Ok seriously, how is it already the holiday season? Every year I ask myself this and every year I’m so grateful I started early. If I didn’t start planning months ahead, there’s no way I’d get everything done and remember everyone on my (ahem, Santa’s) list!
Here’s how I get ready for Christmas early so I’m ready to enjoy the holiday season and not stress about it!
Start Planning Like, Last Month
Seriously, if you have followed me for a bit, you know I’m all about working backwards. This is different for everyone depending on how much you have to get done.
If you’re hosting Christmas dinner, a party, etc. then you may need to plan more than a mama who just needs to focus on gifts.
Use this FREE Ultimate Holiday Planning Guide that I created to help you get ready for the season!
- Start with a brain dump of everything you need to get done
- Organize your brain dump with due dates (so you can work backwards)
- Plan out your budget for the Christmas season
- Plan out your savings plan (yes, a plan for the plan) so you have enough moola in the bank
- Keep track of all the gifts you need to get including where to purchase them (automatic shopping list) and a checklist to make sure you didn’t forget anyone or anything!
- Draft a shopping list for all the food!
- Finally, check all the lists TWICE!
Get Organized
If you tend to be a bit unorganized or you are always scrambling last minute, be sure to check out my time management tips for busy mamas!
You may also want to tweak your morning routine to include some tasks you need to get done before Christmas.
I always find it easier to think or get anything done when the rest of the house is sleeping. Maybe set aside some time each morning to start planning for the Christmas season NOW!
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Be Like Santa
Always have a list!
You know what happens when you don’t write down the people you need to buy for and what gifts you’re getting them?
You either forget someone and have to scramble last minute OR you completely overbuy and spend money you didn’t have.
Use the FREE Present Tracker in my Ultimate Holiday Planning Guide! It’s so easy to use, it’s digital which means you can take it shopping with you and it helps you plan ahead so you don’t forget anyone!
Delegate All the Things
If you’re hosting a dinner or party at your house, that doesn’t mean you actually have to do all the things.
Learn to delegate.
Friends and family love to help during the holidays especially if they aren’t actually hosting anything themselves.
Delegate the things you may not be good at or delegate the things you know your friend or family member loves doing!
Make sure to tell them early so they have a chance to plan too! Maybe even share the Ultimate Holiday Planning Guide with them too!
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Enjoy all The Moments
Lastly, plan ahead so you can slow down.
I know it’s easy to let the hustle and bustle of the season to creep in and take over.
But try to avoid all the running around and plan ahead so you can enjoy all the little moments you miss when you’re stressing.
Even plan time to decorate the Christmas tree with your family. If you plan it, it will happen.
This is the season to soak up all the good things happening in life that you may not noticed each day.
This is the season to bake all the things, cuddle all day long, watch too many Christmas movies, and slow down…
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