October: Empty things out. Get rid of outgrown summer clothes. Use up the contents of the freezer, except for this summer's fruit. Use up pantry stocks. Pare down books and toys. Pull the summer weeds out of the gardens. Finish up sewing projects.
November: Seriously clean. This year I'm doing my deep cleaning just before Thanksgiving, although last year's week of Advent cleaning was one of the best parts of Christmas for me. Oddly. Defrost and clean freezers and refrigerators. Clean the pantry. Mulch the garden, recruiting the kids as an underpaid illegal work force, paid under the table in Italian sodas.
December: Restock. Cook and bake for Christmas. Frivolous food shopping for weeks of treats. Gift shopping and wrapping. Much enjoyment.
A good plan, indeed.
ReplyDeleteI'll join you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the sensible list for this warm and cozy season.
I like this plan a lot. It sounds like so much fun, when you write it! :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe if I start now, instead of waiting until crunch time, it will be!
"...recruiting the kids as an underpaid illegal work force, paid under the table in Italian sodas."
ReplyDeleteFUNNY!! Great writing!!
Warm greetings,
Rhonda in Montreal
That sounds like an excellent plan Anna. My "underpaid illegal work force" is gone and earning way more than this Mom ever dreamed of making. Looks like it's just me.
ReplyDeleteI liked the plan you have set yourself. I need to hurry & get mine organized I'm usually organized for christmas by now. I loved coming across your blog. Come visit me sometime soon Best Wishes Caroline
ReplyDeletewhat a brilliant plan....do you mind if I borrow it and twik it a bit for our family?
ReplyDeleteThanks! btw I blogged this week about a book I think you would love.
Mmmm, Italian soda! Molto bene!
ReplyDeleteThat's about how I do it.. nice to declutter from summer!
ReplyDeleteI love doing deep cleaning just before the holidays (as to the extent of spring cleaning). It just makes sense to me. And then I always like to do deep cleaning again after I take all the holiday decor down. "...underpaid illegal work force...Italian sodas." Hahahahahahahaha!
ReplyDeleteYou are so awesome. I'm totally stealing this plan...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration! I've been trying to do some "deep cleaning/organizing", too. With three young children, sometimes it goes. very. slowly. :) However, it's good to be reminded to make goals and stick with them. I don't feel quite so alone, now!
ReplyDeleteSounds like the list I was making for myself while I was cleaning the kitchen this morning.....I love the "underpaid illegal work force, paid under the table in Italian sodas."
ReplyDeleteI love the way you put this. It is work that makes sense. I'm culling through EVERYTHING that I can in the next couple of weeks and having a late yard sale to try to make a little cash for Christmas season fun.
ReplyDeleteA Faithful Reader
Laura
I don't know that I've ever commented on your blog, but I just have to chime in and say that I love the idea of the advent cleaning. What a way to get our homes ready for the Christmas season.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your beautiful blog. :o)
I'll help, as long as you make it an Italian CREAM soda.
ReplyDeleteYour Advent cleaning last year was most inspiring...though, for me, not possible, since I was as sick as a dog. This year, though...oh yes. Advent cleaning for me!
Funny you posting that because this last weekend was our first one at home in a while, and hubby and I ended up spending a fair bit of it cleaning and organizing.
ReplyDeleteI'm in! Keep us updated.
ReplyDeleteAnna, I would love to see your thoughts on Work That Makes Sense - Spring Version to cover April through June. I could use some inspiration!
ReplyDelete