Save Our Xmas Sanity

Who Realised Gift-Giving Had Rules?

Over at OrganisedChristmas.com, I found a great article that fires a shot through some of our gift-giving thinking.

They’re seldom acknowledged and rarely discussed: the unwritten rules of gift giving. Even if we don’t talk about them, “the rules” determine what we give, how much we give, and to whom we give. They govern everything from the office Secret Santa exchange, to classroom gifts, to a family morning under the Christmas tree.

Problem is, “unwritten” means that gift-giving rules are subject to interpretation—both in our own minds, and in our dealings with others.

First, if you don’t understand why you gift as you do, it’s easy to enter the land of the absurd: making a midnight raid on the supermarket’s toy aisle when you discover that one child’s stocking holds fewer gifts than his brother’s. Unexamined gift-giving assumptions lead to gifting decisions that can violate your own values—and worse, those decisions can appear to operate from nowhere! [more]

The Unwritten Rules of Gift-Giving gives you plenty of food for thought about how and why we come to be giving gifts to the people we do.  It certainly allows you to think before all your gift-giving and possible guilt and angst have pooled into a sanity- breaking December 25th.

Or at the very least it might be fuel for new decisions and negotiations for next year!

Lists for people who aren't into lists!

Why would you use a list?
SweetP (Chris' beloved husband) is always rolling his eyes as Chris writes another list, or crosses something off from one! 

Karen's hubby G does much the same thing, and each is in sympathy with the other!

Both of us (Karen and Chris) gain enormous satisfaction from preparing, using, and crossing items off our lists!  It keeps our brains in some manageable shape!  It stops that feeling of worry about forgetting something.  (The perfectionist's lament!)

But thanks to our "boys", we get it! 

Not everyone is "into" lists!!

But as we say in our Tips For Christmas Calm

... when stress levels are high enough, making other choices can include breaking the massive task down to more manageable parts. 

So, the list, that you would normally avoid using, may just be the way to feel more in control and less overwhelmed. 

If it reduces the rising stress and allows you to take action, and possibly even delegate, then maybe a list at this time of year could prove VERY useful.

Don't forget the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome.

And we guess you are reading this because Christmas can cause you SOME stress!  From that we guess you've had some ugly STRESS during other Christmas/Holiday Seasons!  So, we assume you'd like a calmer, less-stressed Christmas this year!

So if you don't "do" lists at Christmas when you've got a massive task on your plate, and that task sends you"round the twist", then why would you keep avoiding "doing lists"? 

We've Got a Little List or Two!

In Save Our Sanity: The Christmas Calm Manual, we provide a variety of lists to  help get you through the  stress.

We help you create a:

• Carry-With-You Calendar for October, November, December
• Shopping Budget that’s realistic
• Christmas Card List to plan who you REALLY need to send greetings to this year
  (and next and next …)
• Gift Shopping List for ‘Who, What, Where, & How Much’ Ideas,
  to minimise shopping expeditions for maximum effect
• To-Do List for all the extra bits and pieces (copy as often as you like)
• Entertainment Plan to have you meeting up with the people you really want to see this season
• Menu Plan for the ‘Big Day’

So have a think about that definition of insanity, and how wanting a different outcome means you need to choose a different action!

The lists are all available in Save Our Sanity: The Christmas Calm Manual. 

When Santa gets stuck for ideas...

This is for all our American friends... we've been thinking of you, and realise that you have been sorely neglected in our Christmas shopping tips department.

Best Buy, the American electronics store, has two new initiatives for hassle-free Christmas shopping.

Wow Factor Finder - this is neat little gift suggestion generator - you answer a series of questions about your intended gift recipient, and it comes up with a list of very helpful suggestions (which you can then print out and take along to the nearest Best Buy store).  The recommendations aren't specific - like buy this game or this music or this MP3 player - they are general suggestions.  For example, I did a search for my 8-year-old son (the only gift I have left to sort...) and the Wow Factor Finder came up with a number of suggestions, including:

Robot Toys and Mechanical Pets

Robot toys and mechanical pets are among the hottest gift items for kids of every age. This generation of robotic toys combines technology and personality for autonomous behavior, multiple interaction levels and lifelike movements.

Here are some things to think about before purchasing a robot:

• Software: Be aware that some models include programming software for PCs and Macs, and may even be controllable from your cell phone using Bluetooth technology.

• Batteries: All robots require batteries, which are typically not included. Be sure to check the package so you can buy what you need. Lithium batteries are recommended for the high end robots.

This was only one of the suggestions... and since littleD has had a Roboraptor or a Robosapien on his list the last 2 years (gosh, darn, Santa never brought him one last year...) I can really see how this is a very appropriate recommendation.. (no guarantees it will be under the tree again THIS year, though).

photo credit: robosapienonline.com

There were even some Stocking Filler Suggestions to help Santa get his list sorted for those kids that he has left to the last minute...

I like how it doesn't recommend a particular brand, and gives some really helpful suggestions.  (This would even be helpful for people who cannot access/get delivery from a Best Buy shop, as the recommendations are so general!  Shhh, don't tell them I told you!!)

Ask A Blue Shirt - also a Best Buy initiative - a special chat event hosted by Best Buy employees (called Blue Shirts - cute) to help deranged shoppers consumers with any questions they may have about new items available this holiday season as well as to help shoppers determine how to Wow their loved ones with cool gifts that are right for them.  (Hey, isn't that what we all want?  All within the budget please...)

The chat takes place THIS FRIDAY - December 15th, at 1pm at www.askablueshirt.com - go to the website for details!

Great initiatives guys - THIS is what Christmas shopping should be like everywhere, don't you think?  With stores actually making it as easy as possible for us to satisfy the need to get the 'right' gift without all the anxiety that can go with that.

Here's a quick way to get your Christmas gift giving handled!

It 's getting later and later in November.  For our friends in the US, Thanksgiving is here (and therefore almost over).

I DON'T want to count the weeks, or even worse still, the number of days until Christmas!

I was talking with Captain Scarlett today.  He's in the middle of end of year exams, and only needs to be at school when he has an exam on.  Tomorrow he has one at 1pm.  He wanted to know if I could take him (rather than him catch the bus and wait around all morning...).  I said I was actually planning on going shopping tomorrow, Christmas shopping, to try and get it finished.

His reply?  "Mum!  You're normally a lot more organised than this!  You've normally got it all done by now!" 

Oh dear.  So, dear reader, I thought it time I let you into the secret.  I've been so busy with SOXS and the rest of my work, I have NOT got my Christmas gift giving handled.  Yet.

I DO have my list made.  I do have items crossed off that list.  No, none of them are wrapped, however. 

But I DO have a plan.  And here I am to share the secret with you - if you're interested that is. 

If you've done your shopping and have all those gifts securely tucked away, or on display, beautifully wrapped and tagged - what are you doing reading this???

Here's the plan.  Mine anyway.  Since I have the LIST.

Shop Online.

What?  You want MORE information?

Oh.

OK. 

Here are 10 of the top sites we will be shopping at in the next couple of weeks to get our Christmas gift giving sorted - completely!  (In no particular order...)

1.    A Current Affair on Channel 9 aired a segment that Chris (in her flat-on-her-back state) alerted me to about saving online this Christmas.  They recommended these sites as recommended by Netguide...(the best shopping sites for finding the perfect gift) well it might have been a long, convoluted path but I have checked out these sites, and will be going back to a couple to cross some (or even most) items off my Christmas Gift List this week!  These are all Australian sites (with apologies to our international readers)

• www.graysonline.com.au — great for buying wine, they sell an amazing array of quality wines.
• www.dealsdirect.com.au — an online department store where you can buy everything from DVDs to TVs.
• www.oo.com.au — another online department store that sells surplus products sourced from manufacturers and distributors.
• www.oztion.com.au — an online auction site similar to eBay except  you don't have to pay a fee if you don't sell an item.
• www.perfumeempire.com.au — an Australian perfume retailer.
• shopping.com — sells electronics, health and beauty products, toys, games and more.
• www.redballoondays.com.au — for unique experiences such as hot air balloon rides and jet boat rides.

"Like everything, you've got to do your homework, but there are some great bargains to be had as long as you know what the recommended retail prices are."

2.    My personal favourite for gift vouchers for time-poor book lovers is Slim Ink (even those who aren't time poor, but would rather spend their time reading than visiting the library or the bookstore!)

3.    The Green Directory - a comprehensive range of Australian and international products and services which are eco friendly and promote sustainable living.

4.    Oxfam shops and internet - every year I do some shopping in my local Oxfam/Community Aid Abroad shop - they have great, unusual products and every purchase encourages fair trade around the globe

5.   For the well-endowed lady, or those who love her - we love Bella Forma Pretty Big Bras & Swimwear - perfect choice, perfect fit, perfect figure!  Ladies - don't we all love to get under-things that FIT, look good and Feel Fantastic?  I'm filling MY stocking at this site!  Oh, and while we are on the subject of well-endowed ladies - (don't ask us why WE are interested in THESE sites :) check out WWB - (Women with Boobs) - divine shirts etc that are guaranteed not to gape across the chest.  Who could ask for more?

6.    We haven't ordered from here yet, but very tempted - especially their Yarra Valley Gourmet produce and wine hampers - who could resist?  Australian Gift Hampers!

7.    I love the look of this website - another Aussie gift site - beautifully done.  Simply Spoilt Rotten.  Isn't that how we ALL want to be this Christmas, and indeed, right throughout the year?

8.    Our favourite shop for getting inspired to organise our offices and our homes (and dream a little dream or two about really getting in control of all that stuff once and for all) - we cannot walk (or click) past Kikki-K!!  Try their gift finder - it's too too much for words!

9.    Alright - this one takes a little more shoe leather, but worth every step.  This site will alert you to the sales going on in your state - this is one of those really well kept secrets, so - shhhh - don't tell everyone - OK?  Missy Confidential.

10.    THIS one definitely falls in the last-but-by-no-means-least category.  Who amoung us can really resist the most divine chocolate?  And what about throwing a bottle of bubbly in the mix?  I ordered a gift pack for my brother for his 40th last year, and low and behold it arrived promptly and he was totally thrilled with it (so much so, he actually phoned me!!)  Try Definitely Chocolate - you're bound to be as delighted as he was... handmade truffle anyone?

[Please note, we are in no way affiliated with any of these sites, and have only actually made purchases from a couple.  We do not make any guarantees of service or supply.  There may be a second top 10 coming soon, as these really only hit the tip of the iceberg in terms of wonderful places on line to do your Christmas shopping.  If you would like to recommend a site/s please either leave a comment at the bottom of this post, or shoot us a quick email to SaveXmas at gmail dot com - we'd love to hear of your experiences and recommendations!]

Organising Christmas - Tip #2

Shopping The Easy Way for Lovers of Books

It is time, after declaring to the world I was going to do it, to actually START the Christmas shopping this week.

And I am determined to do as much of it on-line or local as I can. 

One of my compulsory stops any time I need gifts is Slim Ink - I have given two very special friends a gift voucher from Slim Ink for their birthdays this year - and both LOVED them!

So, for Christmas, I'm stopping by Slim Ink in order to tick a few gift items as done without leaving my home!  This year, Marj has a great special festive offer for current members of Slim Ink - some special gifts with purchase of Gift Memberships - and now is the time to take full advantage of them! 
THEN from 1st to 10th December Slim Ink will be offering 10% discount off all Gift Memberships.

Chris and I are dedicated users of Marj's stunningly high quality service at Slim Ink.  So we highly recommend you stop on over and check out the fabulous service on offer at Slim Ink - your premium library on the internet.  Here are a couple of posts we've written about the fantastic service - here and here.

A gift from the Creators!

We've been working on our own SOXS Sanity Savers (after all, it is the BEST thing for getting organised and feeling like you're in control when it comes to Christmas :) and decided that we needed another little something more in SOXS.

And since it's Christmas (well, almost), Chris and I have decided to release it here for everyone to use as our gift to you.

It's often the mundane and little things that cause us to stumble and stress us out, isnt it?  Like the shopping??  One of my stumble areas has been going shopping and getting home hot, exhausted and foot sore, only to find that I have missed a key purchase.  Boy I hate that! 

Even worse is getting to Christmas Eve and realising you've forgotten the cranberry sauce or have run out of sticky tape with only half the presents wrapped!!

Or worse - you've got a crowd of people coming for Christmas dinner, and you've got no toilet paper left in the house!@#

So we find the most important thing to save all that stress (and the worry of wondering if you have forgotten something vital!) is to have a complete and comprehensive shopping list.  We've put together not one, but two shopping lists to go with SOXS!

The first is for groceries - to be used as you do your menu planning to write down everything you're going to need from the supermarket/ butcher/ baker/ fruit shop.  We've put a few of the staples in there to get you started.

The second list is for general shopping.  I like to use this in conjuction with my gift list - and will carry it with me constantly from now until Christmas to ensure that I can capture any ideas or needs as soon as they come to mind.  (There is nothing worse than remembering I need to buy a gift for the piano teacher, but not having the list to hand to jot it down... and then forgetting all about it.)

Of course, making the list is only half the battle - you have to remember to take it shopping with you, and to frequently stop and assess where you are at with the items on your list.  I like to cross off all purchases/ items in my trolley as I go - so I can see at a glance what is still outstanding.

Click here to Download shopping_sorted.pdf    Our gift to you.

Please tell all your friends to come and get it too - the more the merrier!!