Can you imagine having a stress-free holiday season? If you start preparing early, you can make it happen! Here are nine ways to start getting ready for Christmas now!
I know it’s hot outside, and Christmas seems like a long way off, but there are several reasons why you should think about the holidays while lounging at the pool!
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Why start getting ready for Christmas now?
Planning for Christmas early will help you to avoid stress.
Christmas might seem like the “most wonderful time of the year,” but it’s a busy time with all the extra shopping, wrapping, cleaning, baking, and cooking!
Anything you can do early frees up more time to relax and enjoy the days leading up to Christmas!
Starting early allows you to beat the Christmas rush!
Imagine how wonderful it would be to avoid traffic, crowds, and standing in long lines!
One of the biggest perks of starting holiday prep now is the money you can save!
9 Ways to get ready for Christmas Early
1) Set a budget
One cause of stress during the holidays can be worrying about how to pay for everything.
Most people know how much they spend on gifts, but they tend to forget about all the other items that can add up at this time of the year.
Here are examples of Christmas expenses that you should account for:
- Gifts
- Stocking stuffers
- Gift wrap
- Cards
- Holiday Clothing
- Decorations
- Food
- Alcohol/beverages
- Special holiday events (The Nutcracker Ballet)
- Charitable contributions
Set a realistic budget now so you won’t overspend later.
2) Start saving money
To keep from feeling overwhelmed in December and wondering how to pay for it all in January, save for Christmas all year.
If you have not started yet, no worries. Start now!
Every little bit helps, and you’ll be ready to save for the entire next year!
This is such a fabulous habit to develop!
3) Create a gift list
Write down all of the people you buy gifts for and start to brainstorm gift ideas.
Starting early gives you more time to discover what people want or need.
If your Dad mentions during Summer he would like to try a new type of grill brush, write it on your list!
Don’t forget people outside your family and friends like teachers, hairdressers, hostess gifts, etc.
4) Shop early to take advantage of sales
Now that you have a gift list and budget, you can start shopping early to take advantage of big sales!
Examples of early shopping opportunities:
- Amazon Prime days – shop in the summer for fabulous deals on thousands of products
- Back-to-school sales – a great time to stock up on stocking stuffers and kids’ gifts
- Black Friday sales- set a goal to finish your shopping on this day instead of starting it.
Shopping early can save you money and free up time in December!
5) Get inspired to decorate
Plan how you will decorate for Christmas now.
Start looking at books, magazines, Pinterest, and your favorite blogs to get ideas on a Christmas color scheme or theme.
Make a list of items you need to purchase.
6) shop early for decor
Whether we like it or not, Christmas decor appears in stores around the end of July.
It’s my experience that if you wait until December, a lot of the inventory will be sold out.
7) DIY decor and gifts
Another great way to save money is to make your holiday decor and gifts.
This is one of the main reasons stores put items out early.
It gives you plenty of time to plan and complete your creations.
Don’t procrastinate, especially if you like to put your tree up right after Thanksgiving!
If you make gifts, set a goal to finish them well before the holidays!
8) Schedule your calendar
Prioritize what activities and travel you would like to do, and schedule it on the calendar.
If you travel, buy your tickets early to get the dates you need and save money!
Christmas has a way of sneaking up on us!
If you don’t schedule your priorities, they might not happen!
9) Prepare your house
Do you have a space in your home that could use some sprucing up or a complete makeover before you have company?
Get the work done now so you have no added stress come December.
If you’re having guests stay overnight, organize the bathroom and bedroom they will use.
A Planner to Help You Get Ready for Christmas Early
Whether your holiday includes hosting multiple parties or just one family gathering, we’ve got printables to help keep you organized!
We developed a planner to remove the stress of getting ready for Christmas!
You can print the whole planner or only the sheets you need for FREE by joining our email list.
Another perk to joining our email list is that you won’t miss a post!
Until next time, follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram!
Blessings, Donna and Rich
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More Christmas DIY Inspiration
- How to Make Your Own Christmas Village
- Easy Cone Christmas Tree DIY
- Vintage Cone Christmas Tree DIY
- Make Vintage Ornaments for Christmas
- Unique Christmas Ornaments Made with Napkins
**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
Christmas in July, I love it Donna!
Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed the post Lyric! I love Christmas and enjoy getting ready for it early! Hope you are doing well! Blessings, Donna
So many fabulous tips, Donna. Shopping early sales saves us each and every year. It always seems like something comes up at the last minute so I’m thankful we shop along and along so we don’t miss anything. It helps so much! Hugs, CoCo
Yes, it really does save money and time to shop early! Anything I can do ahead of time makes December more enjoyable! Have fun Christmas shopping! Blessings, Donna
I have already began shopping for Christmas, I usually begin right after Christmas lol. You are right, you can save so much money doing that. We love Christmas in July so we can decide how we want to decorate for the holidays. Even my husband jumps in on the fun, he loves Christmas too. I am sorry to see July end and wait until October to see more ideas. Boo! Hope you have a wonderful week.
I agree Cara! I have really enjoyed seeing all the Christmas in July inspiration!! Thanks and have a great week!
Thank you for these tips Donna! This jump starts my Christmas plans.
Glad it was helpful to you Maria! Happy Christmas in July!!