December Planner, Part One / Simple Stories Carpe Diem

I have two running "calendars" for the month of December in my Simple Stories A5 Carpe Diem planner; the monthly overview with events and dates planned in advanced and a double page spread to record the momentous events that will be featured in my December Daily. I have YET to finish a December Daily album and as such, know that tracking the Elf on the Shelf activities and antics on the right hand side and the daily life events on the other will be necessary for future designing. Perhaps this year...

Today I am sharing with you my monthly planned events calendar.

I have a die cut insert from the Claus & Co collection between the two pages for some festive decor! I like to keep track of the month and have quick access to the dates so use the black polka dot bookmark for that reason. It compliments the red, green and black color palate that I opted for in my planner.

Some of the elements are exclusive to Carpe Diem and the rest are from the Claus and Co collection. I looked for the color coordinating elements from Carpe Diem and tried to stick with those colors. There is so much that goes on in December that busy and competing colors in my calendar are not appreciated! This happens to have been early in the month when events and activities were rather sparse and calm from what the remainder of the month looks like today.

Those of you who have been around a while know that my kids both swim competitively. Keeping track of swim meets is on ongoing affair... I found that using washi tape for weekend long events makes it much easier to track. Especially with one kid in Maryland and another out in Norfolk. We need to know when to divide and conquer!

I also really wanted the 25th to be about the reason for the season; the birth of Baby Jesus. I was disappointed to find that of the thousands of Christmas stamps, dies, embellies that I own, this is the only thing I have with a nativity and baby Jesus... Something for Illustrated Faith or somebody to capitalize on perhaps. I love that the apex of the creche fit so perfectly in the peak of the banner. Pure coincidence!

And that, my friends is what December in my Simple Stories Carpe Diem planner looks like! Well, what it looked like. Be sure to stop in later this week for part two of our December; keeping track of that pesky elf, Henry, and our other daily activities.