Why You Should Start Prepping for Christmas NOW (Yes, I Said Now!)
Is it too early to start thinking about the holiday season? Absolutely not! Actually, now is the perfect time to dive headfirst into holiday prep. I’ve said it a million times, I find the holiday season to be SO stressful and every year I’m learning new ways to minimize the stress. If you’re a super Type A planner like me, you know that being prepped and planned is really the only way to keep Christmas stress-free.
Here are some ways I get things in order well before December so that I don’t end up being a Grinch!
Gift Lists
I keep a running list of everyone I need to purchase gifts for. I even include people I don’t know for sure, like hosts of gatherings I may be invited to. Don’t forget about some people who may slip through the cracks of your thoughts like teachers and neighbors.
I like to think early about what they like, what they may need, and what gifts I can keep an eye out for. This helps me have a running shopping list and allows me to snag early deals and not running around at the last minute.
Shop Early
There is so much peace in having all of your shopping out of the way ahead of time. I shop for Christmas year-round and am able to get a lot of stuff on sale. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. Shopping early allows you to spread out the expense of gift buying also.
Holiday Photos
If Christmas cards are non-negotiable in your household, you know that this takes a lot of planning also. Schedule your family photos now before the holiday rush kicks in. Make sure you are on mailing lists for your favorite photographers, and if you want to simplify it some, I always suggest a mini session. Start ordering your outfits and designing your cards now so that all of that is out of the way, and you aren’t rushing to mail them in time. Also, don’t forget to collect your addresses now too.
Holiday Events & Traditions
OMG, our family calendar is PACKED during this season. Start adding the dates of those must-do holiday events now so nothing slips through the cracks. From Santa pics to cookie decorating, and don’t forget that Polar Express is back; it’s a lot! Start marking your calendar now for all of those events, get tickets, and start planning the logistics.
Decorations
Every year I say I’m not going to buy new Christmas decor, but every year that ends up happening. Whatever level of decorator you are, take some time to plan your holiday decor and check your inventory. It’s always cheaper and easier to restock early before everyone else starts thinking about Christmas decor.
Get the Tree!
Whether you’re team real tree or artificial, you can’t forget the tree! If you do a real tree, you probably have your go to tree spot. If you do an artificial tree, you probably have one in the attic. Either way, check if you need extra supplies like a new stand, supplemental branches, etc.
Christmas Pajamas & Matching Fun
Get the pajamas now. I feel like this has become such a tradition for everyone that you can find them in almost any store now. This is something that I have waited too long to do in the past and have been stuck with a bad size selection or unable to get the prints and patterns I really wanted.
Gift Exchanges & Holiday Parties
I somehow end up in an additional gift exchange every year. So, whether it’s a Secret Santa exchange that your friend group does or a White elephant gift exchange now, budget and think of gift ideas now.
Then, of course, there are all of the holiday parties. Now is a great time to think about your outfits and details for any parties you may be hosting yourself.
Prepping early is really the key to letting you enjoy the holiday season without all the stress.
