Christmas 101

Do you find yourself rushing the entire month of December?  Do you desperately want to rest, relax and enjoy friends and family without feeling the need to spend those last moments at the store buying that perfect gift?

Here are some tips on how I get things done (Thanks Mom for teaching me)..try them all or just a few.  You might find yourself enjoy the Christmas season without ALL that rushing

By the way, you have a little over 11 months to start planning for NEXT Christmas.

Christmas tip #1: Start saving $$ every month for your Christmas gifts. Set a budget on your spending. You don't need to max out your credit cards or empty your bank account for Christmas.

Christmas tip #2:  It's okay to hit those after Christmas sales NOW!  If you use wrapping paper/gift bags, name tags, bows, Christmas lights, etc, you can get them at 50% off starting the day after Christmas. You'll save bundles, if you need bundles. Oh and if you hit the stores early enough on the 26th you can get some good candy for 50% off too (like M&Ms).  But remember, to stick to your budget.

Christmas tip #3: If you have a big family and you usually buy gifts for all the siblings & sibling-in-law, try this instead...draw names.  Nieces and Nephews can draw names too. You'll save a ton!  You could also set a theme, example: board games.  Or you can set a theme like it has to be second-hand (from a garage sale or something - you can get some absolutely fantastic deals at garage sales).  Also, set a price limit, that way you won't feel bad if your brother-in-law spent a $150 on you and you only spent $20 for your sister-in-law.  Not everyone has hundreds of dollars laying around.  

Christmas tip #4: Start your Christmas shopping list now.  Oh, and start shopping now (hitting those after Christmas deals, etc).  If you have a place to store (even if it's under your bed, or in a closet), you CAN start planning ahead.  There's really no need to be shopping on Christmas Eve, especially if you plan ahead.  By the way, it makes it way more enjoyable if you shop a little here and little there, even if it's in the middle of February or July.  Again, be mindful of your Christmas budget (we use Crown Financial's Mvelopes budgeting program).

Christmas tip #5: Change your thinking.  Yes, your thinking.  We always think in the now; we're a microwave generation.  It's time to think about 11 months from NOW.   It's time to think Christmas 2011.  Plan a little or plan a lot, either way, it will help when Christmas 2011 comes knocking at your door.

There you have it.  There are 5 helpful tips for planning for a more planned out Christmas for 2011.  Keep an eye out for more Christmas tips.