How to Start Christmas Prepping Now So You Can Relax in December!
I know it sounds crazy – we have not even gotten to Fall yet – but that’s the point. I start thinking about Christmas way in advance so that way by the time December rolls around I can put my feet up and relax and actually enjoy the holidays with my family. Here are some ideas that you can do now and in the coming months to set yourself up for a stress-free successful Christmas this year.
1. Use Back to School Sales to Stock Up on Art Supplies – Crayons at .50 cents and markers for .99 cents – all of these great deals are an awesome time to stock up on these items to use for stocking stuffers or parts of gifts for anyone on your list.
2. Set Your Christmas Budget – This doesn’t have to be set in stone, but you should have an idea of how much you want to spend to ensure that you save for that amount and don’t need to turn to credit cards to get your shopping done. Don’t forget to include gifts, decorations and food in your budget. Look at how much you spent last year and the year before if you can, and use these numbers as a realistic measure of what you’ll spend again this year and form your budget accordingly.
3. Make Your Holiday Card List – This is another aspect that doesn’t have to be set in stone, but having an idea of who will receive your holiday card is a good idea before fall begins. Set this list aside and use it to order your cards in October.
4. Stock Up on Clothes in August – The Children’s Place clothing goes on sale up to 80% off in August, and when you know how to earn and spend Place Cash, you will score killer deals on back to school clothes as well as clothes that you want to give as gifts as well.
5. Start Making Homemade Gifts in September – This will help you check this off your list early an avoid stress in the remaining weeks before the holiday.
6. Make and Freeze Cookie Dough – Cookie dough lasts anywhere from 9-12 months in the freezer. By making it now, in December all you will need to do is just cut out the cookies and bake them with your kids.
7. Refine Your Shopping List (October) – By October – go over your list one last time and add/remove people or items as you see fit.
8. Buy Clearance Halloween Candy – You can save up to 70% off Halloween candy after Halloween is over and use these as stocking stuffers or for baking.
9. Send Out Holiday Cards in November
10. Decorate the House and Plan What Parties and Activities You’ll Say Yes To In December
11. Finish All Holiday Baking (December)
12. Finish up All Online Shopping by December 14th- Free Shipping Day!
13. Enjoy the Holidays Stress-Free!
14. After Christmas, Shop Sales For Holiday Wrapping And Décor.
There you have it – 14 easy ways to start prepping for Christmas ahead of time. What do you do to prep for Christmas? Share your ideas in the comments below!
