Less
than nine months until Christmas! I know
I’m a sick person.
I work
on Christmas all year long so I am prepared for the season with as little
financial and emotional stress as possible.
After many years of feeling stressed out, overburdened, under budgeted
and dreading the holiday altogether, I decided I needed to take a much
different approach to the holidays.
After all, it just isn’t worth driving yourself crazy over.
So far,
this is what I have accomplished:
- I compiled a modest and affordable gift list for all the people I wish to give to this next Christmas.
- I made a list of stocking stuffers so I can start accumulating those items as I find them on sale. So far I have acquired free toothpaste and toothbrushes I purchased on sale with coupons which made my total $0.
- I already started working on my handmade items so I have plenty of time to complete my projects.
- I have completed 4 hand knitted hats so far. All made from leftover yarn scraps or yarn that was given to me.
- I made 20 Christmas cards.
- I made 30 self adhesive gift tags.
- I sorted and organized my gift wrap bin. I purchased 2 rolls of wrap on clearance at 50¢ a roll and two packages of tissue paper for $1.50 after Christmas last year. I also saved gift bags, gift boxes, tissue and bows to re-use.
- I have updated my Christmas card list.
- After using coupons to purchase sale items at Bath and Body Works I have three nice gift sets put together.
- I have made a list of homemade treats I plan to make and give at the holidays.
- I started a preliminary budget plan.
- I am planning to re-use our existing holiday decorations so I do not plan to purchase any additional items this year.
I used
to plan for Christmas and start working on it in July but I found that the
summer activities would tend to sideline my efforts. I wouldn’t get back on track until the kids
were back in school. By then I was
feeling the pressure to get busy and I ended up feeling stressed out and
unprepared.
Now
that I work on it a little bit at a time throughout the year I find I can get
far more things done and I don’t feel pressured or overburdened. I also feel like I give nicer gifts and spend
less money doing so. I love to make my
gifts and fortunately I have just enough talent to make some nice things that
people seem to enjoy receiving.
The
best part is that I really get to enjoy the holidays. How do you tackle your Christmas planning?
Crazy... But smart! ;) I haven't done anything but save $$ yet... Probably have $400-$500 so far! :)
ReplyDeleteI admit I am completely daft!! Ha, ha. Great start on the savings for your Christmas. I think you do great with your savings goals!
DeleteI am trying to also get started on my purchases. I have a few ideas already for each kid. I will be looking for coupons to use and purchase as I find them. I use to wait until after all our birthdays were over in August but then like you I would feel stressed and pressured. This year I have decided to start now :)
ReplyDeleteGreat Melissa! I just find it makes my actual holidays much more enjoyable when I can take the focus off the gifts because that part is already taken care of. Hope to hear back from you on your progress. Take care!
DeleteI am another year long Christmas planner. This approach makes for a relaxed and enjoyable holiday season. I keep an eye out for sales also throughout the year which really helps the holiday budget. You are so right that having time to create gifts makes them more special and meaningful.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte
I also think when you aren't rushed you tend to pick out better gifts too. Have a great day!
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