Photograph Credit: iStockphoto
Knowing that a successful year will not materialize on its own, we must plan and prepare for a prosperous 2013.
Throughout the 31 days of January, I will choose one topic each day to prepare or schedule for this year.
Without preparation, I know I will forget, miss, or overlook certain items. If you desire an organized year, then join me in this adventure of Planning for Success for a prosperous 2013.
To receive a daily e-mail around 11:00 a.m. with the new posts of each day, subscribe to my free daily newsletter. In case you miss a post in this series, I will provide the link to each day as the month progresses. 
- Day 1: Select a Planning Tool
- Day 2: Add Your Priorities
- Day 3: Print and Display Your Menu Planner – with free printable
- Day 4: Record Membership Expiration Dates
- Day 5: Mark Due Dates for Monthly Bills
- Day 6: Insert Credit Report Schedule
- Day 7: Schedule Your Annual Home Maintenance
- Day 8: Set Your School and Work Activities
- Day 9: Highlight Contract and Subscription Expiration Dates
- Day 10: Download a Savings Tracker
- Day 11: Note Daily Deals Expiration Dates
- Day 12: Setup Bill Pay
- Day 13: Secure Doctor Appointments
- Day 14: Purchase Batteries
- Day 15: Include Holidays
- Day 16: Jot down Library Return Dates
- Day 17: Track Your Family’s Favorite Meals
- Day 18: Reserve Time for Your Priorities
- Day 19: Post Your Payday Schedule – with free printable
- Day 20: Prepare Your Medical Spending Record – with free printable
- Day 21: Check Light Bulbs and Air Filters
- Day 22: Choose Event Dates
- Day 23: Enter Reward Deadlines
- Day 24: Design a Quick Meals List
Day 25: Document Family Holidays
Our family loves holidays. If no holidays are on the horizon, we have been known to make up our own. For example, we are hoping for a snow day tomorrow. In celebration of the possibility, our family did a snow dance at bedtime tonight. We wore our pajamas inside out and started on our left foot. Besides all the laughter and silliness, we made a memory while exerting the last remnants of energy before going to bed.
Though I will not schedule possible snow days, as we know not what tomorrow will bring, I will document family holidays. With the social media explosion, I love the weekly e-mail from Facebook informing me of my friends’ and family’s birthdays.
With the reminder, I can post or message birthday wishes, but not all of my family members use Facebook. To verify that I don’t forget someone, I document the following types of family holidays in my calendar:
Family Holidays
- Anniversaries
- Birthdays
- Deaths
Remembering both the ups and downs of life keeps our family close. Though the anniversaries and birthdays are preferred, I know the notes of remembrance on or near the home going of a loved one are treasures to hold.
In planning for success in 2013, document your family’s holidays both the ups and the downs. A simple e-mail, card, call, or visit on those special days encourages your relative and brings your family closer. In using time wisely, you cannot afford forgetting your family. Happy documenting!
Question: Where do you record all the dates of your family’s holidays?
I love the idea of a snow day dance! A couple years ago though my kiddos had two full weeks of snow days that came directly after Christmas break. I’m pretty sure quite a few parents were doing back to school day dances that year. I like your idea for documenting the sadness of deaths along with the other holidays.
Thanks, Jean, I needed a good laugh. I like a little snow, but not two weeks worth.
Thanks for the comment!
Regarding the dates of deaths, a friend always remembers the death of my aunt, who was very special to me. My friend’s remembrance means the world to me each August. Knowing the comfort it brings me, I pass that on to other family members during their difficult time because it is the thought that counts.