Preparing for Christmas
We can’t avoid it. Christmas is our favorite holiday. We are, therefore, accustomed to starting our preparations for Christmas early. Make a list to get started. It will make everything more manageable once you have one. The Christmas season can be stressful and overwhelming if you don’t plan ahead. If you don’t prepare early, then you can suffer from stress, debt, and chaos! If you plan ahead early, then you’re in control of the holiday season!
Preparing for Christmas early: what you need to know
1. Plan your budget
It is important to work out your budget before you can even begin thinking about getting ready for Christmas. Be sure to factor in all the expenses involved. It can include food, decoration, presents, outing, tacky Christmas onesies…even postage stamps for Christmas cards and parking at the mall. Prepare a budget, indicating where your money will be spent. This will help you make better decisions about your money when the big day approaches, without unnecessary splurges.
2. Fill in your calendar
It is a frantic time around Christmas and in the months leading up to it. Start filling in your calendar and diary with all the event dates, school activities, family events, and term dates that could slip your mind. Include the dates of your children’s breaks and any festive plays they might be performing if you have kids in school. Do you plan to order a turkey? Plan a time to order and pick up your order. Do not fear being pedantic. Write down the days when you will do your big Christmas food shopping – the more organized you are now, the easier it will be.
3. Prepare and send out the invitations
Sending out your invitations early is never a bad idea. Be sure to let your family and friends know you’re hosting Christmas day now, so you can get in numbers. In other words, you don’t want to start planning for 20 guests only to discover that half have already been invited to another event a month later. Ask if anyone has allergies or food preferences when you extend the invitation. You will need to make sure their needs are met if there are vegetarians coming – and bonus, you’ll have enough turkey to eat!
4. Shop for presents early
It’s never too late to get started. Many shoppers prefer to shop during the sales; either on Boxing Day following the previous year or during the summer. Although no one can be so organized, getting ahead of 90% of the population still makes you better prepared. Also, keep in mind there are Black Friday sales coming up between now and December. There is no better time to buy gifts than now for loved ones. Research thoroughly before making your purchase. Create a list of people you need to buy for (including teachers, co-workers, and even your pet). When you take your time, you can select gifts wisely and carefully without worrying about delivery time! You can also consider some Christmas hampers Malta to give your dear ones a bit of all they love!
