Things to Do Now to Prep for the Holidays

You may be one of those people that doesn’t start playing Christmas music or decorating until Dec. 1 hits. Even so, it’s a good idea to prep for the holidays early because the holiday season can quickly go from stress-free to stressful.

From budgeting to decluttering to planning travel itineraries, there’s a lot to do before family starts flying in and gifts are passed around. To ensure your holiday season goes smoothly with minimal stress and scrambling, plan ahead in the months leading up. Follow our list of 6 things to do now to prep for the holidays.

 

1. Take time to declutter

You’ve heard of spring cleaning, but fall cleaning is just as important. Think about it: The kids have been home all summer, often with clothes and toys strewn about the house. Also, you may still have summer décor up that you want to replace with fall décor. And as the colder weather approaches, it’s a good time to dust and clean your home before you start your winter hibernation.

Whatever this fall cleaning looks like for your family, take time to declutter and clear your space in time for the holiday hustle and bustle. When it starts to get hectic, you’ll thank yourself for being proactive ahead of time!

2. Make travel reservations

While some families may prefer to stay at home, the holidays are a very popular time to travel (especially if you’re trying to escape your cold state and go somewhere warm). Bookings soar during this time of year, so if you know you want to go on vacation, act fast!

Monitor plane ticket prices, compare hotels and resorts to find what’s right for you and your family, and book as soon as you can.

3. Create a budget to prep for the holidays

If you’re no stranger to Christmas shopping, then you know that the numbers can add up quickly. And without a budget…well, we’d rather not imagine that! Setting up—and sticking to—a budget can save you stress and headache when unexpected plans come up or you accidentally leave someone off your gift list.

Having a budget can also help you avoid overspending (something that’s easy to do during the holiday season). Stick to these best practices when it comes to developing your holiday budget:

• Begin with a list of holiday expenses (including gifts, travel, holiday food, shipping costs, and charitable donations).
• Based on your expenses, decide on a reasonable spending limit.
• Break down the allotted money further and assign an amount to each category.
• Finally, track your purchases to make sure you’re staying on track.

 

4. Get a Holiday Head Start on your shopping

Once you’ve taken some time to brainstorm which gifts you’d like to get your family, friends, and loved ones, start your holiday shopping in advance. You’ll want to make sure your desired products aren’t sold out and will get to your or your recipients in time for the holidays.

To get ahead of the game, take advantage of our Holiday Head Start sale happening NOW!

 

5. Jump start on your holiday cards

If you’re planning on sending Christmas cards, prep for the holidays by give yourself plenty of time to get that perfect shot. Starting early will also give you enough time to gather names, addresses, and other information you may need to mail out your cards.

You can also start considering sending something unique like Christmas Ornaments for your family. 

 

6. Prioritize self care during the holidays

Indeed, the holidays truly are the most wonderful time of the year. However, if we neglect ourselves during this time, it can quickly turn into the most stressful time of the year.

In the weeks leading up to the holidays, you can proactively avoid stress and headache by scheduling some “me time” and activities that genuinely bring you joy and calm. For example, schedule a lunch date with a friend, or book a massage in advance. Similarly, carve out consistent time in your calendar (perhaps on Thursday evenings) when you commit to time with just yourself, curling up with a book, taking a bath, or going to a yoga class.

 

If you found our tips helpful, don’t be shy; share this article with a friend! The holidays are meant to be a blissful time spent with family, friends, and loved ones—not spent stressing about last-minute holiday shopping (which we can help with, by the way). Start your Christmas shopping early with our Holiday Head Start sale happening now.