Let's Set Up Your Holiday Notebook + a FREE Guide!, by Heather at Townsend House on YouTube. 11 min 47 s.
- Video length
- 11 min 47 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Choose a notebook with at least 60 pages and leave the first two pages free for a table of contents. Write each section name and page number as you build it.
On the budget page, write your total holiday spending limit at the top. Split it into lines for gifts, food, cards and postage, travel, decorations and events.
Make a gift list page with five columns: person, gift idea, budget, actual cost and a tick box for bought. Add one row per person.
Set up a calendar page for the months you are planning. Mark parties, school events, last posting dates and paydays so you know when money arrives.
Create a daily spending log with columns for date, what you bought, category and amount. Add a running total column on the right.
Fill in the running total each time you spend. Subtract the amount from that category on your budget page so you always see what is left.
Add a meal plan page for the main days and a matching shopping list. Group ingredients by shop to avoid repeat trips.
Keep a card and address page so you can tick off who has been sent a card. Note the date posted next to each name.
Set a weekly review: compare actual costs with your budget lines, move money between categories if needed, and log anything you forgot.
Tips and common mistakes
Log each purchase the same day, because receipts pile up and small cash spends get forgotten.
Keep a small envelope taped inside the back cover for receipts.
Write amounts in pencil so you can adjust them without crossing out.
Carry the notebook with you so you can check the gift list before buying a duplicate.
Questions
How do I track daily spending in a notebook?
Use one page with date, item, category and amount columns. Add each purchase as you make it and keep a running total so you see the month adding up.
How many sections does a holiday notebook need?
Six is enough: budget, gift list, calendar, spending log, meal plan and card list. Add extra pages later if a section fills up.
What if I go over budget in one category?
Take the extra from another category during your weekly review and write the change on the budget page. The running total shows you where you stand.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
