Okay, I know it’s only August, and some of you are probably cringing at the thought of Christmas. But let’s get real, the holidays are less than five months away. The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and cherished memories. However, it can also bring about financial stress and just sheer chaos if we're not prepared. To ensure that the holidays are more about creating magical moments and less about financial burden, I’m trying something new this year, and I’m going to start planning and prepping ahead of time. By adopting a proactive approach and gradually ticking off items from our holiday checklist, we can make this festive season truly special without breaking the bank. Let me be clear, I am not one of those people that starts holiday shopping in January for the following year, I’m talking about the kind of planning that can relieve the mental load, and if you can check a few people off your list now, then why the heck not?!

Set a Budget:

Begin by establishing a realistic holiday budget. Determine how much you can comfortably spend on gifts, decorations, food, and other holiday expenses. A clear budgetary guideline will help you make informed decisions and avoid overspending. Remember, it's the thought and meaning behind the gifts, not their price tags, that truly matter.

Make a Holiday Checklist…and check it twice! (Sorry, I had to 🙂)

Create a checklist of everything you need to do and purchase for the holidays. Break down the tasks from gift shopping and party planning to holiday meal preparations into manageable steps. This way, you can tackle them gradually, reducing the last-minute rush and stress. There are always going to be some last-minute adds or changes to the list; the whole point is to use your planning brain power now, when you’re not in the thick of it with work parties, kid's events, holiday concerts, etc. This is a good opportunity to add some activities to your list that you’ve always wanted to try, but never got around to. A couple of things on my list are taking the kids to NYC to see the tree, hosting a wreath-making party, hosting a cookie swap party (check out one of my fave bloggers for inspo), etc.

Start Early:

Instead of waiting until the last minute, buy gifts, decorations, and non-perishable food items in advance. Take advantage of sales, discounts, and promotions throughout the year to secure the best deals. By spreading out your purchases, you can distribute the financial impact over several months.

• Some ideas that come to mind is planning out your larger expenses, i.e. gifts for your kids, spouse, etc. With that in mind, create an Amazon Wish Lists for the kids-you can send these to family members to avoid the last-minute question of, “What do they want Christmas?”

• Make a list of all the people you never think to add to your list and end up buying a last-minute gift for…you know exactly who I’m talking about. Your neighbor, teacher (unless you happen to have a great room parent that organizes a class gift), co-workers, mail person, Amazon drivers, Waste Collectors, Recycling Collectors, FedEx/UPS drivers…the list goes on and on. Gift cards are my go-to, one size fits all gift! Start chipping away at the list now and keep a stack of gift cards and holiday cards handy!

DIY and Personalize:

Consider adding a personal touch to your holiday preparations by incorporating DIY projects. Get creative with handmade gifts, decorations, and greeting cards. Not only will this save you money, but it will also add a heartfelt and unique touch to your celebrations. I try not to go too crazy with this because DIY gifts/personal touches can consume a lot of your precious time. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate DIY into the holidays.

• Holiday Cards: I love giving and receiving a picture holiday card every year from friends and family. To the point that I actually save them! My secret to getting these done early is using a family picture from earlier in the year or taking a nice family pic on Thanksgiving. Don’t stress about matching holiday outfits. The card designs are so beautiful that all you need to do is keep your clothing neutral and smile! If a family pic is too tough, create a collage holiday card recapping your exciting year!

• Calendars: These are a must every single year, and honestly, something you could start early on in the year and update each month. If you haven’t already started, there’s no time like the present to get cracking! Keep it simple. I use Shutterfly, they save my projects, easy to use, lots of coupons, and offer such a nice variety. Choose a theme that is modern and straightforward. Utilize the “Idea Pages”; no need to start from scratch! Once you have the layout set, then go into your phone and select the # of photos you need for each month's page, that way you’re only grabbing what you need. It will come together before you know it.

Embrace the Gift of Experiences:

Instead of solely focusing on material gifts, consider giving the gift of experiences. Plan outings, special activities, or trips that create lasting memories for your loved ones. Shared experiences often hold more value than material possessions, and they can be tailored to fit different budgets. One of my kids favorite gifts was tickets to see Disney on Ice with their Aunt. It was the perfect weekend -a sleepover, followed by a pancake breakfast, and finished off with the magic of Disney!

Potluck Celebrations:

To ease the burden of holiday meals, organize potluck-style gatherings where each guest contributes a dish. This not only reduces costs but also adds variety and a sense of community to the celebration. Coordinate with your loved ones in advance to ensure a well-rounded menu. I have hosted Christmas Eve for the past 4 years, and our family tradition has become a fun cocktail party with lots of appetizers that come out throughout the night. This is not formal, just fun picky foods, yummy cocktails, and games!

Emphasize Meaningful Traditions:

Remember that the true essence of the holiday season lies in cherished traditions and spending quality time with loved ones. Focus on creating meaningful experiences rather than getting caught up in extravagant gestures. Plan activities such as game nights, movie marathons, baking cookies, or volunteering together to spread joy and make lasting memories.

Start early, make a list, and gradually check off the tasks. Embrace the beauty of DIY and thoughtful gestures while keeping the emphasis on experiences and quality time. Let this holiday season be a time of love, joy, and shared moments, making it truly special for everyone involved. Happy Planning!!

All the best,

Lisa

xoxo