12 Ways to Get Ready for Christmas Early This Year
Have you ever found yourself elbow-deep in wrapping paper on Christmas Eve, vowing that next year will be different?
That was me, every single December, until I cracked the code. Last year, I started my Christmas prep in October (yes, October!), and it made all the difference.
No more frantic last-minute shopping or baking marathons for me. This year, I’m sharing my secret with you.
In this blog post, I’ll share with you the strategies that transformed my holiday season from being overwhelming and stressful to enjoyable and memorable.
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1. Make a Plan
Ever feel like the holiday season is a whirlwind of chaos? A little planning can go a long way. Start by jotting down everything you need to do—from gift shopping to deciding what you’re going to cook for Christmas dinner.
And here’s a pro tip: Set your budget now. It’s easy to get carried away with the spirit of giving, but your wallet will thank you come January.
2. Start Saving
We all know Christmas can be tough on the bank account. Why not ease the burden by starting to save up now?
Pop a little money into a holiday savings account or keep a jar for change. You’d be surprised how much those coins add up!
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3. Declutter and Organize
Before you start decking the halls, take some time to declutter. Make room for the new by saying goodbye to the old. And while you’re at it, organize your decorations so that setting up is a breeze.
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4. Create a Gift List
Keep track of everyone you want to buy gifts for, along with some ideas and how much you’re willing to spend. Keep an eye out for sales throughout the year. Remember that deals can pop up any time of the year!
5. Begin Gift Shopping Early
Avoid the December rush by starting your gift shopping now. Not only do you beat the crowds, but you also get to snag those early bird deals. Online shopping and layaway plans can also be a huge help.
By shopping early you will have less stress, and more savings!
6. Plan Your Holiday Menu
Dreaming of a festive feast? Get ahead of the game by planning your menu now. Write down what you’ll need and even test out new recipes. Nobody wants a Pinterest fail on Christmas day!
Practice makes perfect, especially with holiday recipes.
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7. Make and Freeze Meals
Save some pre-holiday sanity by prepping meals you can freeze. Think lasagnas, soups, and casseroles. It’ll make the lead-up to Christmas a whole lot easier.
8. Craft Your Decorations
Why not make this holiday extra special by crafting some of your decorations? It’s a great activity for the family and adds that personal touch to your home.
9. Book Travel Arrangements
Planning to travel? Book your flights and accommodations early to snag the best deals and avoid those dreaded last-minute prices.
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10. Plan Your Outfits
Ever find the perfect outfit but then realize it needs alterations? Choose your holiday outfits now. It’s one less thing to worry about when things get hectic.
11. Send Invitations or Cards Early
Get your Christmas cards or party invites out of the way early. If you’re feeling crafty, why not make them yourself? Personalized cards add that special touch.
12. Schedule Downtime
Finally, don’t forget to plan some downtime. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, not just survived. Schedule some ‘me’ time amid the festivities to recharge and relish the season.
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Capturing Holiday Moments
In the whirlwind of December days, it’s surprisingly easy for the special moments to blend into one big festive blur.
This year, why not make a conscious effort to capture those holiday moments?
Doing so not only lets you preserve memories but also helps you appreciate the present more deeply.
Here are a few ways to ensure this holiday season remains unforgettable:
- Photograph or Record: In today’s digital age, snapping photos or recording videos has never been easier. But instead of aiming for that perfect social media shot, focus on capturing the essence of the moment. The laughter, the chaos in the kitchen, the serene early morning with a cup of coffee before the day kicks off—these are the memories that hold true value. Years from now, these are the moments you’ll want to remember.
- Journaling: There’s something uniquely personal and reflective about putting pen to paper. Keeping a holiday journal allows you to document not just what happened, but also how you felt, what you thought, and the growth you experienced during this time. These entries can serve as a time capsule, offering a glimpse into past holidays through your eyes and heart.
- Creating Keepsakes: While digital photos and videos are fantastic, creating physical keepsakes adds an extra layer of sentimentality to memory preservation. Crafting a holiday scrapbook filled with photos, ticket stubs from events, handwritten notes, and other mementos gives you a tangible piece of the holiday to hold onto. Alternatively, compiling a digital slideshow of the season’s highlights can be a modern twist on this idea, perfect for sharing with family or reflecting on in years to come.
Capturing holiday moments isn’t just about having something to look back on. It’s about recognizing and celebrating the beauty of now—of each shared laugh, silent snowfall, and twinkling light.
These efforts to preserve memories remind us that amidst the fast pace of life, there’s a timeless joy in cherishing what truly matters.
Reflect and Adjust
After the holidays have passed, take a moment to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Which of the early preparation strategies made the biggest difference? What would you do differently next year?
Gathering these insights while the experience is fresh will help you refine your approach, making each Christmas more seamless than the last. It’s all about learning, adapting, and finding new ways to bring joy and peace into your holiday season.
Jot down your thoughts, keep them with your holiday decorations, or start a digital note. That way, you won’t have to rely on memory alone.
This step isn’t just about improvement. It’s about creating new traditions that align with what truly matters to you and your loved ones during this special time of year.
Wrapping Up
So, we’ve walked through a dozen ways to kick off your Christmas prep early this year.
From setting a budget before the jingle bells start ringing to ensuring your freezer is stocked with make-ahead meals, these steps are all about making December a little less stressful and a lot more joyful.
The idea isn’t to strip away the spontaneity of the season but to give yourself the gift of time. Time to enjoy, to celebrate, and to soak in the magic of the holidays without a to-do list hanging over your head.
Start ticking these boxes now, and watch how this Christmas turns out to be the smoothest one yet!
