I am fortunate enough to work from home, so a sick day can be as simple as setting the kids up with a pillow, blanket and a remote control.  Checking in on them with fluid and a thermometer from time to time gets us through the day.

So, in honour of the cold and flu season and the fact that I have already tested this out twice already this school year, I thought I would revisit our family’s Sick Bucket.  This handy plastic tote full of supplies means I am ready for a sick day.  Don’t assume your pantry or medicine cabinet will have what you need when you need it!

What goes inside?

It really depends on your family and the age of your kids.   First, I keep my bucket on a top shelve because I keep a small selection of cold medicine tucked inside.  I also keep gingerale, soda crackers, chicken soup, cough drops and jello.  My freezer has a bag where I hide a box of popsicles and freezies.   I also like to keep a few treats in the bin for the kids.  When they were small I had colouring books and crayons, now that they are both older I have books and word-search books.

Consider pulling together a few supplies so you are not caught when the kids wake up not feeling well.

It’s Monday and technically the last week of my countdown! I am still trying to get the majority done by the end of this week but I think my goal was somewhat unrealistic, which may be why I usually try to have things done by Dec 1st - just too much going on to get it all done. So, if you are joining us don’t feel behind - anything done in advance is great.

So - if you want to follow me today is all about wrapping gifts. If you have made or purchased a gift get out your wrapping supplies and get things wrapped today or tonight. I have to wait until the kids are in bed but look forward to getting some stuff wrapped. My mother-in-law and I were away shopping this past weekend so I have a stack of things to wrap. I am going to put a movie on and take advantage of the time alone! If you haven’t purchased anything be sure to make a list of the supplies you will need and if you can get out, pick some up so they are in the house. If you have older kids you can ask them to help with the wrapping!

WRAPPING “BAG”

My Christmas wrapping paper station bag was inspired by the flylady some years ago. I like that I can take the garmet bag anywhere in the house and then put it away quickly too. It holds everything I need to wrap gifts including tape, scissors and the tags (in the smaller pockets) - and the usual, tissue, bags, and paper. I took this idea and transfered it into my daily wrapping so I have to of these bags for easy gift wrapping. Both hang in my storage area when I am not using them.