What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Christmas? Is it the twinkling Christmas lights illuminating your neighbourhood or the smiles of children discovering their presents under the tree?
Or is it the stress and overwhelm that come with trying to do everything simultaneously as you want your next holiday season to be perfect?
The key to smooth and joyful Christmas preparations is, of course, to get started early. If you’re unsure how to do that, here is how to get ready to enjoy a magical holiday season in 11 simple steps.
1. Set your budget early
You should ideally start setting up your budget at least two months before Christmas. Decide how much money you want to spend on gifts, decorations, food, etc. And then, try your best to stick to this budget.
It’s a good idea to save money all year to have a bigger budget to prepare for Christmas.
2. Create your gift list
Once you have a clear budget, start making your gift list. Write down the names of everyone you want to buy or create a gift for, and try to find something they want. Don’t wait until the very last minute to rush to the store and buy the first thing you see!
Don’t forget to prepare your wish list if someone asks you what you want for Christmas this year.
3. Put up Christmas decorations and lights
Putting up your Christmas decorations is a great way to get in the right mood to celebrate Christmas. Of course, decorating your home with your family while listening to your favourite Christmas music is even better.
If you don’t like climbing up a ladder to install Christmas lights outside your home, save yourself the trouble by scheduling Christmas light installation services. These professionals can help you with the setup quickly and securely.
4. Plan and schedule your holidays
About one month before Christmas, you should take a moment to schedule your holidays. Write down everything you need to do to prepare and everything that will happen around Christmas.
Are you going to host a dinner, or to travel to some relatives’ home? Write it down on your calendar. You should also plan for the Christmas traditions you want to honour or to start.
5. Shop for Christmas gifts
You could start shopping for Christmas gifts when your list is ready. Of course, it’s a good idea to take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales but keep in mind that the earlier you start shopping for gifts, the earlier you will be done.
If you want to make gifts instead of buying them, give yourself plenty of time to buy the supplies and work on your gifts.
6. Shop for decorations and supplies if necessary
If you know you have all the Christmas decorations and gift-wrapping supplies you need, you don’t have to worry about it.
But if you need to shop for a few extra things, try to get started at least a few weeks before Christmas. And be sure you will not run out of wrapping paper while wrapping your gifts!
7. Send out Christmas cards
If you don’t have a list of all the names and addresses of everyone you want to send Christmas cards to, go ahead and make one. It will save you some precious time in the future as long as you keep your list up to date.
Order them long in advance to send Christmas cards customized with a family photo. The best time to send your cards is about three weeks before Christmas.
8. Get a Christmas tree and decorate it
A few weeks before Christmas is a good time to get a Christmas tree and decorate it. Whether you get a real or artificial tree, decorating it with your family will create precious holiday memories.
9. Plan your menus if you are hosting
If you are hosting a Christmas dinner this year, plan your menu at least two weeks before Christmas. Gather the recipes you want to prepare, and buy the ingredients you will need in advance.
Cook or bake anything you can in advance so you don’t have too many things to do before dinner.
10. Wrap your gifts
If you haven’t done it already, start wrapping your gifts at least one week before Christmas. And then, place them under your Christmas tree, or hide them somewhere until Santa Claus brings them on Christmas Eve.
11. Get ready to enjoy yourself!
Now that you have gone through those Christmas preparations, it’s time to have fun!
Remember that even if things are not as perfect as you would like them to be, what matters is that you spend quality time enjoying the company of your loved ones.