It's not too late to have an easy Christmas!

By setting up systems that you follow annually, December will be smooth sailing.  Now is the time to start. (what is this crazy lady talking about? my tree is still up! exactly)

1. Photo books are fabulous.  In my opinion, they are the best way to encapsulate a year's memory, make great gifts for family and teachers, and are simple.  Make a new folder on your computer labeled "Photobook 2009" - each time you download your digital pics, identify your favorite 5-10 pictures, and put a copy into this folder.  Come December you have a solid group of pictures that can be easily uploaded to snapfish.com and turned into a photo book.  Just do it and thank me later.

2. Set up an inspiration basket.  You know when you are reading through the June issue of Oprah magazine and see the perfect gift for your sister for Christmas?  Rip out the gift idea, add a sticky note that says "SISTER CHRISTMAS" and throw it in your inspiration box.  Keep this box in your office area and add to it all year long.  Come Christmas time, shopping will be easy breezy.  This works well for birthday presents too.

3. Commit to preserving the kids memories this year.  Set up a folder in your email titled something like "2009 funnies".  When something funny or interesting happens, send yourself an email: "Ha ha, Jack is scared to go to the beach because of the sand quick."  Huh? Quick Sand!  Come December, you have a whole host of memories to pick through to make that Christmas letter shine.  Alternatively, print it out and put them in your child's memory box.  They grow up SO quickly.