You do not want to wait for last minute this year!
According to pinterest analysts, the trend of users searching for Holiday inspiration has gone up earlier than ever before this year! Apparently, with all of the changes that occurred during the pandemic, planning for the holidays has become a coping mechanism for man. You should already know that several companies are experiencing back orders and have limited stock of popular items. Until we find a cure for this disease and until the cases continue to go down, we should continue to expect that companies will be a bit slower than usual.
With that being said, if you are a “wait-til-the-last-minute” Christmas shopper like I am, it is very important that you ALSO start planning and shopping early this year!
Here I will list a few steps that will facilitate this process for you! I’ve also included some bonus tips at the bottom that have totally helped me out as well!
1.) Make a list of what you want your Christmas 2020 to look like!
Do you want traditional colors life red and green? Are you more contemporary and prefer the trendy rose pink color decorations? Perhaps white and gold are your favorite colors! Or maybe you want a colorful tree for the kiddos! Whatever the case may be, make a list of your must-have decorations (if you don’t already have them stored away).
A.) Write down a list of people you want to gift!
Maybe you have a small family and this one might not matter so much, but for me, last year I had to by and 5-6 extra gifts last minute and do you know what they were? Gift cards! I prefer giving real gifts because it makes it more personal – but when you run out of time, everyone loves gift cards! Regardless of what type of gift you decide to give, make sure the important people are not left out!
B.) Are you going to host Christmas this year? If so, you will need to plan out the Christmas dinner or lunch.
I love cooking! And I love hosting! So I when Christmas is at my place, I’m going to decorate even more than I normally do. I will also make a list of the en·trées and sides! It is good to plan this out to a T because it will make it easier for you to schedule time to go food shopping! Supermarkets get insanely packed during the holiday season and you don’t want to wait in a long, cold line outside if they’ve reached maximum capacity! OH! And keep in mind that this year capacity limit are much lower due to safety precautions to prevent further spread of COVID10. Keep your list in a safe place so that you can keep referring to it as days grow closer.
C.) Write down a list of Christmas traditions you want to do!
Will it be Elf on the shelf, Letters to Santa, Secret Santa or all three? I think one of the best things about the holiday seasons is all of the cozy and heart warming traditions that make it so special. I personally love watching Hallmark movie marathons while drinking hot cocoa with marshmallows in a Christmas themed mug with Christmas throws to keep us all cozy. I also buy everyone fluffy, knee-high socks that are….. You guessed it! Christmas themed!
2.) Maybe the most important tip out off all them: Make a budget!
Be as detailed as possible (sorry, it is the accountant in me)!
Decide how much you would like to spend this Christmas. Now, you may have to go back and adjust your list and prioritize your must-have traditions, decorations, and gifts. You can also shop somewhere more affordable. You can snag some early bird deals as well! Just make sure you don’t break the bank or else – instead of having a cozy Christmas, you will be all stressed out about all of the money you spent!
This is also another good reason to start planning early! So that you can make a limit, and stick to it! No matter what. One thing that helps me to stick to my budget is also listing out any obstacles that might try to make go above my budget so that when (or if) the time comes, I will be mentally prepared to SAY NO.
3.) Make a timeline! THIS IS CRITICAL.
Make a time line of when you are going to make all your purchases. Add in buffer time for delays if ordering online. I use this planner You could start saving weekly or buying a few gifts at the end of every month! A little goes a long way and you will be so happy you did this come December when the stores are packed and the best products have been sold out!
4.) Relax!
Relax in November and December because YOU, my friend, are way ahead of the game! MERRY CHRISTMAS! Now, what gift are you getting me?
Love, Gilly .
