A Christmas Box

And you thought Christmas was over….. We all know that Christmas is never over if you have a family.

I’m here to tell you about a little trick that I have learned over the years. Over the years that I have been a mother. That sounded funny….I’m still a mother and always will be. But as a mother I’ve learned how to make my life with my children easier. Especially when it comes to spending money. And we all know that children are expensive.

The trick to a successful Christmas every year in my house is, “The Christmas Box”.

I place an empty box in my closet, any closet will do. But preferably one that your children do not use. Throughout the year I gather small items that I know my children will love and I toss them in the box.

I have two girls (27  and 18) and one boy (21), (oh and, a grandson (7) and granddaughter (4)). The girls are easiest to find small items for (duh, because I’m a girl myself). With the boy, finding small things is a little harder.

Here is a list of things that I usually throw into the box throughout the year:

Girls:

Every holiday it is easy to find clearances (it’s good to keep this in mind).

• Clearance holiday dish towels (Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Fourth of July, etc….)
• Hair Products (ties, barrettes, headbands, brushes, etc…)
• Yes, I have even thrown in holiday underwear that is marked down (if you know their sizes)
• Toothbrushes
• Decorative note pads
• Recipe Cards
• Cookbooks
• Kitchen utensils
• Pens, pencils, office supplies
• Slippers 
• Candles
• Liquid pump soaps

Boys:

• Small tools
• The holiday clearance underwear (usually boxers)
• Toothbrushes
• If they live alone, or love to cook, kitchen utensils
• Slippers
• Stocking hats

Grandchildren:

• Small toys or games
• School supplies
• Arts and craft items
• Coloring books
• Slippers

When it comes time to celebrate this year’s Christmas, you will be prepared. Even if the items get stuffed into stockings. You won’t have to face the crowds to gather up those last minute small items. You will already have them in your Christmas box.

So, think clearance this year and start your very own”Christmas Box”.

angie ~ A'lil Country Sugar (62 Posts)

I started blogging full time 3 years ago at A'lil Country Sugar. When I started introducing myself to Blogger I was looking for a place to store my recipes for myself and maybe my daughters. Little did I know there was a huge audience just waiting for my recipes to appear in print. I don't think I have eaten the same thing twice for three years now. Just as I was starting to get comfortable in the blogging community, I was contacted by this lovely group of women (Foodie Friends Friday). And when I say lovely, I mean lovely. We have all bonded, and quickly became friends. Now a new journey begins..... Foodie Friends Friday Daily Dish. Yes, I am just as excited as you are. Let the cooking, foodie news, and fun begin.....