Is the cooler October weather making you think about the upcoming holiday season? Are you on a tight budget this year? Or do you just want to start preparing for Christmas early? Starting Christmas preparations in October is an excellent way to get the most out of the holiday season.
Think Lists (and More Lists)
Whether you use your computer or a spiral notebook, lists are essential to staying organized during the holiday season.
- Christmas Gift List: Who do you plan on buying gifts for this Christmas? A gift-giving list is a perfect place to start. Don’t worry if you forget someone. You can add to your list as the holiday season draws closer.
- Size List: If you plan to purchase sweaters, pajamas, or other clothing items, start a size list. Keeping everyone sizes on one list is ideal for shopping, especially if you come across deals.
- Gift Ideas: Do you already know what your family wants for Christmas? Make a gift-giving idea list for each person. Many stores have clearance items or other cost-saving deals right now. Maybe you will be able to check off a couple of things early.
- Christmas Cards List: Due to social distancing and other guidelines, many family reunions, birthday parties, graduations, weddings, and other social gatherings were put on hold for a later date. Sending your family and friends Christmas cards lets them know you care. If your crafty, make handmade Christmas cards to send to your loved ones.
- Food Menu: Make a list of recipes, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day menus. Write out the groceries needed to make everything on your list. The task provides an idea of the cost.
Budget
Use your lists to set a budget for the holiday season. If you get a weekly or bi-weekly paycheck, consider putting a portion of the money aside for Christmas preparations. Check weekly store ads for deals. Shop the clearance section. When possible, buy early.
Start Your Christmas Buying Now
Obviously, buying food at this time is not advisable. But, picking up other items, including gifts, is a great way to prepare for Christmas.
- Stocking Stuffers: Small items are an easy add-on to your grocery list. For example, right now, many school-related things are on sale. Colored pens, pencils, watercolors, crayons, small notebooks, USBs, earbuds, markers, and other school items are great stocking stuffers.
- Gifts: Toys, DVDs, clothes, and books are easy early buying gifts. Now bigger items such as electronics, televisions, or computers are often on sale during the holiday season. Waiting to purchase big-ticket items may be beneficial to your budget.
- Stamps: Depending on the amount of Christmas cards you plan to send out, consider purchasing a book of stamps each week. The price of stamps adds up quickly. Spreading the cost over time is ideal.
Starting Christmas preparations in October can ease the stress of the holiday season.
Rebecca's Country Notes 