Need tips for holiday & Dec trip preparations!!

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

My trip is a big one from 11.27 - 12.14 (driving from NJ). I have 3 small kids ( 6, 4, almost 3) and the trip is well planned, but I am worried now about getting things ready for the holidays, too, with this being trip planned right at the beginning of the holdiay season!

I am looking for any ideas that others have used to get ready for a trip and the holidays at the same time. Any suggestions on things to do before the trip, things to do while away (any holiday shopping ideas, holiday card ideas, etc) that will make the holidays go smoother when we return. Any ideas, tips, hints, suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

[kyirish25]

Our trip isn't near as long 11/27 - 12/5 but we also have a birthday to celebrate on 12/14 so it does make things a bit hectic.

We actually put up our Christmas tree and decorations before leaving. Nothing beats coming home to the holiday spirit. And one less thing to do later in the month.

Also do as much shopping as possible ahead of time. And even wrap the gifts up.

For Christmas cards we do the photo cards and try and send a great shot from WDW. I have the address labels printed out, return address labels and stamps all ready. Just have to get the photo card back (I use Ofoto and they have very quick service) and throw them into envelopes.

 

[disneyfan551]

kyirish25...how did you like ofoto? Have you used other online photo services? I'm thinking of doing the same this year, right after our early Dec. trip to the World...

 

[femail]

looks like a lot of kids are getting out a few days of school; i love that !! my two will miss 3 days and i can't think of a thing better than going to see mickey !!

if you are staying on property, i was really amazed at how much fun all the kids were having at the pool.. take toys... k2 see y'all there!! going to buy my greenie now to say hi yall!!

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

We're going Nov.26- Dec.4.

Last year, I had our Christmas card picture taken in Sept. I dropped all of our cards in the mail before leaving on vacation. That took a lot off of me.

This year when I take down our Halloween decorations, I'm going to go ahead and put up the Christmas decorations. Just on the inside, not the outside.

I will try to buy all of our Christmas presents before leaving and get them wrapped/shipped. I will buy the rest at WDW.

There is so much that you can do before your trip. Go to www.flylady.com and she tells you how to get organized for the holidays.

Lori

 

[kyirish25]

disneyfan551
I really love Ofoto. Great Kodax quality and very quick on processing. I use them for prints, photo cards and also have done the photo books. I'm working on calendars for some Christmas gifts and have no doubt they will turn out perfectly.

 

[momof3greatboys]

We also are planning a December trip (10-15). Some girlfriends and I are going this weekend for a power 2 day shopping trip to attempt to get a majority of Christmas shopping done. I also already ordered my Christmas cards. I bought the kind you just slide the photo in, so I will address, stamp, & write out the cards soon, then hopefully I will return from our trip with a great WDW shot of my kids and just slide it in and send them off. I also used Ofoto last year and was very happy with the results. I just thought since our trip is a little later, I could actually get the reprints done while I am there and be ready to send them out on the 16th or 17th. Good Luck!
Michelle
"momof3greatboys"

 

[bigkidcarrie]

Originally posted by kyirish25
Our trip isn't near as long 11/27 - 12/5 but we also have a birthday to celebrate on 12/14 so it does make things a bit hectic.

We actually put up our Christmas tree and decorations before leaving. Nothing beats coming home to the holiday spirit. And one less thing to do later in the month.

Also do as much shopping as possible ahead of time. And even wrap the gifts up.

For Christmas cards we do the photo cards and try and send a great shot from WDW. I have the address labels printed out, return address labels and stamps all ready. Just have to get the photo card back (I use Ofoto and they have very quick service) and throw them into envelopes.

How do you get and use the countdown?

 

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

Hi Everyone,
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm making pretty good progress. I actually am a Flybaby but didn't think to check the site for the holiday planner. That's been a huge help! I try to spend 15 minutes a day on holdiay stuff (online shopping, printing labels, wrapping, etc.) and 15 minutes a day on Disney prep (getting videos together for the car, ordering TripTiks from AAA, little projects like that) and it seems to be working.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[HenDuck]

We'll be in DL from 12/8 through 12/15. This has forced me to be more organized and yet more laid back when it comes to the holidays.

The Christmas shopping is pretty much done. We just ordered our photo Christmas cards yesterday and will have them before Thanksgiving. I plan on having the postage stamps and mailing labels done by then and will have all ready to mail out the day before we leave for California.

I also hope to deliver most if not all of my gifts before the trip too. That way, when we return, I can bake, which I never have time to do, and really enjoy the holidays.

I also figure we'll play some things by ear, like if and when to get a tree.

I have also given myself permission to use a little of my savings to cover early Christmas shopping and to use my January savings amount to pay for DL. This way, it's less stressful trying to figure out how to "do it all". I figure, if we all have a great trip and a less stressful holidays, it will all be worth it.

PLUS I can't wait to see the Christmas decorations at DL, so it will already be a special holiday season for my whole family!

Hope everyone has a great one!

 

[dzneelvr]

Also, buy special WDW holiday gifts and have them shipped home. Clothing items and things for the home are a sure hit for those family members who won't be going.
I know I'd love anything that had a WDW holiday theme to it.
Doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg either.....there are many items for under $20 at the WOD store in DD. (and for AP holders you get a straight 10% discount on all purchases). The Christmas store at DTD has a wide variety of non breakable ornaments that can be personalized...
Have a wonderful time.