I know, I know, I know I am probably one of only a few
crazies out there who start thinking about Christmas in July (ok let’s be
honest I think about it all year long) but I would rather be slowly preparing
for it all year and enjoy it than frantically try and get it all done in
December and hate it. If you follow the
steps below you too can have a stress-free Christmas.
1. Figure out your budget. Record how many people you have to buy gifts for and the amount of money you want to spend on each person. I recommend doing this on your computer so you have a permanent list to work off of, but can also use this free Holiday Shopping List printable.
Remember to include co-workers,
neighbors, your kid’s school teachers, and anyone else who you might have
a tendency to overlook. There are a
lot of December birthdays in my circle of family and friends so I include
them on the list as well. Next list
any extra expenses that you already foresee incurring like, Christmas
cards, parties and other activities and attach a dollar amount to those as
well. Now add it all up and you
will have an idea of what you need to save so you don’t have to go in debt
for Christmas.
2. Now
that you have your budget complete you can use it to research presents you
would like to purchase the people on your list and you can…gasp…slowly and calmly tackle your
list.
3. STICK
TO YOUR LIST
Now close your eyes (well don’t really close your eyes; you need them open to read) and imagine yourself sitting next to your decorated tree. The gifts are wrapped and place neatly under the tree. Your grandmother’s famous holiday cookies are baking in the oven and the sweet aroma fills your home. You have been able to get all of your “regular work” done and you are waiting for your friends and family to arrive so you can go to your community’s Christmas Pageant. Now imagine the date is December 1st. My idea of heaven.
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