Tip: I took pics of all the areas of my house (inside & out) that I decorated so I can quickly & easily do the same thing next year without trying to figure it out all over again each year. Then after Christmas, I pack away each vignette together so I don't have to scrounge around looking for each extension cord or doodad next year.
I don't pack everything together, but I do take pictures and videos of the different areas I've decorated. I tell my husband to do that with the outdoor decorations. Put all the extension cords and timers with the lights.
Yes, it doesn't make sense to me as an American either. Most years I think about how magical it would be if I told the rest of my family and friends to keep their gifts, I don't want anything and I don't plan on buying anything. I have too much junk, I don't need more. Can't we just get together and party without the commercialism?
You’re not wrong. I have learned that it is best to just admire it in the homes and shops of those who do it well than to try to replicate it myself. Not to mention more economically sound.
One thing I do for any and all gatherings…..is put Target’s 6 for $3 white washcloths….rolled and put in a basket on the back of the toilet to be used individually by family and guests. I set a cute basket on the floor between the sink and toilet…for tossing. No-germs, thoughtful, pretty, easy. No wet, multi-used one towel.
That is such a simple but clever idea! Have to be honest I might even do this on a daily basis because my 3 year old always manages to soak the hand towels and I am pretty sure he has wiped the toilet seat with it on occasion 😅
I have a good tree hack for senior adults. We have 4.5 ft. tree, fully decorated that we cover with an extra large garbage bag and carefully store in a large closet. Make sure ornaments are well-attached, but even if one or two fall off, they probably won't break. Literally 5 minutes to have a fully decorated tree. We also place ours on a small table to make it taller. The tree skirt hides the small table.
when you have cats you have to tether decorations on it... fake trees either bend the wiring or the branch over the ornaments...then if they knock the tree over... things don't fall off either.. tho I usually tether the trees too.
I use a garment bag for my wrapping storage. Pockets for tags and ribbons. Rolls and bows bags and boxes inside. Hangs in the back of my coat closet. I have one for other gifts too.
The Bishop’s Wife with Cary Grant and A Christmas Carol with Patrick Stewart are my go to’s! I’ll put them or music on while wrapping or doing cards and thank you notes! Been doing it for over 24 years, over 36 years with The Bishop’s Wife! Love Actually is hilarious and moving at the same time. NOT FOR KIDS if you’re watching it on Prime or DVD!!! But it’s a phenomenal movie night with the spouse and popcorn.
I don't own any Xmas decor, so I don't have any of those boxes to store and look after. I think all the decorations in malls, shops, etc is more than enough, I don't need to own it. With gifts, I just get experience vouchers for everyone: a meal for 2, an afternoon tea for 2, tickets for a movie, etc. Much simpler for me and more choices for the one who gets them. I just do what I enjoy during the holidays, no pressure.
The best Christmas movie is the 1951 version of A Christmas Carol with Alastair Sim. I watch it every year to stay focused on the meaning of the season.
Restocking your wrapping station in end of December when it's all on sale, and having 90 percent of holiday shopping for gifts and foods done by October 1st. These 2 things will reduce most of the holiday stress!
I had nearly all birthday and Christmas gifts bought by the end of October. It stopped all last minute "I want..." as kids saw ads on TV. I loved shopping after Christmas (or other holidays) to pick up anything seasonal I might need. Throughout the year, if I saw something someone might like, I picked it up. My kids now have busy lives of their own, so I send a check and I am giving my wrapping supplies to charity.
I’ve also found a lot of Christmas paper is double sided, & I can often find one side that is Christmas and one side that is suited to other occasions, like birthdays, so I don’t need to keep as many rolls on hand, but always have something on hand that works. That said, for presents for each other, my husband & I are starting with reusable fabric bags in Christmas prints, to decrease the amount of garbage. We still wrap a few things, but not everything.
"A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, Scrooged, A Christmas Carol (Jim Carrey), The Muppet Christmas Carol, Elf". So glad to hear kitty has recovered so well!
A local theater that has been around Birmingham, Alabama for 100 years has been beautifully restored. They show several Christmas movies throughout the season. We have made it a tradition to take our kids and grown grandkids each year. Last year we saw Elf. This year it is Die Hard. Merry Christmas!
@@Clutterbug thank you for sharing it. My husband had gotten to the point that he didn't enjoy decorating the tree because he kept breaking ornaments and it became a frustrating chore instead of something he enjoyed. These hacks and decluttering tips really give people joy back.
ALL my dinners (year round) take 15 - 30 minutes. It's fantastic. Dinnertime is now a pleasure, not a chore :) I don't feel the need to give a gift just because someone else surprises me with one. I just accept graciously and then add them to my gift list for next year :) The simpler I make my life, the more beautiful it is.
@@MamaBear-m7o and @LoriLynn43016 - Here are some quick and easy meals: steak and sweet potato, soup and grilled cheese, ravioli with butter, chicken nuggets, pasta with meat sauce, scrambled eggs and toast, frozen pizza, chicken broccoli and ziti :) Add frozen or fresh veggies/ fruit as desired. 😊 🍅 🥔
@@MamaBear-m7o and @LoriLynn43016 Some quick and easy meals: pasta with meat sauce, soup and grilled cheese, steak and sweet potato, frozen pizza, chicken broccoli and ziti, scrambled eggs and toast, chicken nuggets, ravioli with butter. Add fresh/frozen veggies and fruit as desired :)
Glad to hear Mr. Bojangles is doing well. The tracker collar is a great idea, but most “cat experts” advise not to put a bell on their collar. Cats can hear even the slightest sound better than humans (like a mouse 20 feet away). Imagine how they hear a bell jingling near their ears. It’s kind of like having a gong attached to a human!
The Muppets Christmas Carol is our tradition. Vastly underrated! Funny for both kids and adults. There is a beautiful but way too long song in the middle where we all take a break. If you watch it on Disney, they've cut it out. We were so mad because we love to complain and make fun of it, so we're watching the dvd!
I came on here to say The Muppets Christmas Carol. It’s just so good. I’ve heard a bunch of reviews about it, saying that it’s one of the versions that is most true to the original book & also highly accurate in costuming. And it has the singing of a street corner choir.
It's the American way.. *whisper whisper* It is the British way. Thank you making me a part of this. You're a little absent minded spirit. No. I'm a large absent minded spirit. BEST....CHRISTMAS.......MOVIE.......EVER!!
35,000 decisions daily! No wonder I'm tired! So Glad Mr. Bojangles is doing well. As for movies, I like "While You Were Sleeping" and "A Love Affair to Remember " and "Sleepless in Seatle" the old romantic movies.... LOL Thanks for the downoads. We all love you, Cas.
Also I buy the apples at Costco that come in a plastic apply thingy that looks like it’s made for those little glass ball ornaments. Works like a charm and it snaps shut…perfect!
So many people don’t bake anymore or never did. I love to give the gift of home baking. Fresh buns, Christmas cake, shortbread, sausage rolls. They are always appreciated and I enjoy doing it.
Exactly! It’s always been my opinion that showing up at someone’s house *unannounced* is rude and incredibly presumptuous - the presumption being that they couldn’t possibly have anything going on, and/or of course they won’t mind dropping everything just for YOU simply because you decided to come over on a whim (and couldn’t even do them the courtesy of calling and asking first??). RUDE.
T = TOWELS, TRASH, AND TOILET PAPER (and soap) Break out the good stuff for the guests. Make sure it is easily accessible so they dont have to open cabinets or text someone for help. Empty trash cans make the powder room so much more inviting. Happy Holidays, Cass! I love your cricket binder style! Everything I do has a binder or typed out list.
Cas, what great ideas. I found your channel years ago. You highlighted how to donate to senior centers and dog shelters. Since then I’ve become such a conscious consumer. I have three standing bags always at home. One for giveaway, one for donation, one for dog shelter. As a de clutter they get filled. Then distributed accordingly. Thank you! Your influence works 😊
They make cardboard ornament storage boxes with cardboard dividers so each ornament is in its own space. You can stack more ornaments in less space than with plastic cups, and the whole storage system is plastic-free.
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" I watched the 1983 version for the first time last night. This movie is so adorable. I'm looking forward to seeing the new one for 2024!!
My fav xmas movie is Christmas Vacation, the uncut version. There are so many nuanced things in that movie, you can watch it over and over and see something different every time.
Such a cute romance movie! My family always watched It's a Wonderful Life w Jimmy Stewart, and Miracle on 34th Street; two of the classics great for the family!n My sis loves The Bishop's Wife.
I once had a friend take me along to their family Christmas. They were exchanging gifts which felt very awkward, but they quickly made me feel welcome by handing me a gift to open. It became my favorite scarf for many years and their kindness was never forgotten.
"It's a Wonderful Life", "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947), "The Muppet Christmas Carol", "Holiday Inn", "A Charlie Brown Christmas", "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus", "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", "Nightmare Before Christmas", "The Shop Around The Corner", "A Christmas Story", "White Christmas", "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer " ... I could keep going. :)
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a tradition that never gets old in our house. Thank you for the planner and all your great ideas! From a fellow 🇨🇦 and an extreme organizer 😊
I used to always read this book to the kids at school. Then, the times changed and it was politically incorrect to laugh about a little girl who is so tough she smokes cigars and steals things. I loved The Herdmans and the simple way they went at life. A great book/movie !
When my son was growing up, I always had him go through his toy box after Thanksgiving and find the toys he thought another child would like that he really didn’t need. And I took him with me to the donation center. We did lots of other charitable activities and to this day as a grown man, he is very giving and helpful for all those around him. I don’t buy gifts anymore for Christmas. My dad asked us to not buy gifts anymore because he doesn’t need anything. My sister and her family have always lived in another state so when the kids were little we used to “exchange” checks (same amount of money) to go towards a larger purchase for our kids. I said one day why are we doing this? She agreed. She bought what she was going to buy and I did the same. We stopped that exchange and stopped sending each other gift cards (which were for the same amount of money). My friends and I stopped giving each other gifts and instead go out to eat at a restaurant and have a glass of wine and have the best time! For us this works great. We all love it! My sister’s kids who are grown now do an exchange with all of their cousins. They draw a name and purchase one gift. Of course, they all post their lists of wants - lol. But that way they get together and have fun. For our family, this has been so freeing- no more running around shopping and everyone is happy. Love the solo cup idea for ornaments! Genius, Cas!❤
I agree. In our family only the kids get gifts until they are grown up. I love to knit and sew for other people but everyone around me has enough of everything. So I knit socks and scarves and I sew underwear for homeless people and donate them to a homeless shelter. These people appreciate those gifts much more than anyone in my family ever will because they really need them. They are so thankful that it brings tears to my eyes.
Thanks for all the amazing tips and amazing binder printables! ADHD here and I love paper and to see the WHOLE picture!! I just read somewhere that you leave a jacket by your door and if someone shows up you throw it on! Depending on who it is you either "just got home" or "you're on the way out"!! LOL! We love Elf, it's so stupid funny!! Definitely The Polar Express, and all the classics of course!!
Please put the section on "putting donations in a gift bag" into a short that I can share for folks who don't like longer videos! I know many who can use that idea! Thanks for great ideas.
"The Bishop's Wife" with Carey Grant & Loretta Young. The one I have to watch every Christmas right now. Cary Grant plays an angel & is sent to earth to help a family (think of "It's a Wonderful Life" sort of). Came out in '48 I think. I think kids would love it too. Discovered this just couple of years ago on Turner Classic Movies. So good & Christmasy...& of course it's Carey Grant!
A great family favorite that I have been watching over and over is " The Christmas ; there is also a sequel to this when all the kids are older. They are both good.
I did the same thing with my totes inside a tote this year for wrapping! I've never had all my stationary, ribbons, and gifting stuff together before. I love it so much.
Thank you I feel more organized already. Adding to the fresh soap and clean hand towel tip, I also put out a fresh roll of paper towel for those that don’t want to share a towel at all😆
Yes to keeping paper towels in a powder room / guest bathroom!! That’s a habit I developed in the early days of the pandemic, and will never go back to hanging only one hand towel for everyone to share (yuck, no thank you, can’t even believe we ever did that! 😝😂). In case anyone is curious, our other bathrooms have multiple hooks on the wall so that each family member has their own personal hand towel. Easy-peasy.
My favorite Christmas movies are Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Carol (the one with Patrick Stewart, but they're all good), The Grinch, and, let's not forget, A Charlie Brown Christmas. Thanks for all the Christmas tips and tricks.
If you get fruit gift boxes, those foam liners with round cutouts also work great for organizing fragile ornaments. Reduce (yeah, I don't do plastic cups anymore) and reuse, baby!
Great tips! I needed these! I love that you mentioned guest soap and hand towels in the bathroom! I like to keep a roll of paper towels on the bathroom counter whenever guests are coming over, this way they don't risk wiping their hands on an already wet hand towel. Yuck! My favorite Christmas movies are some older romantic comedies. "It Happened on 5th Avenue," "Remember the Night", and "Christmas in Connecticut."
MOVIE SUGGESTIONS: Holiday (Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jack Black) The Last Holiday (Queen Latifa) Mr. Bojangles may LOVE an orthopedic bed for Christmas! After surgery is like these, it helps to take pressure off of other joints because they now lay in more specific positions. Glad your little fuzzy man is doing well!!! ❤
The Snowman is a short movie based on the children’s book by Raymond Briggs. Beautiful music and kind of sad at the end. David Bowie does the intro. Love Actually is good as well. Wallace and Gromit Christmas specials as well.
My FAVORITE is A Muppets Christmas Carol...SO funny and heartwarming. My 29 year old daughter says that it used to scare her (ha)...guess the Marley ghost and ghost of Christmas future were a bit too much for her.
It’s my husband’s favorite pre-Christmas tradition. We watch it together now (I’d never seen it) and honestly I think that the Ghost of Christmas Past is the creepiest thing in that movie. She’s just a little too far in the Uncanny Valley for my taste. 😂
One of my favorites as an adult is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. As a kid, my dad loved this movie and I didn't quite get it cuz it was "old." But now I appreciate all of the witty comments and funny lines that the characters say that went over my head as a kid. Also, love Jingle All the Way in all it's corniness.
Thank you so much! I have a very elementary planning guide, but it doesn't have nearly the things this one does. At 72 my memory needs things in writing no matter how good I THNK my memory is:) Looking forward to sitting down tomorrow afternoon and filling out the pages that work for me.
I love the holiday capsule outfits ideas! And the gift bag donations for the kids (and us parents too)! Such a beautiful way to inspire decluttering, considering those who could use it more than us! ❤
Hang in there with Mr. Bo Jangles. It took me over about 1 1/2 years, but now my cat doesn't even try to go out anymore. And she was like him, an outdoor cat. It is tough making an outdoor cat an indoor one but, it's so worth it. Best wishes!
"It's a Wonderful Life" is my favorite Christmas movie. But also other classics like White Christmas or Christmas in Vermont. If you like Christmas comedies, these may not be for you, but I like them. Also, there is a new one out that my family plans to go see called "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever". I'll let you know if its any good.
Tip: I took pics of all the areas of my house (inside & out) that I decorated so I can quickly & easily do the same thing next year without trying to figure it out all over again each year. Then after Christmas, I pack away each vignette together so I don't have to scrounge around looking for each extension cord or doodad next year.
I do this as well, for every season!
Genius! 💕
I don't pack everything together, but I do take pictures and videos of the different areas I've decorated. I tell my husband to do that with the outdoor decorations. Put all the extension cords and timers with the lights.
Me too
We do same! It really helps
I am Dutch. The American way of decorating and gift tradition looks over the top to me. I can imagine that it is overwhelming. I would say minimalize!
Yes, it doesn't make sense to me as an American either. Most years I think about how magical it would be if I told the rest of my family and friends to keep their gifts, I don't want anything and I don't plan on buying anything. I have too much junk, I don't need more. Can't we just get together and party without the commercialism?
You’re not wrong. I have learned that it is best to just admire it in the homes and shops of those who do it well than to try to replicate it myself. Not to mention more economically sound.
@@lizzieboredom92 Just do it! Maybe next summer?
One thing I do for any and all gatherings…..is put Target’s 6 for $3 white washcloths….rolled and put in a basket on the back of the toilet to be used individually by family and guests. I set a cute basket on the floor between the sink and toilet…for tossing. No-germs, thoughtful, pretty, easy. No wet, multi-used one towel.
That is such a simple but clever idea! Have to be honest I might even do this on a daily basis because my 3 year old always manages to soak the hand towels and I am pretty sure he has wiped the toilet seat with it on occasion 😅
@ totally! The cloths get tossed in with the regular washing of bath and kitchen towels, so it’s really close to zero extra work!
Gross what are they wiping
@ their wet hands after washing them.
@@ewilson9435 our bathroom is tiny so the water from the sink splashes onto the toilet seat and he wipes it up.
I have a good tree hack for senior adults. We have 4.5 ft. tree, fully decorated that we cover with an extra large garbage bag and carefully store in a large closet. Make sure ornaments are well-attached, but even if one or two fall off, they probably won't break. Literally 5 minutes to have a fully decorated tree. We also place ours on a small table to make it taller. The tree skirt hides the small table.
Smart!
We started doing the same about 2 years ago. I became allergic to real trees and poinsettias about that time. Sooo much easier.
when you have cats you have to tether decorations on it... fake trees either bend the wiring or the branch over the ornaments...then if they knock the tree over... things don't fall off either.. tho I usually tether the trees too.
While you were sleeping with Sandra Bullock is my fav Christmas movie!! 🍿
I use a garment bag for my wrapping storage. Pockets for tags and ribbons. Rolls and bows bags and boxes inside. Hangs in the back of my coat closet. I have one for other gifts too.
Smart!
The Bishop’s Wife with Cary Grant and A Christmas Carol with Patrick Stewart are my go to’s! I’ll put them or music on while wrapping or doing cards and thank you notes! Been doing it for over 24 years, over 36 years with The Bishop’s Wife! Love Actually is hilarious and moving at the same time. NOT FOR KIDS if you’re watching it on Prime or DVD!!! But it’s a phenomenal movie night with the spouse and popcorn.
"It's a Wonderful Life" and "White Christmas" are our annual must-watch Christmas movies.
Us too!! :) The best!
Add to those two: Miracle on 34th Street (original or remake) and Shop Around the Corner ❤
I don't own any Xmas decor, so I don't have any of those boxes to store and look after. I think all the decorations in malls, shops, etc is more than enough, I don't need to own it. With gifts, I just get experience vouchers for everyone: a meal for 2, an afternoon tea for 2, tickets for a movie, etc. Much simpler for me and more choices for the one who gets them. I just do what I enjoy during the holidays, no pressure.
That is such a great and simple way to approach the holidays!
BEST movie for christmas that very little people know about "The Family Man" with Nicolas Cage and Téa Leoni.
We watch this every year!
I love this movie as well
My favorite too!!❤❤❤
I love this movie and watch it every year, great pic!
Me too!
Christmas With the Kranks is one of my favorite holiday movies.
Same here!❤👍
It’s hilarious
I just watched that for the first time!😅
Yes! It's a must every year in our family.
The best Christmas movie is the 1951 version of A Christmas Carol with Alastair Sim. I watch it every year to stay focused on the meaning of the season.
My husband's favorite version!
I wholeheartedly agree. It's the best one I've ever seen. It will not be decluttered. ❤
Agree, so well done. (We also enjoy the animated Mr. McGoo’s Christmas Carol from the early 1960s.)
Restocking your wrapping station in end of December when it's all on sale, and having 90 percent of holiday shopping for gifts and foods done by October 1st. These 2 things will reduce most of the holiday stress!
I had nearly all birthday and Christmas gifts bought by the end of October. It stopped all last minute "I want..." as kids saw ads on TV. I loved shopping after Christmas (or other holidays) to pick up anything seasonal I might need. Throughout the year, if I saw something someone might like, I picked it up. My kids now have busy lives of their own, so I send a check and I am giving my wrapping supplies to charity.
Always wanted to but never yet accomplished this feat!! You are amazing🎄
I’ve also found a lot of Christmas paper is double sided, & I can often find one side that is Christmas and one side that is suited to other occasions, like birthdays, so I don’t need to keep as many rolls on hand, but always have something on hand that works. That said, for presents for each other, my husband & I are starting with reusable fabric bags in Christmas prints, to decrease the amount of garbage. We still wrap a few things, but not everything.
@@MichelleSinTO agreed. I buy a silver or white print wrap that is non themed. White or silver bows and ribbon.
"A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, Scrooged, A Christmas Carol (Jim Carrey), The Muppet Christmas Carol, Elf". So glad to hear kitty has recovered so well!
A local theater that has been around Birmingham, Alabama for 100 years has been beautifully restored. They show several Christmas movies throughout the season. We have made it a tradition to take our kids and grown grandkids each year. Last year we saw Elf. This year it is Die Hard.
Merry Christmas!
I have a huge family, and when we decided to stop giving gifts it was such a relief 😂🎉
I bet!
I agree, we still buy for the littles, but now it is about experiences and time together
@@carolynshiery3055 Same here: Only the children receive gifts.
The plastic cup trick is amazing. My husband hasn't broken an ornament in the years we started doing this after you sharing it in the past.
I'm so glad it's been working for you!
@@Clutterbug thank you for sharing it. My husband had gotten to the point that he didn't enjoy decorating the tree because he kept breaking ornaments and it became a frustrating chore instead of something he enjoyed. These hacks and decluttering tips really give people joy back.
ALL my dinners (year round) take 15 - 30 minutes. It's fantastic. Dinnertime is now a pleasure, not a chore :)
I don't feel the need to give a gift just because someone else surprises me with one. I just accept graciously and then add them to my gift list for next year :) The simpler I make my life, the more beautiful it is.
tell us your secret, and your recipes!
This mama of 3 would love to know your meal ideas!
@@MamaBear-m7o and @LoriLynn43016 - Here are some quick and easy meals: steak and sweet potato, soup and grilled cheese, ravioli with butter, chicken nuggets, pasta with meat sauce, scrambled eggs and toast, frozen pizza, chicken broccoli and ziti :) Add frozen or fresh veggies/ fruit as desired. 😊 🍅 🥔
@@MamaBear-m7o and @LoriLynn43016 Some quick and easy meals: pasta with meat sauce, soup and grilled cheese, steak and sweet potato, frozen pizza, chicken broccoli and ziti, scrambled eggs and toast, chicken nuggets, ravioli with butter. Add fresh/frozen veggies and fruit as desired :)
Wonderful!
Glad to hear Mr. Bojangles is doing well. The tracker collar is a great idea, but most “cat experts” advise not to put a bell on their collar. Cats can hear even the slightest sound better than humans (like a mouse 20 feet away). Imagine how they hear a bell jingling near their ears. It’s kind of like having a gong attached to a human!
Dear Cas, Can you please make a quick and easy DIY charcuterie video? The one we caught a glimpse of in this video looked amazing!
my favorite is the clay animation Rudolph movie!
Absolute classics!
CONGRATULATIONS on 1 MILLION SUBSCRIBERS! 🎉
Thank you!
The Muppets Christmas Carol is our tradition. Vastly underrated! Funny for both kids and adults. There is a beautiful but way too long song in the middle where we all take a break. If you watch it on Disney, they've cut it out. We were so mad because we love to complain and make fun of it, so we're watching the dvd!
😂 that is so funny and sounds like my family
I came on here to say The Muppets Christmas Carol. It’s just so good. I’ve heard a bunch of reviews about it, saying that it’s one of the versions that is most true to the original book & also highly accurate in costuming. And it has the singing of a street corner choir.
Muppets Christmas Carol is my favorite movie of all time. It’s funny, cute, charming, sad and adorable ❤🐸🐷🎄
One of my all time favourites! My husband and I saw it in the theatre when it was released, always loved it
It's the American way..
*whisper whisper*
It is the British way.
Thank you making me a part of this.
You're a little absent minded spirit.
No. I'm a large absent minded spirit.
BEST....CHRISTMAS.......MOVIE.......EVER!!
35,000 decisions daily! No wonder I'm tired! So Glad Mr. Bojangles is doing well. As for movies, I like "While You Were Sleeping" and "A Love Affair to Remember " and "Sleepless in Seatle" the old romantic movies.... LOL Thanks for the downoads. We all love you, Cas.
Also I buy the apples at Costco that come in a plastic apply thingy that looks like it’s made for those little glass ball ornaments. Works like a charm and it snaps shut…perfect!
Great idea!
I like the old Christmas movies. White Christmas, holiday Inn, it's a wonderful life, mircle on 34th street, little women.
Paper clips to keep your wrapping paper from unraveling is a LIFE SAVER 7:48
So many people don’t bake anymore or never did. I love to give the gift of home baking. Fresh buns, Christmas cake, shortbread, sausage rolls. They are always appreciated and I enjoy doing it.
Thanks for sharing!
Maybe I’m antisocial, but if people just drop by my house they’re lucky if I answer the door 😂
Same!
Me too, but it's due to clutter!! 😂😂😂
You are not alone. I am the same way.
Exactly! It’s always been my opinion that showing up at someone’s house *unannounced* is rude and incredibly presumptuous - the presumption being that they couldn’t possibly have anything going on, and/or of course they won’t mind dropping everything just for YOU simply because you decided to come over on a whim (and couldn’t even do them the courtesy of calling and asking first??). RUDE.
I'm with you. If I don't expect you, don't bother coming.
T = TOWELS, TRASH, AND TOILET PAPER (and soap)
Break out the good stuff for the guests. Make sure it is easily accessible so they dont have to open cabinets or text someone for help. Empty trash cans make the powder room so much more inviting.
Happy Holidays, Cass!
I love your cricket binder style! Everything I do has a binder or typed out list.
Cas, what great ideas. I found your channel years ago. You highlighted how to donate to senior centers and dog shelters. Since then I’ve become such a conscious consumer. I have three standing bags always at home. One for giveaway, one for donation, one for dog shelter. As a de clutter they get filled. Then distributed accordingly. Thank you! Your influence works 😊
They make cardboard ornament storage boxes with cardboard dividers so each ornament is in its own space. You can stack more ornaments in less space than with plastic cups, and the whole storage system is plastic-free.
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" I watched the 1983 version for the first time last night. This movie is so adorable. I'm looking forward to seeing the new one for 2024!!
The new release is AMAZING!!!!
We listened to the audiobook version when I was a teen on a holiday roadtrip once (I loved it). I’ve never seen either movie version though.
My fav xmas movie is Christmas Vacation, the uncut version. There are so many nuanced things in that movie, you can watch it over and over and see something different every time.
I bet!
Favorite Christmas Movie is The Holiday ❤
Such a cute romance movie! My family always watched It's a Wonderful Life w Jimmy Stewart, and Miracle on 34th Street; two of the classics great for the family!n My sis loves The Bishop's Wife.
I once had a friend take me along to their family Christmas. They were exchanging gifts which felt very awkward, but they quickly made me feel welcome by handing me a gift to open. It became my favorite scarf for many years and their kindness was never forgotten.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. HILARIOUS
For sure!
"It's a Wonderful Life", "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947), "The Muppet Christmas Carol", "Holiday Inn", "A Charlie Brown Christmas",
"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus", "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", "Nightmare Before Christmas", "The Shop Around The Corner", "A Christmas Story", "White Christmas", "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer " ... I could keep going. :)
Thank you for the (new to me) old movie suggestions! So excited to watch Holiday Inn and Shop Around the Corner! ❤
Yes!!! on Charlie Brown Christmas 🎄
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a tradition that never gets old in our house. Thank you for the planner and all your great ideas! From a fellow 🇨🇦 and an extreme organizer 😊
One of my favorite Christmas movies is The Santa Clause with Tim Allen, watched it over the weekend. Elf is another favorite.
Those are so good!
Original “Miracle on 34th Street” is my fave!
Classic one!
A movie came out last month (Nov. '24) called "Th Best Christmas Pageant Ever". It's a movie that we will watch every year!
It was my favorite Christmas book growing up, and there was a tv movie w Loretta Swit as well. Can’t wait to see this new movie!
I used to always read this book to the kids at school. Then, the times changed and it was politically incorrect to laugh about a little girl who is so tough she smokes cigars and steals things. I loved The Herdmans and the simple way they went at life. A great book/movie !
When my son was growing up, I always had him go through his toy box after Thanksgiving and find the toys he thought another child would like that he really didn’t need. And I took him with me to the donation center. We did lots of other charitable activities and to this day as a grown man, he is very giving and helpful for all those around him.
I don’t buy gifts anymore for Christmas. My dad asked us to not buy gifts anymore because he doesn’t need anything. My sister and her family have always lived in another state so when the kids were little we used to “exchange” checks (same amount of money) to go towards a larger purchase for our kids. I said one day why are we doing this? She agreed. She bought what she was going to buy and I did the same. We stopped that exchange and stopped sending each other gift cards (which were for the same amount of money). My friends and I stopped giving each other gifts and instead go out to eat at a restaurant and have a glass of wine and have the best time! For us this works great. We all love it!
My sister’s kids who are grown now do an exchange with all of their cousins. They draw a name and purchase one gift. Of course, they all post their lists of wants - lol. But that way they get together and have fun.
For our family, this has been so freeing- no more running around shopping and everyone is happy.
Love the solo cup idea for ornaments! Genius, Cas!❤
I agree. In our family only the kids get gifts until they are grown up. I love to knit and sew for other people but everyone around me has enough of everything. So I knit socks and scarves and I sew underwear for homeless people and donate them to a homeless shelter. These people appreciate those gifts much more than anyone in my family ever will because they really need them. They are so thankful that it brings tears to my eyes.
Glad you think so!
My favorite version of A Christmas Carol is the one with George C Scott as Scrooge! I think it came out in the 80’s.
I love "Last Holiday" with Queen Latifa.
She’s so funny!
Christmas Story!!! GOAT Holiday movie.
A classic movie is White Christmas! Lots of music and dancing. All time favorite!
My favorite Christmas movie is White Christmas. Watch it every year
Beautiful!
That’s my husband’s! I bought the DVD last year and he was so thrilled!!
We always watch Die Hard too!
Thanks for all the amazing tips and amazing binder printables! ADHD here and I love paper and to see the WHOLE picture!! I just read somewhere that you leave a jacket by your door and if someone shows up you throw it on! Depending on who it is you either "just got home" or "you're on the way out"!! LOL!
We love Elf, it's so stupid funny!! Definitely The Polar Express, and all the classics of course!!
You're so welcome!
It’s a Wonderful Life and White Christmas are great
and A Mircle on 34th Street... true classics that shouldn't be missed! I think It's a Wonderful Life is probably my fav
Cas -- "Christmas With The Cranks" is one of my favorites!
I love Christmas with the Kranks! Such a fun movie!
Please put the section on "putting donations in a gift bag" into a short that I can share for folks who don't like longer videos! I know many who can use that idea! Thanks for great ideas.
That's a great idea! I'll see what I can do!
Love Actually is the BEST movie! 🎥
I'll have to watch it!
Yes, my favorite, too!
I love the ornament storage !! 😮
"The Bishop's Wife" with Carey Grant & Loretta Young. The one I have to watch every Christmas right now. Cary Grant plays an angel & is sent to earth to help a family (think of "It's a Wonderful Life" sort of). Came out in '48 I think. I think kids would love it too. Discovered this just couple of years ago on Turner Classic Movies. So good & Christmasy...& of course it's Carey Grant!
Noted!
I love watching Prancer and Family Stone every year.
Thanks for sharing!
Using the plastic cups for ornaments is a fabulous idea that I plan to adopt.
Family Man with Nicholas Cage is one of our favorite Christmas movies !
Thanks for the recommendation!
A great family favorite that I have been watching over and over is " The Christmas ; there is also a sequel to this when all the kids are older. They are both good.
"The Christmas Project"
Ok thanks!
White Christmas! Always and forever. And Holiday Inn, the original that White Christmas was made after.
I did the same thing with my totes inside a tote this year for wrapping! I've never had all my stationary, ribbons, and gifting stuff together before. I love it so much.
Thank you I feel more organized already. Adding to the fresh soap and clean hand towel tip, I also put out a fresh roll of paper towel for those that don’t want to share a towel at all😆
Yes to keeping paper towels in a powder room / guest bathroom!! That’s a habit I developed in the early days of the pandemic, and will never go back to hanging only one hand towel for everyone to share (yuck, no thank you, can’t even believe we ever did that! 😝😂).
In case anyone is curious, our other bathrooms have multiple hooks on the wall so that each family member has their own personal hand towel. Easy-peasy.
I guess Mr. Bojangles doesn’t actually like to jangle 😂 Thanks for the update, I’m so happy to hear he’s doing better!!
My favorite Christmas movies are Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Carol (the one with Patrick Stewart, but they're all good), The Grinch, and, let's not forget, A Charlie Brown Christmas. Thanks for all the Christmas tips and tricks.
If you get fruit gift boxes, those foam liners with round cutouts also work great for organizing fragile ornaments. Reduce (yeah, I don't do plastic cups anymore) and reuse, baby!
I love the movie "Klaus" on netflix. It's animated, but hands down favorite Christmas movie for sure.
Klaus is my new favorite Christmas movie. Ever since it came out I watch it with my kids every year.
I'm not sure I've seen that one. I'll have to look for it!
Great tips! I needed these! I love that you mentioned guest soap and hand towels in the bathroom! I like to keep a roll of paper towels on the bathroom counter whenever guests are coming over, this way they don't risk wiping their hands on an already wet hand towel. Yuck!
My favorite Christmas movies are some older romantic comedies. "It Happened on 5th Avenue," "Remember the Night", and "Christmas in Connecticut."
I love Christmas in Connecticut!
Not familiar with those. Now I have to look them up!
MOVIE SUGGESTIONS:
Holiday (Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jack Black)
The Last Holiday (Queen Latifa)
Mr. Bojangles may LOVE an orthopedic bed for Christmas! After surgery is like these, it helps to take pressure off of other joints because they now lay in more specific positions. Glad your little fuzzy man is doing well!!! ❤
Remember Jude Law as Mr Napkinhead
The Snowman is a short movie based on the children’s book by Raymond Briggs. Beautiful music and kind of sad at the end. David Bowie does the intro. Love Actually is good as well. Wallace and Gromit Christmas specials as well.
Yesss came here to say this and I love Father Christmas, the short Raymond Briggs based movie
I don't have anyone that drops by for a visit during the holidays. We don't go anywhere to avoid overstimulation! I love the Muppets Christmas Carol.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation!!! ❤️😂😂😂😂😂🎄🐿❤️
Yes!
The Man Who Invented Christmas is a fantastic movie. Glad to hear Mr Bojangles is doing so well. Congrats on 1 million subscribers.
Thank you!
White Christmas! We watch it 3 to 4 times a year. It's the greatest.
Me too, we may be the same vintage (1959)
@@anitacox651 Yes, 1956
Thanks for the ideas. I use the old laundry baskets as well. I have so much Christmas stuff so I do need to get rid of stuff and organize better.
I love your binder idea.
My favorite Christmas is While You Were Sleeping. Very cute and family friendly.
My FAVORITE is A Muppets Christmas Carol...SO funny and heartwarming. My 29 year old daughter says that it used to scare her (ha)...guess the Marley ghost and ghost of Christmas future were a bit too much for her.
My favorite movie ever. Muppets are the best ❤
It’s my husband’s favorite pre-Christmas tradition. We watch it together now (I’d never seen it) and honestly I think that the Ghost of Christmas Past is the creepiest thing in that movie. She’s just a little too far in the Uncanny Valley for my taste. 😂
We love the 1951 Alistair Sims version of a Christmas Carol.
Thank you for some good ideas.
You're welcome!
Our favorite Christmas movie is White Christmas. We also watch Polar Express, Elf, and a Christmas Vacation because it's a classic.
An American Christmas Carol with Henry Winkler is a favorite 🎄
I'll have to look that movie up!
Jingle All The Way! Great Christmas comedy on the level of Home Alone.
One of my favorites as an adult is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. As a kid, my dad loved this movie and I didn't quite get it cuz it was "old." But now I appreciate all of the witty comments and funny lines that the characters say that went over my head as a kid. Also, love Jingle All the Way in all it's corniness.
Turbo Man!
Ugh I forgot how much I love you! Got lost in all the shuffle of videos I’m subscribed to. Got you on alert so I don’t miss anymore!!
Thank you so much! I have a very elementary planning guide, but it doesn't have nearly the things this one does. At 72 my memory needs things in writing no matter how good I THNK my memory is:) Looking forward to sitting down tomorrow afternoon and filling out the pages that work for me.
Awesome!
Movies: A Charlie Brown Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, The Holiday and Polar Express. So glad to hear Mr Bojangles is doing great!
Aw thanks!
Great video....Great tips. So glad Mr Bojangles is doing so well..bless him X
Always stay to the end!
I go for the classic movies, The Bishop's Wife, White Christmas, Holiday Inn and most versions of the Christmas Carol! Happy Holidays!
YES!!!🎄🎄🎄
"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is my favorite Christmas movie. Highly recommend if you've never seen it! Love your videos, Happy Holidays!! ❤
I love the holiday capsule outfits ideas! And the gift bag donations for the kids (and us parents too)! Such a beautiful way to inspire decluttering, considering those who could use it more than us! ❤
Exactly!
I love your ideas. You share incredible ideas and I think to myself that's smart.
Hang in there with Mr. Bo Jangles. It took me over about 1 1/2 years, but now my cat doesn't even try to go out anymore. And she was like him, an outdoor cat. It is tough making an outdoor cat an indoor one but, it's so worth it. Best wishes!
Thank you!
The Bishop's Wife. Love your necklace.
It’s a Wonderful Life, Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph, and The Christmas Story are some of my favorite movies for the holidays.
Thanks for the movie list!
"It's a Wonderful Life" is my favorite Christmas movie. But also other classics like White Christmas or Christmas in Vermont. If you like Christmas comedies, these may not be for you, but I like them. Also, there is a new one out that my family plans to go see called "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever". I'll let you know if its any good.
I just saw this movie, and it is so very good. Take a hankie!! 😊
I love the GUEST acronym - I can use it all year long!
Favourite Christmas movie is The Holiday
Cute romance movie!
Spirited with Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell is my new favorite! It's amazing! 😍