Plan for Christmas: How early do you plan for Christmas? I start planning for Christmas in January. I know that sounds crazy, but here’s why.
I know it’s the end of September, but I’m already thinking about Christmas. I love all things about the season and I’m one of those people who plans way in advance to make sure I have everything in order before the holiday rush hits. That way, I can celebrate Christmas the way I want to without worrying about breaking the bank from overspending or driving myself crazy with what in the world to buy those on my Christmas list, either.
Here’s How I Plan For Christmas (Early)
Christmas Cash
I actually start planning for Christmas the first of January. I know how crazy that sounds, but I don’t mean I’m working on a Christmas grocery list or gift giving. Instead, I start saving Christmas cash. To keep our family on budget, I begin every year with an empty envelope. I label it Christmas and then begin filling it, little by little, with a set amount of money I’ve budgeted every payday. It’s been the best thing I’ve done to keep my spending on target for the holidays. You can read more about it in my Christmas Savings Plan.
Advent Calendar
By planning early for Christmas, I’m also able to plan better for those things that seem to sneak up on us during the holiday season. Like Advent. I know this sounds horrible for me to admit, but there’s been a couple of years when I missed the first few days. The church I attend doesn’t emphasize it, so it’s something I have to plan for ahead of time to make sure I have the Advent wreath and candles, as well as whatever scripture and activities I want to use for the Advent calendar as our family counts down each day.
Christmas Baking
There are only four of us at the Smith house, but you wouldn’t believe how much baking I do during the holidays! I think I bake enough to feed an army. Still, it’s something I enjoy doing for the boys and since every family member has a different favorite, I try to make sure everyone gets to enjoy their special treat. However, all those Christmas treats can be time-consuming and expensive.
Although I don’t work on my Christmas baking list that early, I do begin my list by the end of October. I have a really good method for making a list of all those things I need and how to store them. By writing out my Christmas baking list at the end of October, I’m able to save even more money by stockpiling during all those Thanksgiving sales that begin the first week in November. You wouldn’t believe all the coupons I use and how much I save in those few weeks alone! Hop over to how I prep my pantry for holiday baking if you’re interested in doing the same.
Stocking Stuffers
For me, I have a list of go-to stocking stuffers that are sort of a tradition for us. Since some of these items are popular, once the Christmas shopping season hits, they are often sold out or much harder to find. That’s why I go ahead and shop early and store them in a box so that I don’t forget. If you’re looking for stocking stuffer ideas, many of my items are listed on Stocking Stuffers for Boys and Stocking Stuffers for a Teen Guy.
Christmas Wish List
Don’t wait to buy your child’s most wanted Christmas item. Take it from me. If you wait too long, you won’t be able to find it. Or, it will be sold out everywhere, except on eBay where some guy has bought up the rest of them and is now selling your child’s most wanted Christmas gift for three times the price. This is why my son listed the same Nerf gun on his Christmas wish list three years in a row. If you know what they want, then go ahead before it’s too late to find.
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Take Back Christmas
Since planning for Christmas early, I’ve been able to really celebrate the season. With everything taken care of in advance, I’m able to enjoy Christmas in a way that best suits our family. That way, we spend the holidays making wonderful memories and enjoying our time together.
You, too, can take back Christmas! If you need help getting things organized, grab our Ultimate Christmas Planner. It’s filled with printable lists to help you plan everything you need this year. Don’t wait! Plan for Christmas now and celebrate the way you want to this year.
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