Here we are in that odd week between Christmas and New Year’s, when we find ourselves tired/happy/reflective, out of our normal routine, but also trying to do something useful if at all possible. Here are two useful things that I’ve learned to do in the week after Christmas. They don’t take much effort, but as the years go by I am more and more thankful that I’ve gotten into the habit of doing these simple things. So, I thought I’d share!

1.) File away the family Christmas card or letter into an album. Mine is a simple binder that now contains our Christmas letters and/or cards, going back every year, all the way to 2006. I use plastic page protectors in the binder to hold the extra cards and letters, labeled for each year. It’s an easy way to gradually collect memories and thereby create a treasured family heirloom.

2.) Make notes on the Christmas we just celebrated. I started an Evernote file in 2015, which has been so useful to me these past five years. It’s hard to remember year by year, as the holidays roll around again, what did I cook last year? How much wrapping paper is left up in the attic? Do our strings of lights need to be replaced because they won’t come on half the time? How many photo cards did I order last year? What did I do this year that I’d like to do differently next year? What gifts did we make for extended family and friends? Did I neglect some aspect of Christmas baking and the family loudly complained about it? Now’s the time to make all the notes, while it’s all fresh in my mind! 

Throughout the year, I can easily add notes as needed, so when Christmas comes around again, it’s all right there. Like this: “Bought an artificial tree from a yard sale summer of 2020. Stored in attic.” As I start to prep for Christmas in the fall of the year, I can go back to those notes and refresh my mind about all the various aspects from the previous year(s).

(Here’s a funny note I made in 2015: “Baby Jesus is missing from the nativity.” Later in the year I added: “Found in June. Stored in jewelry box.” I remember finding Baby Jesus in June of that year, in the bottom of a crate of toys in the basement. So if yours has gone missing, carried away by little hands, don’t give up hope! 😂)

Blessings to you as you contemplate the year gone by and look forward to the fresh start that January always brings. ♥︎