In my household books are always under the Christmas tree. If you are choosing a book as a gift for a young child, what should you look for? A book that grows with the child is ideal. Choose a book that you read to a little one. In time the child will start to recite some of the words to you. And eventually he will enjoy reading the book by himself. Younger children like stories that mimic experiences that they have had. Books about milestones like potty training, learning to

OK, it is really December and the days are speeding up for sure. I feel a combination of excitement and panic. I’m looking forward to some parties and church events. I am looking forward to enjoying my decorated home. I am enjoying the holiday foods and music. But, wow! There are a lot of things that are not done. Most of the cards have not been mailed. Some gifts still need to be purchased – still unsure of what to even get a couple of people. I still have more baking to do.

Christmas is just around the corner. What organizing tips can we incorporate now to make this Christmas and the next a little less stressful? Cards: As the Christmas cards come in, take the time now to check addresses and update your contact list. Plan on how you want to handle the cards you receive. Do you want to keep all of your cards, just the very special ones, or none at all? If you like to use some pretty cards for gift tags, after the holidays put them in a small box

OK, we are now really in December. Christmas will be here really soon. Time to panic! Noooo! In spite of my best efforts, I have run behind on my timeline. In spite of my great plan early on, I have also over scheduled. What should I do now to keep away that panic and stress? Here is my current plan: Back to envisioning how I want this holiday to look and feel. I want my holiday to include time with loved ones and friends. I want to feel happy and at peace with the world. 2.

Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer #traditions #children #giftcards #gifts #Christmas #family

Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer #Christmas #Christmastree #decorations #traditions

Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer #Christmas #family #fun

Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer #Christmas #gifts #organization #storage

Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer #organization #calendar #vision #decorations #Christmas #family

Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer #organization #lettinggo #calendar #timemanagement #Christmas

Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer #lettinggo #calendar #priorities #vision #stress #Christmas

#Christmas #family #traditions

#Christmas #decorations #lifechanges #redo

This past weekend, Len, Darin, and I went up to Johnson City, TN to see my nephew Tod in the opening production- Christmas Tuna- in the newly opened Blue Moon Dinner Theatre. The show was hilarious and the food was terrific. The Dinner Theatre has a 5 course meal offering at a formal dinner table setting. Wow! A special cake was brought to our table because my sister, her husband Lin, and his sister Jamie were also present and it was his parents wedding anniversary. I alway