Keeping Gift Opening Under Wraps

Opening gifts is one of my favorite times during the holidays. I not only love to get gifts, but I love to see the look on someones face when I have managed to find 'just the right gift'. The highlight of the holiday is to see the kids jump for joy when they have something that they have wished and wished for. After a ton of Christmas's, I have finally come up with a routine that keeps it organized and clean without creating stress and panic.

1. Have someone be in charge of putting the wrapping paper in plastic garbage bags, so it isn't lying all over the room

2. Let the children 'help' hand out the presents. Make a game of it. They have to act like Santa, say 'Ho Ho Ho' and give out a gift. Set a specific number of gifts they each are allowed to hand out, then an adult can take over so the kids can open their presents.

3. Give each family, a bag, in which to put there gifts. A good idea is to have this ready before hand, with the name of the family on the bag. Then, when the day is over, they all can take the bag with their name on it and already have everything together and ready for them. This saves on forgotten gifts and lost items.

4. Have a designated area that the kids can play with their possessions so they aren't running and screaming while you are trying to converse. A great place is in a bedroom area. Try to keep the area in a separate place from your kids play room, so the toys don't get mixed up or lost.

5. Let the kids play a 'BOW' game after the presents are open, this may even become a family tradition. Divide the children into equal groups, give each group and even amount of bows. Now they have to use their little imaginations and make something. Set a kitchen timer for 10 minutes and then they can show off their masterpieces. This might be a Christmas tree on a door made of bows, a colorful wreath or they may decide to decorate the refrigerator or the bathroom door. It really doesn't make any difference if they put the boys on wood. Simply wash the area with your vinegar and water and polish with your furniture wipe the next day.

Have a wonderful and stress-free Christmas!

Posted December 24, 2007, filed in Clutter Control Products, Clutter Hacks