Christmas might be the last thing on your mind this summer, with the heat, barbecues, and sandy beaches. But you might reconsider once you hear how stress-free your holidays can be by starting to plan for Christmas in July.
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and creating special memories with loved ones. However, it can also bring a lot of stress and chaos, especially if we find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of last-minute preparations.
In this blog post, I’ll share the importance of getting a head start on holiday preparations and why the month of July is the perfect time to begin. By starting to organize your Christmas in July, you can reduce stress, alleviate financial pressure, and create a memorable holiday season.
Start Early!Â
Though Christmas may seem far away, starting preparations in July can make all the difference when the holiday rush hits. By planning ahead and laying the foundation now, you can ensure a well-organized and memorable Christmas season. Here are 2 tips to get you started:
Â
1. Set a Budget: Begin by determining how much you can afford to spend on gifts, decorations, and other holiday-related expenses.
 2. Brainstorm Gift Ideas: Start making a list of Christmas gifts to look for in the next few months. Taking advantage of summer sales and discounts can help you find meaningful gifts without overspending.
Â
August: Building on Your Foundation
Â
As we reach the middle of summer, it’s time to continue your Christmas preparations:
Â
1. Create a Holiday Planner: Establish a centralized planner for gift ideas, shopping lists, meal plans, and party preparations to stay organized.
2. Plan Holiday Activities: Research local holiday events, such as concerts and parades, to make the most of the season.
3. Sort Through Decorations: Use this time to go through your holiday decorations and create a checklist of items you may need to purchase or replace, such as lights, ornaments, or linens.
Make your holiday season stress-free by planning and organizing not only the shopping and the setup, but also by tracking the take down of your decorations.
September: Getting Down to Business
Â
As the temperatures start to cool down and the leaves change, autumn sets in. Let September be the month when you truly get down to business with Christmas preparations.
Â
1. Finalize Gift List & Continue Shopping: It’s time to finalize the gift list you’ve been working on and start making progress on purchasing or creating those more time-intensive presents. Take advantage of end-of-summer sales to check off more items on your gift list.
Â
2. Plan Holiday Meals: September is an ideal time to start planning your Christmas dinner menu. Consider gathering your favorite recipes, browsing cookbooks, and exploring online resources for inspiration. Also, consider any dietary preferences or restrictions within your family and friends.
Â
3. Prepare for Holiday Baking: Collect your favorite recipes and list the ingredients you’ll need for holiday treats. Stock up your pantry with all your baking supplies.
Â
4. Start Your DIY Gifts and Decor Projects: Make sure to start any DIY projects this month. They always take longer than you expect, so don’t leave them to the last minute.
October: Wrapping It Up
As October begins, it's time to wrap up your gift shopping, get creative with your decorations, and order personalized holiday cards. By taking care of these tasks now, you'll set the stage for a festive and stress-free Christmas.
Â
Finish Gift Shopping: Review your gift list and make sure you've checked off all the names. This month, pick up hostess gifts such as bottles of wine, wine stoppers, candles, and tea towels.
Â
Order Personalized Holiday Cards: October is the perfect time to order personalized holiday cards. Design and order your cards early so you have plenty of time to customize them and deliver them well before the holiday rush.
Â
Check Travel Arrangements: Finalize your travel arrangements for the holidays by the end of October. Booking flights, securing accommodations, and arranging transportation in advance will save you from last-minute stress and potential complications.
November
November is here, and it's time to embrace the holiday spirit!
Start decorating your living space with Christmas lights, wreaths, and other seasonal decorations to reflect your unique style and spread cheer throughout your home.
It's also the ideal time to plan and host holiday parties or gatherings, whether it's a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration with friends.
Plan your Christmas party guest list, send out invitations, create a festive menu, and consider any unique activities or traditions you'd like to incorporate.
Note any special accommodations or dietary preferences of your guests in the right column.
December: The Final Countdown
The most magical month of the year is finally here – December. With twinkling lights, festive music, and the spirit of Christmas in the air, it’s time to dive headfirst into the final countdown to Christmas.
Mail Holiday Cards: Start addressing and mailing your holiday cards early in the month so your heartfelt wishes and warm greetings reach your loved ones well before the holiday rush.
Finish Gift Wrapping: Wrap and label your remaining Christmas gifts. Carefully wrap each gift, adding a personal touch that will make it even more special.
Plan Your Schedule: Creating a detailed schedule becomes invaluable with so much happening during the holiday season. Map out your days and allocate time for shopping, cooking, decorating, and attending holiday events.
Tools schmools! Any will do the job, but my Christmas Project Manual is like the Rudolph of tools - guiding you to a flawless holiday with its shiny red nose.
The purpose of the Christmas Project Manual is to serve as a comprehensive and user-friendly guide for individuals looking to plan and execute a memorable and stress-free holiday season. It aims to simplify the entire process, from envisioning the ideal Christmas to meticulously organizing every detail. The manual provides step-by-step instructions, practical exercise sheets, customizable templates, and a wealth of tips and tricks based on proven project management principles.
Sure, you could use any old tool for your Christmas prep. But if you want to feel like Santa himself, my Christmas Project Manual is your magic sleigh.
Just saying...
Looking for thoughtful & affordable Christmas gift ideas or budget-friendly small Christmas gifts for your Holiday event planning? We offer small presents, including ideas for the best Christmas gifts under $10, give-aways & gifts for the Christmas party.
Get inspired with monthly planner ideas, weekly spreads & goal planning ideas, planner insights & more.
Комментарии