kathi Lipp
What I liked about this novel....
These were all great suggestions...about getting well organized for Christmas...whether if its June, July or August there will be certain things one can do early that can lessen the stress that usual appears during the Christmas season. This author really does a great ob at presenting to the reader 'Simple Steps to Enjoying the Season.' One thing that is for sure if you plan for this holiday season one can have a great holiday. From this novel you can be prepared by using some helpful tips over budgeting, great ideas, hints, recipes and how to even plan special treats that may not cost you anything. There will also be helps about food buying suggestions presented to help and keep you organized. I found this novel can be a big help to all by getting yourself ORGANIZED for the holiday season. I found all of these helps very easy to follow. Would I recommend this well written informational holiday novel? YES!...there are some great ideas that will be presented by this author.
I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2015
***I received this book complements of the author/publisher in return for an honest review of my opinions***
First off, I love Kathi Lipp. She is funny and honest.
I followed the first direction of the book, which is to read the whole book first and then start the projects. So I am writing this review before I have actually completed the projects, but I know that they will be both simple and helpful. I think that so many of us are overwhelmed by Christmas and starting early with a guideline can really relieve stress and help us to focus on Jesus and our family.
Though this is a book from a christian author and Jesus is, of course, mentioned, he only appears sparingly. This book could help anyone who wants to streamline his/her Christmas process and experience.
For an added bonus, Lipp includes post Christmas cleanup tips and some of her family favorite recipes for the holidays. If you like them, they can easily be moved to your awesome new Christmas binder. The recipes all look simple and repeateable, a theme within much of Lipp's writing. Why reinvent what works?
Overall, I think that this book can be read in one or two sittings as a preview of the projects. Starting the projects in mid-November (like I will be doing) seems ideal. There are 21 projects and this will give you more than 21 days to complete them prior to Christmas.
First off, I love Kathi Lipp. She is funny and honest.
I followed the first direction of the book, which is to read the whole book first and then start the projects. So I am writing this review before I have actually completed the projects, but I know that they will be both simple and helpful. I think that so many of us are overwhelmed by Christmas and starting early with a guideline can really relieve stress and help us to focus on Jesus and our family.
Though this is a book from a christian author and Jesus is, of course, mentioned, he only appears sparingly. This book could help anyone who wants to streamline his/her Christmas process and experience.
For an added bonus, Lipp includes post Christmas cleanup tips and some of her family favorite recipes for the holidays. If you like them, they can easily be moved to your awesome new Christmas binder. The recipes all look simple and repeateable, a theme within much of Lipp's writing. Why reinvent what works?
Overall, I think that this book can be read in one or two sittings as a preview of the projects. Starting the projects in mid-November (like I will be doing) seems ideal. There are 21 projects and this will give you more than 21 days to complete them prior to Christmas.
October 7, 2015
Do you face the holiday season with fear and dread? Can't find your decorations or recipes from last year? Katti Lipp has organized a great guide to planning for a stress free holiday season. Of course one of the key factors in getting organized is- well, getting organized. This book gives some tips that might help you ACTUALLY do just that.
I imagine there are a number of people that will frown at the idea of putting together and keeping a binder but look a t it this way: Remember last year when you told yourself you wanted to a) decorate a room the same way next year; or b) use that same recipe again? Remember how you told yourself, "Oh, I'll remember..." and now you can't remember? That's exactly the point. If you put in all in one spot and detail everything-- you don't have to remember.
Lipp gives you steps to easily navigate your way through all the holiday activities (that you can modify)and guide you to getting it all done with less stress. This book is especially good for new families starting out and wanting to start new traditions; and for the people that just never seem to find sanity in organizing it all. From Christmas cards to baking; Decorating to putting it all away-- it's all here.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I imagine there are a number of people that will frown at the idea of putting together and keeping a binder but look a t it this way: Remember last year when you told yourself you wanted to a) decorate a room the same way next year; or b) use that same recipe again? Remember how you told yourself, "Oh, I'll remember..." and now you can't remember? That's exactly the point. If you put in all in one spot and detail everything-- you don't have to remember.
Lipp gives you steps to easily navigate your way through all the holiday activities (that you can modify)and guide you to getting it all done with less stress. This book is especially good for new families starting out and wanting to start new traditions; and for the people that just never seem to find sanity in organizing it all. From Christmas cards to baking; Decorating to putting it all away-- it's all here.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
December 19, 2019
Not a lot of new ideas in the book, but it is kinda nice to have it together and think about each aspect of the Christmas season and how to tackle it better. The amount of gifts this lady buys is staggering and she stressed me out just reading about it! I did like the chapter on a mission statement and how each Christmas can be different on how you want or need it to be. I wasn't thrilled with the idea of a Christmas binder and about stopped reading the book at that point. I kinda have an equivalent on my computer in regards to Christmas cards so I could sorta see what she meant without needing to do the same.
The best advice I got from the book, hands down, was to buy yourself a Christmas present. It was in the chapter about stockings and I think she meant something small. I decided I wanted to get something that would be meaningful to me and I found a collage picture frame to put pictures of my kids over my lamp in my bedroom. I absolutely love it and that is advice I plan on taking every year! lol
The best advice I got from the book, hands down, was to buy yourself a Christmas present. It was in the chapter about stockings and I think she meant something small. I decided I wanted to get something that would be meaningful to me and I found a collage picture frame to put pictures of my kids over my lamp in my bedroom. I absolutely love it and that is advice I plan on taking every year! lol
November 17, 2015
As with all of Lipp's books this one is just as practical. Stock full of ideas, advice, and helpful tips Lipp is ready to carry you through the Christmas season with ease AND help you avoid unnecessary clutter.
Most of the projects are just as short, but if they are longer, they can easily be done while sipping cocoa and watching a Christmas movie. There are also several catch up days included in case you miss a project or two.
As you can imagine. I really enjoyed this book. I find all of Kathi Lipp's books manageable, realistic, stock full of ideas, and overall down to earth. Don't let Christmas overwhelm you! Don't wait until the last minute! Instead, enjoy the season, every moment, and overall give yourself grace. 5 stars.
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
See more of this review and others like it at Sunrise Avenue
Most of the projects are just as short, but if they are longer, they can easily be done while sipping cocoa and watching a Christmas movie. There are also several catch up days included in case you miss a project or two.
As you can imagine. I really enjoyed this book. I find all of Kathi Lipp's books manageable, realistic, stock full of ideas, and overall down to earth. Don't let Christmas overwhelm you! Don't wait until the last minute! Instead, enjoy the season, every moment, and overall give yourself grace. 5 stars.
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
See more of this review and others like it at Sunrise Avenue
October 7, 2015
Thank you to NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I first saw this book, I was pretty excited to read it. I love the holidays, pretty much any holiday, and so for me, it was like yay, a book about to do even MORE during the holidays! I started reading this book, though, and realized that I might not be the target audience for this book. She starts off the book by talking about how some people are super excited about the holidays and are first in line December 26th to buy discounted stuff for next year, and others get stressed by them. I'm the first person, right down to getting in line on December 26th for the stuff on sale. And this book was clearly written for people who fall into the latter category. So while I don't think the book was for ME, I do think it had good tips for people who find the holiday season stressful and overwhelming, and would recommend it for them.
When I first saw this book, I was pretty excited to read it. I love the holidays, pretty much any holiday, and so for me, it was like yay, a book about to do even MORE during the holidays! I started reading this book, though, and realized that I might not be the target audience for this book. She starts off the book by talking about how some people are super excited about the holidays and are first in line December 26th to buy discounted stuff for next year, and others get stressed by them. I'm the first person, right down to getting in line on December 26th for the stuff on sale. And this book was clearly written for people who fall into the latter category. So while I don't think the book was for ME, I do think it had good tips for people who find the holiday season stressful and overwhelming, and would recommend it for them.
October 12, 2015
It's hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner? Do you find yourself frazzled or maybe you set a budget, but you don't stick to it? Don't stress! "Get Yourself Organized for Christmas: Simple Steps to Enjoying the Season by Kathi Lipp gives you simple solutions to enjoying the Holiday season without the drama. You'll find how to stick to your budget, enjoy Holiday meals, make the most out of gift giving and more importantly, spend time with the ones you love creating memories that will last for a life time. Stop stressing about all the details, although they matter, come up with a game plan, stick to it and enjoy the Christmas Season. You'll love these small tips that will add up to you staying organized and enjoying the Christmas Season!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me a complimentary copy for review. I was not compensated for a positive review.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me a complimentary copy for review. I was not compensated for a positive review.
November 2, 2015
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley/Harvest House Publishers for an honest review. "Get Yourself Organized for Christmas" by Kathi Lipp is a great guide for anyone to help ease the stress of Christmas.
This book breaks down the different tasks that people do during the Christmas season. You just have to choose which ones are the most important to you and your family.
There are lots of tips in this book to help you organize these tasks. One tip is to make a Christmas binder with all the information for the tasks that you choose. By having everything together, it will definitely save you time by not having to hunt for a recipe or someone's address. What I liked is that the tips are just suggestions and you can adapt them to fit your needs.
https://booksnuggle.wordpress.com
This book breaks down the different tasks that people do during the Christmas season. You just have to choose which ones are the most important to you and your family.
There are lots of tips in this book to help you organize these tasks. One tip is to make a Christmas binder with all the information for the tasks that you choose. By having everything together, it will definitely save you time by not having to hunt for a recipe or someone's address. What I liked is that the tips are just suggestions and you can adapt them to fit your needs.
https://booksnuggle.wordpress.com
September 26, 2015
Author Kathi Lipp offers creative ideas on how to celebrate a joyful, peaceful Christmas in her book Get Yourself Organized for Christmas. While some of her ideas are new, most her ideas presented are friendly reminders on how to prepare for the holiday season in a sane fashion.
I liked her suggestions of how to budget, selecting gifts for out-of-town recipients and her cookie dough party idea. I also liked her ideas on how to put things away for the next Christmas holiday.
If you are new to preparing for celebrating the Christmas holiday, you will find her book useful. For old hands there really isn't much new, but it never hurts to have a refresher course.
Review written after downloading a galley from NetGalley.
I liked her suggestions of how to budget, selecting gifts for out-of-town recipients and her cookie dough party idea. I also liked her ideas on how to put things away for the next Christmas holiday.
If you are new to preparing for celebrating the Christmas holiday, you will find her book useful. For old hands there really isn't much new, but it never hurts to have a refresher course.
Review written after downloading a galley from NetGalley.
October 22, 2015
I received this book through NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Everyone could use a better organizing system! I really enjoyed this book and am for once excited for Christmas! Kathi has written a well organized and thorough Christmas holiday guideline right down to the details, such as suggestions for gifts and evening activities. I have read the complete book from cover to cover and I know that I will be referring back to this book often during the holiday season! I look forward to enjoying my time, instead of worrying about what I forgot to do.
Thank you Kathi Lipp for being so organized and releasing me from my must do’s! I am going to Amazon now to buy me a trapper keeper!!!!
Everyone could use a better organizing system! I really enjoyed this book and am for once excited for Christmas! Kathi has written a well organized and thorough Christmas holiday guideline right down to the details, such as suggestions for gifts and evening activities. I have read the complete book from cover to cover and I know that I will be referring back to this book often during the holiday season! I look forward to enjoying my time, instead of worrying about what I forgot to do.
Thank you Kathi Lipp for being so organized and releasing me from my must do’s! I am going to Amazon now to buy me a trapper keeper!!!!
July 30, 2015
Yes I know its only July and I am reading a book about Christmas, but its a book about being organised for Christmas so I can get away with it! The book is really well written, gives excellent ideas, hints and tips and I do feel that after reading this it will make me more prepared for the festive season. The main aim of the book is to teach you about planning and how to make the festive period enjoyable without making it more stressful than needed. If you get in to a flap and panic with present and food buying, then this is the book for you. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2015
This is a great idea book for getting organized for Christmas in a non-stressful way. Really, this book is about putting for the fun and joy back into Christmas. The author gives out "projects" to do involving Christmas cards, dinner, presents etc. Cutting back on extras and focusing on what you and your family really love to do at Christmas time.
I enjoy reading books that might help me and my hectic life. I usually take away a few tips from each. This book has quite a few tips I would use. I recommend this book to anyone who wants another look at limiting Christmas stress.
I received this book from netgalley for an honest review.
I enjoy reading books that might help me and my hectic life. I usually take away a few tips from each. This book has quite a few tips I would use. I recommend this book to anyone who wants another look at limiting Christmas stress.
I received this book from netgalley for an honest review.
August 9, 2015
Christmas in July seems to be the rage at the moment so why not reading about making your Christmas a little easier? Well NetGalley sent me this little book to give it an honest review and… This book is superb, light hearted it is full of tips and hints and fabulous ideas. I’ve really enjoyed delving in and out of this book and cannot wait for the cold season to start fresh in the knowledge that I’ll actually be reading and enjoying it this year. Fabulous reading.
October 25, 2016
For starters let me just say that I am completely finished with my Christmas cards for this coming Christmas and I even have some of my Christmas presents bought and the rest I have written down so I know exactly what to buy everyone. This book is AMAZING! I love Kathi Lipp's tips and techniques for preparing for Christmas as well as the days leading up to Christmas and for cleaning up after Christmas. Thank you, Kathi Lipp.
December 29, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. There is some great tips to help with planning for Christmas and the whole holiday season. The binder idea with the recipes is definitely a knew idea for me and one I will include in my planning and preparing for the holiday. This is definitely a book I will keep and refer to many times.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers of this book for a copy of the book for my honest opinion.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers of this book for a copy of the book for my honest opinion.
December 8, 2019
I have mixed feelings about this one... A lot of the things that Kathi discusses are steps I'm already taking to get ready for Christmas each year, so there weren't a whole lot of new ideas for me here. That said, I did like having the reminders of why I'm doing what I'm doing and I appreciated the centralizing focus of the first part of the book, when Kathi asks you to sit down and really think about what you truly want for yourself and your family for this particular Christmas season.
January 8, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. There were a lot of great tips and tricks that the author shared about getting ready for Christmas. She writes about helpful ways to reduce the stress that seems to come with every holiday season. I wasn't able to try all the tips this time around, but I have notes marked to work on so I am fully prepared for next Christmas!
November 30, 2015
Just the basics! I am going to follow a few things to simplify my current (admittedly too detailed) planner.
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