All About Him

Focusing on 4 areas (yes, only 4) can make a huge difference in the overall feel of a home.  These 4 areas are Paper, Laundry, Meal Planning and Daily Cleaning Routine.  With these 4 areas working efficiently, your home will be much more peaceful.

We talked Paper yesterday.  Now let’s talk about those lovely piles of Laundry.  Laundry is one of those chores I would rather put off, but I have found a few ways to make it much more manageable.

If you struggle to keep up with your laundry ask yourself these 2 questions…

1.  How easy it is for me to get the laundry into the washer?
Do you have to go to multiple rooms and multiple hampers to gather the dirty laundry and towels?  How about sorting?  Do you have an easy way to sort the whites from the darks…?  Do you have to struggle to pull a loaded hamper or basket down the stairs and into the laundry room?  If so, this could be one of the major reasons your laundry system isn’t working.  Consider some ways to make this process easier…

Could you put one hamper in a spot that everyone can use rather than having a hamper in multiple rooms?
How about using a divided hamper so everyone can sort the laundry as it is tossed in?
A smaller collapsible hamper can be stored by or near the large hamper and used to easily take one already sorted load to the washer.
There are lots of ways to make the laundry gathering process easier.

2. Do I have too many clothes, sheets and/or towels?
Our immediate response is to answer “No way!”, but if you are struggling to stay on top of your laundry this really could be the problem.  We have to admit that sometimes the thing motivating a load of laundry being washed is the fact that there are no more clean (fill in the blank).  I learned to use this to my advantage.  The key is – don’t let yourself have so many towels, clothes and sheets that you can ALLOW big stacks of laundry to pile up.  For example, I decided that if I could go an entire week without washing towels – we had too many towels.  Paring them down has really helped cut back on the stack of towels waiting to be washed.  *I do have a stash of extra towels in case of an emergency or overnight guests.
Paring down my t-shirts means I always have a fresh and clean favorite to wear – no more wearing the ones at the bottom of the stack that I really didn’t like anyway.  I also just have one extra set of sheets for each bed.  If I want clean sheets in a week I have to wash the ones I just took off the bed (within that week).  It really has worked to keep me motivated and moving and I love that there is less to wash.
Now, I know you are thinking “But you are washing more often and I don’t want to wash more often!”  I wondered the same thing as I was working to pare down.  The truth I found is that I am still washing the same number of loads each week.  I washed a load of towels every couple of days before, I ran a load of clothes every day before – the difference?  No more stacks of stuff I didn’t get to!  LOVE that.

Happy January!

The Christmas decorations are packed away and the kids are back in school.  I hope you had a really nice holiday break and that you are enjoying the first weeks of 2012!  I love the natural motivation that comes with a new year.  Most everyone starts January with a few things they would like to improve.  If organizing your home is on your list, continue reading for some easy ways to make a BIG difference…

Focusing on 4 areas (yes, only 4) makes a huge difference in the overall feel of a home. These 4 areas are Paper, Laundry, Meal Planning and Daily Cleaning Routine.  With these 4 areas working efficiently, your home will be much more peaceful.  Today we will talk about Paper.  I’ll continue with the other 3 areas throughout the rest of the week.

1. Paper

We all have paper entering our homes on a daily basis (receipts, bills, mail…).  The fastest way to come up with your own plan to tame the piles of paper (that can quickly stack up) is to evaluate what is in the piles.  Go get one of the smaller stacks – yes right now.

Starting with the thing on top, evaluate each item in the stack by asking 2 questions…

A. Is this in this stack because I don’t really have a place for it?

B. Is this in this stack because I have a place for it, but it just didn’t make it there?

If you answered A, it needs an established spot.
If you answered B, it needs an easier to access spot.

Establishing a Spot:
I like using 3 ring binders for most of my paper organizing.  I keep them in a super easy place to grab and file new additions.  I have a binder for each child with dividers for school info, activity info (dance, piano…).  I have a binder with dividers for the house info (appliances, the lawn company, trash pick up, recycling info…).  I have a personal binder with dividers for my own things (ideas I want to try, things I want to read, special things I want to save…).  I keep bills I need to pay in a small box that stays on my desk right where I can see it.  If you don’t think binders would work for you, try file folders or simply take a walk down the office supply aisle for lots of great paper taming ideas.

Establishing an Easier to Access Spot:
Evaluate why your current system is not working well.  Is your file drawer packed and hard to use?  Take some time to clean it out.  Does your current filing system use a stack of boxes with lids?  Drawers are much easier to slide open and closed.  Did you find any junk mail in your pile?  Maybe a small trash can should be added to the place you open mail, or you should move to opening mail closer to your trash can.  Do you have a set of binders, but your paper stacks up to be filed in them?  Make sure a three hole punch, extra dividers (for making new sections as needed) and page protectors (for things you don’t want to punch holes in) are all within easy reach of your binders.  Little adjustments can make all the difference.

After Christmas Organizing…
1. Reorganize your decorations as you put them away. Take your time to be sure you make pulling them out again next year a pleasure rather than a chore. Make notes about which decorations are stored in each box and put the list in your notebook. That way, you will have an inventory and can easily find everything you are looking for.  Taking pictures of your decorations before you take them down is a great way to remember what you did with your decorations from year to year.  Print these pictures and pack them away with your decorations or file them in your notebook so they will be a help to you next year.

2. Take inventory of needs and take advantage of the after Christmas sales. Make a list of needed additions and supplies and take advantage of all the after Christmas sales on Christmas decorations, wrapping paper, ornaments, cards, tags, storage containers…

3. Make necessary changes, additions and updates to your Christmas card list.  Double check the addresses you have with the return addresses on the cards you received.  Track down new addresses for any cards that were returned to you as undeliverable.

4. Establish your budget for next year based on experience. Evaluate how you did with the budget you set for this year. Was it on target? Make the necessary adjustments and start a savings plan now so you can shop early and eliminate financial stress.

5. Double check your gift list to be sure you recorded what you gave everyone this year. Also, start making a list of gift ideas for next year. Did you have a great idea for someone, but ran out of time to find it? Did you see a great gift idea used by someone else that would be perfect for someone on your list? Write it down or you will forget!

6. Make final notes in your notebook for next year. Keep a record of EVERYTHING – what worked, what didn’t, what you particularly enjoyed, record your menu and make menu planning a breeze for next year, make notes about changes/specifics on recipes you used, note things you would like to do differently, note what your family liked best…and remember to keep your notebook handy to continue to add notes as they come to mind.  Remember, every note you make to yourself now – while it is still fresh in your mind – will serve as a BIG help to you in years to come.

7. Save your December calendar. Put a copy of your December calendar in your notebook.  From year to year I always seem to forget the specifics of how VERY full December can be. Having the month’s activities from the previous December helps as you make plans for coming years and also serves as great motivation to get started early!

8. Wash towels and linens from guests and do a quick recovery cleaning on your home.  Take the time to return your house to the order you like to maintain.  Find homes for new items and make a quick de-cluttering and cleaning run through each room.

“God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heavenand on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:9-11

What’s left in your boxes?
If your Christmas decorations are up, take a look in your storage boxes. They should be empty right? If not, take a good look at what you have left in them. Are they things you could donate to allow someone else to enjoy?  This is the perfect time to do some decoration purging, so take advantage of it!
Keep the change and end up with a clean house for December!
Everyone works to have a clean house for the holidays and with all the added activities it can be tough to find the time. Here is an easy solution. Find a fun jar or bottle and put it in a place where you can easily add your coins to it each day (mine is in my closet). They make your purse heavy anyway. Do this beginning in January. By next Christmas you will have enough money to hire a maid service for a one time cleaning. Be sure to call and get on their schedule early. They are really busy this time of year.

Organizing Christmas decorations.
This is also the perfect time to think about better organizing your Christmas decorations.  You can easily do it as you put everything away, so start thinking about your storage options now. Do you like where and how your decorations are currently being stored? Can you think of a way to make improvements so that decorating will be even easier? Do you need new storage boxes/tubs? Go ahead and make the needed preparations so that you can easily organize everything as you put it away.

Make yourself a decoration reference.

Even if you do not need to do any reorganizing, make yourself a decoration reference to keep in your notebook.  As you put your decorations away, number your boxes or containers and list all the items that are in each one.  Next year, when you are looking for a particular decoration, you will be able to go right to the correct box!  No more opening, closing and searching.

Glue station.
Every year, as we unpack our decorations, we seem to find a few broken pieces. I think many types of glue finds itself to be no match for the hot Texas summers in my attic. Anyway, it is always sort of sad, in the middle of all the decorating fun, to find the pieces of a precious ornament or decoration. This year, before we pulled out our decorations, I set up a gluing station. I just grabbed my glue gun and some super glue and had them ready on the counter in the kitchen. As we found something in need of repair, off to the gluing station it went.  It was easy to go ahead and fix it. No sad faces.

Did you make a list of Thanksgiving notes?
Grab your notebook, right now, go get it. Take a few minutes to make some notes for next year in the Thanksgiving section of your notebook. List your menu while it is still fresh in your mind. Write notes about what you did this year that you are really enjoyed. Make notes about things you learned not to do. Make notes about things you would have liked to have done. Make notes about things your family really enjoyed. Make notes about things you want to be sure to do next year. Make notes about things you want to be sure NOT to do next year. The more notes you make the better! Write down everything. Maybe your brain is less cluttered than mine, but I am always amazed at how quickly I forget. Now is the time, while these things are fresh on your mind, so be sure not to miss this opportunity to make things much easier for yourself next year.

A picture is worth…
Once your decorations are up, take a few quick pictures to print and file into your notebook. Even if you make some changes from year to year it will be really nice to be able to look back at ideas from previous years.

Spread joy everywhere you go.
I love taking little gifts with me as I am out running errands this time of year. The reactions I get are always such a blessing to me.  Try it!

Think beyond Christmas.
One of the common complaints I hear from those who purchase their gifts early is that while they are out in the stores in December, they come across a great gift for someone they have already bought for. I always tell them to think about using that gift (or the one they already have) for another occasion. You could end December with all your Birthday gifts, Father’s Day gifts, Mother’s day gifts, Valentines and Easter gifts all done too! (just kidding)

Just for fun.
While all the Christmas things are out in the stores, look for something fun to add to your notebook. You might find a fun Christmas pen and/or pencil. I found some holiday post-it notes to add to mine. I love having these fun little things to use in my notebook year round. It automatically helps me to think Christmas, even in July!

Don’t forget to add scripture.
Be sure to add your favorite verses to your decorations. You will love the way being surrounded by scripture helps keep your mind on celebrating Jesus throughout December.

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 15:5&6

Here are all the crafts for our Super Saturday! (:

Calendar Planning

“Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial.  Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive.”
I Corinthians 10:23 NIV

I am convinced that keeping a calendar is one of the single biggest stress reducing and planning tools I have.  It helps me be realistic about our available time and shows me possible conflicts in our family’s schedule in plenty of time to work out the needed details.  Having all our events and activities recorded in one place makes a huge difference in the peace and order of our everyday.

I also use my calendar to help map out how to tackle a several day (or several week) project.  Writing down what I want to accomplish on certain days and giving myself deadlines helps to keep me on track and motivated.  I would like to suggest you try this for your Christmas plans.

Even if you normally keep everything on an electronic calendar, use a hard copy to map everything out.  Being able to see the entire month at one time makes a big difference.  Once your plans are set, you can add it to your phone and/or computer…

Step 1 – Be willing to say no.

Read the verse from I Corinthians at the top of the page.  This is the verse the Holy Spirit brings to mind every time I am praying about adding something new to our calendar.  If I said yes to everything we would never be home.  Prayerfully consider everything you add to your calendar.  Remember, just because it is physically possible, does not mean it is wise.  Staying too busy robs us of so much.  Be very intentional about not packing your calendar beyond your limits.

Step 2 – Claim your special times to celebrate now:
I just got back from a fun trip with some girlfriends of mine.  We put this trip on our calendars several months ago.  We all agreed that we would never have been able to go if we had not simply put it on the calendar and planned everything else around it.  That is exactly what I would like to encourage you to do for the month of December.  Claim and set aside your special times to celebrate Christ with friends and family now.

Read back over the notes you made during your Christmas in September party.  Go ahead and choose dates for your plans and list them on your calendar.  List all established traditions as well as new plans you would like to include.

You may decide to set aside some extra quiet time one morning just to enjoy reading through the Christmas story or to make a special Happy Birthday Jesus pancake breakfast.  You may want to plan a special dinner for friends or get tickets to see a Christmas program or choir special at a church.  No matter what your individual Christmas celebration will include, be sure to take this opportunity to give these special times to worship and celebrate Jesus top priority on your calendar.

Step 3 – Record dates as you get them:
Go ahead and record any dates you already know are important (like school holidays, work holidays, office parties, church special events…).
Step 4 – Map out your Christmas plans to keep you on track and motivated throughout the months prior to December.

Gifts and Stockings
Be sure your gift and stocking strategies are listed on your calendar. If you have chosen the knock it out in one weekend approach, pick your weekend and write it down. If you are dividing your list up among several weeks, list the weeks you will shop. You could even decide who you will shop for on each week. One week you could focus on the children on your list, the next week could be your parents and siblings…If you will be making gifts, break the work down and give yourself deadlines for each part. Writing all of this down on specific dates will help you stay on track.

Establish and record a wrapping plan:
Just as we established a gift buying plan, we need to also decide on a wrapping plan. If you will be buying a few gifts each week, you could wrap each one when you get home from shopping. If you will be buying all your gifts in one weekend, you may want to divide up the wrapping among the following weeks. Be sure to write your plan on your calendar.

Record your Christmas card plans:
If you are sending Christmas cards, you should have a plan for the date to have them completed as well as a strategy for completing them. Remember to be specific as you record your plans.

Step 5 – File your calendar in your notebook.

Once your pre-planning is done, file this calendar in your notebook so it will be easy to access and add to as needed.  If you use an electronic calendar, add your special dates there and set the needed reminders.

Budget Planning

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ ”
Hebrews 13:5 ESV

I know talking about budget planning is not the most fun assignment, but taking time to do this now will alleviate the financial stress that can surround the holidays.  Every party should have a budget and what you spend on your Christmas celebrating should never be a financial strain. Starting early will allow sufficient time to plan and prepare. You will find budget planning gets easier with each passing year, so just jump in and get started!

Step 1 – Be sure to start with prayer.

Before we do anything else, let’s spend some time praying over our budget planning.  For this particular assignment, I would like you to begin by covering your attitude and budget assignment in prayer first.
Step 2 – List gift budget needs.
Since you already have your gift list made, pull it out and use a pencil to also list the approximate amount you estimate spending for each person. Add up this total, make any needed adjustments and you will be well on your way to making your budget.

Step 3 – List budget needs other than gifts.

You will find there can be several holiday budget needs besides gift giving. Many forget the incidental expenses when budgeting and end up disappointed in their budgeting abilities.  Brainstorm and record these incidental expenses as well.  I have made a list below to get you thinking.  List any incidental expenses you will incur and approximate amounts (in pencil) by each of these items as well.  Add all of these expenses up and make any needed adjustments to the amounts.

Examples of Possible Expenses:
Charity involvement (Angel Tree, Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes, care packages for soldiers or other charity), gift wrap, tape, tags, ribbon, tissue, gift bags, extra grocery money for special baking, parties or holiday meals, Christmas tree, other decorations, tickets to Christmas play, program or light display, Christmas cards, postage for cards, boxes and packing materials for mailing gifts, postage for mailing gifts, photo developing, traveling expenses, gas, holiday clothes…

*If you are married, complete Step 4 below.  If you are single, skip to Step 5.

Step 4 – Plan a special time to talk about your budget with your husband.

Take time to sit down with your husband and talk about your Christmas budget.  Looking over and making decisions together, will make sure you are both on the same page. I want to encourage everyone to do this, even if you have an established holiday budget.  It is always good to make annual updates together.

The Five Rules:
1. Be prepared. There may be exceptions (I don’t know any, but I’m sure they could exist), but most men appreciate short and concise financial discussions. He will appreciate that you have taken the time to think through your expenses, and that all the amounts are written in pencil. If you have not completed steps 1-3, be sure to have them completed before you meet with your husband.

2. Tell him early in the week that you would like to have this time together and let him be a part (if he wants to be) of deciding what day and time it will happen. Be sensitive to his schedule.

3. Tell him you have worked on a list of expenses and offer (not insist) to let him look at it, and possibly make his own additions/suggested revisions before your time together.

4. You are not allowed to argue. It’s a rule. No arguing. Finances are one of the top issues couples argue about. Be sure you have spent time praying over your time together and go into it with the proper attitude. Todd and I have a rule – if you are uncomfortable with it, then I’m not comfortable with it. We have used this rule with decisions as simple as choosing furniture, to decisions as big as listing who will care for our children in our will. We work together to come up with something we are both comfortable with. There is always a compromise; you just have to be determined to find it.

5. At the end of this time, honor your husband by telling him how much you appreciate his providing for your family. Maybe you are the bread winner in the home, but he still contributes in some way. Thank him for all he does.

Step 5 – File your budget in your notebook.

Once you have a budget you have prayed over and are comfortable with, be sure to put your finalized holiday budget in your notebook so you it will be easy to find. Coming up with the perfect budget isn’t going to help if it is not easily accessible.

Giving

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.  And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother,and they fell down and worshiped him.  Then, opening their treasures,they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Matthew 2:10&11 ESV

Gift giving has been a part of many different types of celebrations for thousands of years.  In our country gifts are associated with several holidays and special events.  Taking the time to choose a gift for someone on a special occasion, like their wedding day or on a birthday, is a way to communicate well wishes, care and love.  Unfortunately, this simple act can very easily be twisted into feeling like a burdensome obligation.

Our enemy is very good at working to corrupt anything that is good and right and pure.  The commercialism that surrounds the giving of Christmas gifts is a prime example of his handiwork.  Let’s be sure we are not letting him influence our hearts and minds.

So how does giving gifts to others at Christmas worship and celebrate Jesus on His birthday?  To answer that, let me ask a question…

If Jesus were physically sitting with you right now and you asked Him what gift you could give Him for His birthday what do you think He would say?  Do you think He would pull out a long gift list full of wants or do you think He would ask you to serve or give to someone else?

Let’s take a look at Mark 12:29-31 for our answer…

“Jesus answered, The most important is, Hear, O Israel:

The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  And you shall love

the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  There is no other commandment greater than these.”            Mark 12:29-31 ESV

Jesus said there was nothing more important than loving God and loving others.  Showing love to those around us, whether we do this by giving gifts or some other act of love, can be a wonderful worship response as we celebrate Jesus.  Does this act of love need to be big and elaborate?  No.  Does this act of love need to cost lots of money?  No.  Does this act of love have to be something that can be wrapped in a box?  No.  The specifics of how we apply this commandment, listed as most important by Jesus, will be individual to each one of us.

Now that our hearts and minds are focused on celebrating Jesus through all we give, let’s do a little planning.  Keep reading for a simple 5 step plan to help organize your gift giving.

Step 1 – Find some space in your house for Christmas gifts

Search your house for a good spot that will be easily accessible to you.  This spot will hold gift wrap, ribbon, gifts you will be purchasing…  We will be shopping early, so you need a place to keep everything!   I highly recommend ONE spot.  I have helped members of my family (who will remain nameless) find gifts that were purchased ahead of time and “hidden.”  You don’t need that kind of stress.  In past years I have used a large under the bed storage container I found at Target.  It is long enough for rolls of gift wrap (we will get to that later) and conveniently holds and hides all my gifts.  Just find your spot, be realistic about the size you need and get it dusted off or cleared out or, well, just ready.  If you have already purchased some Christmas gifts, collect them together, from their “hiding places¨ into your new area.  Stock this space with your wrapping paper, gift bags, tissue, tape, scissors, ribbon, gift tags…  Having one place to store gifts and wrapping supplies makes this process simple and easy.

Step 2 – Make your gift list

Make a list of the names you would normally give a gift to this Christmas.  Also, if you do stockings, list those you will fill a stocking for.  Below I have listed some names to help jog your memory as you make your own list.  This is simply to help you think through the names you may want to add to your list.  Do not think, “I’m starting so early this year, I should be able to do something for everyone I know.”  Pray through this process and only add those you feel led to list.

immediate family, extended family, friends, neighbors, Bible study leader, Sunday school teachers, kids extra curricular coaches/instructors, teachers (from church, school…), church staff, church secretaries, small group members, husband’s work associates or employees, your own work associates or employees, kids classmates, baby sitters, mail man, paper deliverer, trash pick up, maid, yard help, exterminator, doctors, dentist, hostess gifts for annual Christmas parties you attend…

*Put Jesus’ name on your gift list.  Ask Him to show you some way you can be a blessing to someone this December as a special gift to Him.  Trust that He will cause a person or organization to cross your path.  You could also do this individually or as a family.

Step 3 – Decide on a gift strategy

Now that you have your gift list made, you are ready to decide on a gift strategy.  There are three basic strategies to choose from…

Strategy #1 – Knock it out – Set aside a weekend and buy all your gifts in two or three days.  This approach is for the person who will have all of their budget money at once, has lots of energy and loves to shop all day.  In one weekend, you will accomplish buying ALL your Christmas gifts.

Strategy #2 – Divide and conquer – Divide your list and buy a few gifts each week.  This approach is easier on the budget and allows you to focus on a few gifts at a time.  It will take you longer to get finished, but you can still plan to be finished early.  Count the number of people on your gift list and divide it by the number of weeks you want to take to shop.  That will give you the number of gifts to buy each week.

Strategy #3 – A combination of the two – Set aside a weekend or a Saturday to buy as many gifts as your feet will allow and then divide the rest among the weeks following.  You could also end with a Saturday shopping day to polish off any remaining gift needs.

Most years I have used strategy #3.  I usually set my goal to be finished by the end of October, but you set a goal that will work best for you.  You may also be one who enjoys shopping for gifts in the middle of the holiday season.  You can always save a few gifts to buy during this time, just be sure to keep this list realistic considering the shortness of time during the four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I thoroughly enjoy being able to devote those four weeks to time with my family and the fun things we do to keep focused on Christ through the Christmas season.  If we go shopping during these four weeks, it is for fun, not because we need to.  It is so freeing!  Spend some time this week looking at a calendar, counting the number of names on your gift list and deciding on the gift strategy that will work best for you.

Are you planning to make any of your gifts?

Handmade gifts are always so treasured.  Take some time to plan out a gift making strategy.  Be sure to give yourself plenty of time.  Things I make seem to, as a rule, take longer than I anticipated.  Start with the time you think it will take and double it.  This will make sure you have all the time you need to enjoy the process.

A Fun Idea:

Plan a weekend away with a friend or group of friends to do your Christmas shopping!  You could get a room at a hotel near a fun shopping area, mall or outlet mall.  Don’t forget to pack your wrapping supplies (tape, scissors, paper, tags…) and have fun going back to the room to wrap all your fun finds.

You could also plan a separate time to get together to work on handmade gifts.

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on in love and good deeds.”

Hebrews 10:24

Step 4 – Brainstorm for gift ideas

Now that you have your names listed, it’s time to add gift ideas.  I like to keep a list of gift ideas going all year.  Anytime I hear someone mention a gift idea or I see something I think would make a fun gift, I write it in my organizer.  I have this list to reference for birthdays, Christmas, Mother’s day…

Step 5 – Keep a Gift Inventory

As you are doing your shopping, be sure to record what you are purchasing on your gift list and it will also serve as your gift inventory.  You may have a better memory than me, but I always appreciate being able to run down my gift list and be reminded of who I have bought for and what the gift was.

Also, as I buy my gifts, I assign each one a number.  Once the gift is wrapped, I write its number on the back of the gift, in one of the corners.  I write it so little; no one knows it’s there but me.  I have been so glad, on many occasions, to have had this information.  I know this may seem a little obsessive, but imagine with me for a minute…several packages of similar size are beautifully wrapped and placed beneath the tree when along comes the new puppy… or how about a toddler?  Bows and tags everywhere and no way to know which gift is which without unwrapping them.  Anyone planning to do traveling with gifts?  My experience has been that gift tags and bows do tend to move around a bit.  Use this system and you will be glad you did.