Now is the time to prepare for Christmas before it sneaks up on you. Yes, it’s still pumpkin spice season, but Christmas will be here before you know it.
Even the Christmas season is full of joy and fun, it can also be stressful if you haven’t prepared for it.
The way to avoid holiday stress is to prepare. When you have a plan you are able to enjoy the season and savor the moments instead of running around like a crazy person at the last minute.
Here are 5 things you can do right now to prepare for Christmas before the crazy begins.
Prepare for Christmas
1. Set a Christmas Budget.
How much are you going to spend on Christmas this year? You need to know what your budget is before you start spending.
Remember your budget is personal. Don’t fall into the trap of comparing what you spend on gifts or decorations to others that you see online or in person.
Include the following:
- gifts
- gift wrapping supplies
- cards and postage
- charitable contributions
- special events
- travel expenses
- baking and holiday food
- home decorations
- special occasion clothing
Next, figure out where that money is coming from. Hopefully, you have been saving money in your budget throughout the year.
That is the best way to save up for the extra expenses at Christmas time, but not the only way! If you haven’t been saving up over the year, there are other ways to come up with the money.
Here are a few ideas:
- sell things you don’t need (Craigslist, Facebook, Consign, Garage Sale)
- offer a service to your friends and family – cleaning, dog walking, baking, babysitting, organizing
- sell handmade items/food
2. Purchase Christmas cards early.
Sending and receiving Christmas cards is one of the highlights I look forward to each holiday season.
But it does take some planning and extra work to get them sent out before it gets too late. I know from experience!
As you get your Christmas cards ready to send out, decide on the following.
- Are going to include a family picture? Will you use one you already have or get the pictures made?
- Make a list of people you plan to send a card too.
- Decide where you will purchase your cards.
- Make a date to stuff and address envelopes.
- Set a date to mail the cards.
3. Plan your Christmas menu and cookie baking.
This time of year means lots of gathering and lots of eating! Whether it’s family get-togethers, church parties, school or friend get-togethers.
Think about your particular situation and make plans according to what food you will be responsible to make and bring to events.
Here are some things to think about:
- Treats at home
- Parties (work, school, church, ect.)
- Food gifts for neighbors and friends
- Special drinks
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas morning
- Christmas dinner
You don’t have to go all out making every one of your family’s recipes or ones you see on Pinterest.
Keep it simple and ask each family member for one favorite cookie or treat. Pick one or two new recipes to try, but don’t make cooking baking a burden.
Once you have your menu planned and treat list made, make a shopping list. That way you know what to look for in the coming weeks as you see the sales at grocery stores.
You can pick up a little each week from now until Christmas.
It is really helpful to use a Christmas Meal Planning printable. That way you have everything written down in one place and can easily refer to your plan throughout the season.
4. Make a gift list.
Write EVERYONE you can think of down. Family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates.
Anyone and everyone who you know you will need to purchase a gift for. That way you aren’t running around at the last minute shopping for gifts.
I’ve found it super helpful to give theme gifts where you give similar gifts to a large number of people on your list but personalize them. For instance, you could give mugs that reflect the personality of the person receiving the gift.
Another great one is ball caps. There are lots of cute options for women depending on their style or hobby.
The same is true for men. You can purchase caps with a sports team or other hobby.
Having theme gifts means you don’t have to come up with a bunch of different ideas, and you can usually buy it all at one time and be done!
One more thing – there is always some last minute gifts that you will remember or be told by your kids or spouse! 🙂
So have some easy, generic gifts on hand. I like to have some $5-10 gift cards and holiday candy gifts on hand for those unexpected ones.
5. Prepare for Christmas activities.
There are so many events, activities, or opportunities that you could do each Christmas, but you don’t have to do them all.
In fact, you will enjoy the Christmas season better when your schedule isn’t packed with energy-sucking activities. I like to keep Christmas activities simple but fun.
Of course this time of year is busy, but that doesn’t mean you have to run yourself and your family ragged. Choose the things that will bring your family the most joy, and say no to the rest.
These are 5 simple ways you can prepare for Christmas so that you aren’t feeling the stress at the last minute.
And if you have any tips about preparing for Christmas that you want to add, share in the comments!