1. Create a budget
Consider not only a budget for gifts, but also for the entertaining that you’ll do.
2. Make your travel plans early
Talk to your family about your holiday travel plans early, decide on the dates & start booking your reservations.
3. Update your address list now
Go through your address book and update any recently changed addresses.
Call those for whom you need an address.
4. Consider limiting your entertaining
We all can’t be Martha Stewart, so cutting back on the number of times you entertain this season will help reduce your anxiety!
5. Create a gift list
Write down everyone that you buy for – making note of sizes, hobbies, and special requests. Log what you actually buy for each person. Having this gift list goes a long way in helping to stick to your budget.
6. Shop Online
This gets you out of the crowds and congested parking lots. It can also save you from standing in line at the post office if you have gifts to ship – have them sent direct!
7. Gather up all those recipes
Everyone has favorite recipes they use each holiday, as well as a few they have wanted to try out. Begin gathering those recipes now. Put them together in a folder for easy access.
8. Start working on the holiday cards in early November
Begin addressing the envelopes and signing the cards early. Sign 5 cards each night while watching TV and this arduous chore will come together in no time!
9. Set aside a day for pre-holiday cleaning
Before the holidays, do one big housecleaning and then you are ready to entertain with just minor clean ups through the holidays.
10. Make a few meals in advance
Make and freeze a few casseroles. These are great after a long day of shopping or for unexpected guests – it’s a no-brainer!
11. Buy some timers
Invest in a few timers for your Christmas lights. It saves you from remembering to turn them on and off and saves energy. Use them on the Christmas tree as well as the outdoor lights.
12. Create a gift wrapping station
Designate an area and set up a table as your gift wrapping area. Store all of your gift wrap, bows, and ribbon underneath the table for easy access. Don’t forget the scissors and tape!