As summer winds down and our minds transition to back-to-school, it’s a great time to prepare for the holidays because they’ll be here before you know it! It might seem early, but August is the ideal time to start your holiday planning. By getting a head start now, you can alleviate stress, enjoy the process, and make the most of the festive season when it arrives. Here are a few tips and tricks to prepare for the holiday season.
Get a Jumpstart on Your Budget
Start saving now. Setting aside a fixed amount each week or month will ensure that you are prepared when the holidays arrive. Download a simple budget planner to map out spending for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even New Year’s. This will help you avoid overspending and alleviate the stress of being unprepared.
Thanksgiving and Christmas can quickly become overwhelming. Planning ahead will help you stay on track and accomplish your goals. Are you hosting a holiday dinner? Have all guests bring a dish to contribute to the menu. This will help lower the total cost of the holiday feast. Holiday gift shopping is fun but can quickly become a major stressor if not organized. Create a list of everyone you need to shop for and determine a budget for each person. A little planning now can save you a lot of stress later.
Start Your Shopping Early
When decorating, take advantage of stores being seasons ahead in their holiday inventory. Browse the latest trends and get inspired! Retailers like Michaels and Hobby Lobby often showcase their holiday selections well in advance, offering a treasure trove of ideas for DIY projects and decorations. Start thinking about what decorations you already have at home and add a few more here and there to revamp for a new decorative holiday theme. Picking up a few items now can help you spread out your spending and reduce the last-minute rush.
Embrace DIY Gifts
Crafting holiday gifts can be a fantastic way to infuse a personal touch into gifts for family and friends. Whether it’s homemade ornaments, personalized photos, or hand-knitted scarves, there are endless possibilities to make your DIY gifts stand out this season. These kinds of gifts also carry a special sentiment that store-bought gifts lack. Plus, working on these projects throughout Fall can be a fun and relaxing way to get into the holiday spirit.
While August might feel a bit too early to dive into holiday planning, starting now can make the season much more enjoyable. By setting a budget and getting a head start on your shopping and DIY projects, you’ll find yourself more relaxed and ready to fully embrace the festivities when the time comes.
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