As you wonder what you will do this weekend, might I suggest you begin to prepare for Christmas? At Rusty Griswold’s Light Display we believe it’s never too early to prepare for Christmas! But, while there’s something special about starting on Black Friday, the best time to start planning Christmas is in the middle of summer. No, I’m not suggesting you put up your tree and hang the stockings in between barbecues, but there are a few simple jobs you should consider in the summer months. Trust me when I say it will make the busy holiday season much less chaotic, ensuring more Christmas spirit for you.
It seems like the weeks leading up to Christmas get busier every year. Between telling jokes at holiday parties, gift exchanges, photo sessions for holiday cards, and last-minute shopping trips, there’s hardly any time to relax and enjoy the true spirit of the season. Here are five things you can do right now to prepare for Christmas, and make the season as stress-free as possible. Crank up the A/C, break out the Michael Bublé Christmas music, and get into the pre-holiday spirit.
Make a List and Check It Twice
The holiday season is often linked with stress because so many things are going on. Write down all the events you know you’ll be attending during the summer months. Also, list everyone you’ll need to buy gifts for. Don’t forget to include teachers and co-workers. Some simple planning today will ensure there won’t be any surprises once December arrives.
Getting a list down on paper or in the notes section of your smartphone will help you remember everything. You can also set clear expectations for the season and avoid any last-minute trips to the corner store to find a gift for someone at the 11th hour. This will also help you identify a checklist of items you can take care of right now. You don’t have to wait until the holiday season – prepare for Christmas now!
Start DIY Projects Early
While the weather outside may not be frightful, you can still get a head start on DIY Christmas gifts and homemade holiday decor. These tasks always take longer than you think they will, so don’t leave them until the last minute. Plus, you’ll have time to make more gifts when you’re not scrambling to get things done. Homemade gifts typically result in you saving some extra cash—always a bonus at Christmas time!
Some projects will require specialty items, which typically means ordering them in. You need to tack on some patience for shipping times – all the more reason to prepare for Christmas during the summer months!
Buy the Basics
During the summer off-season, take an inventory of what you have spare from last year and list what you’ll need to purchase. Items like extra Christmas ornaments, lights, or personalized Christmas stockings for a new family member; can all be bought online year-round from retailers such as Amazon or Ebay. So if you’re considering transitioning to an artificial tree this year, don’t wait until December to make a purchase. Some big box retailers will have last year’s stock available right now…in the summer months!
Start Saving to Prepare for Christmas
While charitable giving is essential year-round, most local organizations have a greater need during the holidays. Coincidentally, this is the time of year we usually feel most strapped for cash. Between food, presents, decorations, and vacations, the average American household spends $1,536 on the holidays—but it doesn’t have to be that expensive. So this summer, make a savings plan. Put aside a few dollars a week between now and Christmas. This will help you ensure you can give as much as possible during the holidays. Take advantage of summer sales and early-bird travel bookings, too. We have put together a separate article aiming at budgeting and eliminating holiday stress. Be sure to check it out here!
Shop Summer Sales
Since you’ve already made a list of who you’ll need to buy gifts for, shopping summer sales can help you save some serious cash on this year’s load of gifts. Christmas in July and Labor Day sales are the summer equivalent of Black Friday, which has also recently gained popularity in Canada! Black Friday shopping in Canada has recently surpassed Boxing Day for deals. Make a list of potential gifts with a spending limit for each person, and watch for those items to go on sale. Also, don’t forget a host/hostess gift for the holiday get-togethers. Of course, a bottle of wine in a pinch always works, but planning now allows you time to get creative.
So there you have it! A quick and easy list of five items to prepare for Christmas during summer. Even doing only one of these things will make the holidays a bit more bearable and stress-free!
Have an idea we missed? Is there a topic you would like for us to write an article for? Please feel free to share it with us in the comment section below. We love hearing from our readers.
