Have you been in the stores since Halloween has passed? Have you heard it? I'm talking about the sounds of Christmas music coming from the speakers of your favorite stores. And I have already started seeing Christmas ads on tv, too. With only 48 days until Christmas, no, that's not a typo, stores are starting early to cash in on holiday sales. And while I believe that November should be for Thanksgiving and being thankful, I also believe that if we don't start preparing for Christmas now, we will pay later by being stressed and unprepared. So I have prepared a few time saving holiday tips for you to help relieve some stress for you during the upcoming holidays.
- Plan as many of your holiday dates as you can today. Get them on the calendar now.
- Each week while you are grocery shopping, pick up at least 1 extra gift card. If you started this week, you could have 5 gift cards by Christmas. Better yet, next year, starting in January, purchase just 1 extra gift card per month. By December, you will have 12 cards, and your budget won't feel the crunch as much as it would if you bought them all at once.
- Stock up on wrapping essentials now. This includes wrapping paper, tape, ribbons, gift tags, bows and bags. Make a list of gifts you have purchased for each individual and wrap them as you purchase them so that you aren't spending hours and hours wrapping the week before Christmas. As a side note to the wrapping tip, and I do not benefit in any way from this, Hobby Lobby has fabulous wrapping paper. It is very thick and has lines and squares on the back. Their paper is usually on the shelf by July, and is priced at 50% off.
- Need stocking stuffers? Check out the dollar stores in your area. They sometimes receive items that have been discontinued from the regular stores like toothbrushes, make up and make up brushes that are not expired, just remodeled for a new year. They have so many fun things like school supplies, candies, candles and pot holders.
- Make a list of everyone you want to buy a gift for and keep it in your purse or on your phone under the Notes feature. This way you can continuously update your list as you make purchases.
- Address the envelopes for your Christmas cards early. Make it a task to sign a certain number of cards each week to get them all done and in the mail without staying up all night.
- Buy postage early. Don't get caught standing in line to purchase stamps for your cards. Did you know that you can purchase stamps directly through USPS.com and they will be delivered directly to your mailbox. You also have a bigger variety of stamps to choose from online.
- Making cookies and other baked goods for the holidays? Stock up now on baking essentials like flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, butter and vanilla. Many stores will have sales on these items. Stock up each week as you see them on sale.
- Need a quick centerpiece for your Christmas gathering? Fill clear jars and bowls with candy. Everyone loves candy and during the holidays you will usually find it decorated in festive holiday colors.
- After thanksgiving dinner, check out the Black Friday ads and devise a plan. Did you know that several stores will also offer these same prices online during Black Friday? And many places offer free shipping with a minimum order. Make a plan!
- Don't forget about Cyber Monday. More great deals to be found. It use to be that waiting until the last minute yielded the best prices. I think this has changed over the years, and the best deals are well before Christmas.
- Use your good tableware. Don't wait for that "special occasion". Make the holidays, and every day, a special occasion in your life.
- And last but not least, don't sweat the small stuff. Relax and enjoy the holidays with your friends and family. Make memories. Take pictures. Laugh and enjoy!
Happy Stamping,
Debbie
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