By Britt Reints of Miss Britt

When I was asked to write a post about remembering birthdays and other important dates, I have to admit that I laughed. Hard. You see, I am kind of notorious among my loved ones for forgetting birthdays. Thank God my husband’s birthday is on the 4th of July or I’d likely be doing “please forgive me for forgetting your birthday again” favors for the rest of my life.

Of course, the problem, I realize, is not that I forget birthdays. I know when my best friend’s birthday is; it’s December 17th, exactly one month before mine. The real problem that needs to be solved is remembering to recognize these important dates on the actual day they occur. Realizing, for example, that it is December 17th ON December 17th. Even better? Remembering that these dates are coming and being prepared when they arrive.

Here’s my suggestions:

1. Add the date to Google Calendar. I am a HUGE fan of Google Calendars. I sync it to my iPhone, share it with my husband, and pretty much live and die by it. If Google is the next monopoly that’s going to take over the world, sign me up for Head Minion.

2. Add a dated reminder to your calendar or task list BEFORE the actual date. I would use Remember The Milk for this. Depending on the birthday, I might set up a scheduled task for a week before to purchase a present (friend) or a month before to start planning a party (child).

Not sure of the dates for the important birthdays and anniversaries in your family? Send out a mass email that you’re “updating records” and ask for the birthdays and anniversaries of everyone and their children. Create a calendar that lists each family event by month, make copies, and give them out as Christmas presents. My husband and I got one of these a few years ago and it’s been a lifesaver ever since.

Do you have any suggestions that you swear by for remembering important dates?

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