Here it is a few days before Christmas and your house is a mess with
wrapping paper pieces showing up in the dog’s mouth. Amazon and Walmart are a tad bit late with those gifts you forgot to order until a few days ago, and your husband’s cousin with their three Rambo style kids plan to pop in on Christmas Day. To make things even more interesting, you feel like you’re coming down with a cold. Good grief! Where is the Christmas magic all those commercials promised?
We have all been seduced by Hallmark, Prime, Netflix and a number of other streaming services that get us in the mood for magic only to discover we’re trapped in a movie with John McClane and Hans Gruber in Die Hard. (My favorite Christmas movie by the way!) And you have a house full of children that like to role play Home Alone. But you know what? It’s all good. I have a few things that still make things magical for me. Memories I enjoy all year long are easily saved and cherished, even now, when the clock is ticking. Let me show you some things I do. 
JOURNAL, SCRAPBOOK, JUNK JOURNAL
I keep a running journal each year of things I do to get ready. I tuck it away to pull out the next November to see what I need to do. I started a new one last year because I filled up the first one I started in 2005. I was kind of excited. Wouldn’t you know it, I couldn’t find it. I figured it would show up, so I just jotted down some things like people and gifts I planned to buy for. Meals I planned to make and add grocery lists, would help me when the Christmas brain kicked in. I also added what Santa would leave and what to put in the 13 stockings I needed to fill. I kept the concert and other event programs to insert later. Another thing I make sure each person in the family has their own Christmas paper. I save a scrap of paper to keep everything straight when tags magically disappear. I glue those into the journal too.
Make It Easier List
- People to buy for
- List each gift you get for people
- Stocking stuffer ideas
- Meal Plans
- Grocery List
- Scraps of wrapping paper you used.
- Events you attended like concerts, luncheons, church services, gatherings, community functions, and volunteer participations.
- Travel Plans – Be sure to include your packing lists, and emergency supplies if you’re driving and the weather outlooks both home and your destination.
- Summary – After Christmas I write down about the experiences my family shared. I also list the gifts I received and from who. Sometimes I include Christmas letters from people but not always. It’s basically a recap of the holidays. It reminds me that in spite of all the work and chaos, it truly was a magical time.
- Christmas outlook list – This is where I start to list things I buy for the next Christmas or gifts I think might be fun for the people on my growing list. This last year I actually bought a few things for my kiddos and stored them in the closet. That way it doesn’t cost so much at Christmas. Since I have kids 19 to 8 years old, those sales really help. You can’t go wrong with a gift card as a stocking stuffer. So what if you buy it in July?
Here it is December 20th and I’m pretty much done. Well, I am waiting on two things to arrive but looks like Amazon will come through. Actually, I still have to clean house but that shouldn’t take long. I have my meals planned, gifts wrapped, stockings filled so I thought I’d order a new journal for my Christmas journey. And guess what? I opened a drawer and there was the new one I started last year. A FREAKING CHRISTMAS MIRACLE! I really am glad I jotted things down in just a spiral notebook because now I’m going to make it look pretty after Christmas when I don’t have so much to do. I’ll lay the old journal on the coffee table for others to flip through if interested. It’s one of those things years from now when I’m gone, I hope my family realizes what a wonderful life we’ve had together. (I fixed a Christmas card on the new one so I wouldn’t lose it!)
Speaking of chaos and memories, I have written two Christmas books that just might make you laugh out loud. They are part of the Enigma series. And although these books are considered thrillers, the Christmas books are light and fun, but still holds that action adventure vibe. You can find them at The Knight Before Chaos – Kindle edition by James, Tierney. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com. And Amazon.com: Knight of the Sugar Plum Fairy eBook : James, Tierney: Books 
This year I wrote three new books. China Dolls is part of the Enigma Series. The Unleashed Miracle is a new series that is action packed and a bit humorous.. It is the first in the new series Whispers of Angels. Finally, there is Whiskey and Sweet Tea which is part of the Strong Independent Women Series.
I would love for you to add a tip in the comments for me and others who hop on to discover an easier way to make the chaos–well, less chaotic. Have a very Merry Christmas and a house full of blessings. 