To Stay as Stress Free as Possible
As the weather begins to cool and the leaves fall to the ground, it signals the start of the holiday season. It’s important we enter this time in the most organized fashion possible. One of the best ways to set ourselves up for success is by creating a checklist. You can begin with a general list and then work to make it more specific and task oriented. Refer below on the ultimate checklist for holiday planning to base your next few months on.
Step 1 Create a budget
Overspending during the Christmas season can feel almost inevitable. Before you even begin to start your holiday preparation, take a few minutes to create a spreadsheet of the ideal amount of money you wish to spend in each area of planning. It can help if you split your financial plan into sections or categories. How much are you willing to spend on decorations, food, presents, etc. Give yourself a maximum amount to spend, and hold yourself accountable! Refer here for some holiday budget friendly tips.
Step 2 Organize your decorations
Decorations tend to cause a lot of the chaos and stress we experience during the holiday season. Because they are stored for 90% of the year it may become a hassle when they are buried in your basement or attic. This is why it’s important to stay proactive with your organization techniques. Not only will efficient Christmas storage save you time when searching, it will also protect your decorations from any damage. Decorating should be filled with joy and great anticipation for the upcoming holiday, not anxiety!
Step 3 Compile gift ideas
Make that list and check it twice! Now is a great time to start creating a list of who you want to shop for and what you would like to get them. Waiting for the last minute to organize this will leave you rushing to the store to look through picked-over inventory at the store. It’s important to not be so hard on yourself when finding these presents. If you can not find the exact gift, move on and find the next best thing!
Step 4 Schedule self-care time
Every once in a while we all need a little time to care for ourselves. This could even just be grabbing something for yourself while Christmas shopping, or even paying that extra dollar to get whipped cream on your coffee. Whatever it is, show yourself some of that famous holiday cheer – you deserve it! Scheduling a specific time can help hold you accountable. Leaving your schedule open for two hours on a Sunday is a perfect way to fit some crafting in or time to read that book that’s been sitting on your shelf. Give back to yourself this season of giving!
It’s always important to remember the reason behind the season and focus on the joy, as you’re planning. Staying organized will keep you on track for a well planned holiday season. Implement some to-do lists in your day to day and take time to enjoy!
I tried to organize my gift idea in November (fail so far) and try to buy early December!
I like to plan and organize my Christmas to do list in November and it does help but there are always last minute things that get added to the list but the plans usually work out in the end.