Christmas In July
The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for a Stress-Free Holiday Season
I absolutely LOVE the holiday season. My parents created some amazing traditions surrounding the holidays that I cherish and look forward to every year. As I became an adult, I would wait until late November (post Thanksgiving) to start prepping for the holiday season. It seemed like the right thing to do. Over time, I noticed it wasn’t working for me or my family. This created an immense amount of stress to the point where for many years, I disliked the holiday season. Then, I disliked my dislike of the holiday season. I mean I loved it so much, now I didn’t, because of my own lack of prep work?
Confusing right? Ultimately, I knew I could make it different, better, and more joyous, not just for me but for my family.
So I made a change. I started prepping earlier in the year, each year, to the point where every year now on New Year’s Day, I have a new tradition. I create my holiday plan for the upcoming year right down to menu ideas and days I plan on wrapping the gifts. It has made a huge difference in my life and in my “holiday stress level” and I hope that some of the following tips make a difference in yours too.
I admit I am a little extra with starting to plan in January, because July is actually the perfect moment to start thinking about the holidays. The holiday season is often described as the most wonderful time of the year, yet for many, it can also be the most stressful. Raise your hand high if you agree! With the average American spending around $1,000 on gifts and holiday items and 69% of people feeling stressed by a “lack of time” during the holiday season , it’s clear that many of us struggle to balance the joy with the demands of the season. But what if you could turn that stress into joy by starting your preparations in July? Here’s how you can start planning now to truly enjoy the holidays.
First off, think about how good it would feel to spread out all that holiday madness over a few months instead of cramming it into a few weeks. No more last-minute panic buying or maxing out your credit cards in December. Plus, you might actually get to sit back and enjoy the season with your loved ones instead of running around like a maniac.
So, where do we start?
Let’s make some lists (I promise it’s not as boring as it sounds):
1. Who’s getting gifts this year?
2. How much can you realistically spend without eating ramen for all of January?
3. What needs to get done before the holidays hit?
4. What decorations do you have, and what do you need?
5. What’s on the menu this year?
6. Any parties or trips you need to plan for?
Now, let’s get down to business.
Here’s what you can start doing right now:
1. Figure out your budget. Be honest with yourself – how much can you really afford?
2. Start your shopping. Keep an eye out for sales and snag those deals when you see them.
3. Time for some spring (or summer) cleaning! Go through your holiday stuff and get rid of what you don’t need.
4. If you’re into DIY gifts or decorations, now’s the time to start those projects.
5. Thinking about traveling? Book early and save yourself some cash and stress.
6. Get your calendar out and start marking those important dates.
Here’s a quick checklist to get you started this July:
– Write down who’s getting gifts and brainstorm some ideas.
– Keep your eyes peeled for good deals.
– Set a budget that won’t leave you broke in January.
– Start saving a little each month.
– Declutter your holiday decorations.
– Any home projects you want to finish before the holidays? Plan them now.
– Get crafty! Start those DIY projects.
– Book your travel and sort out who’s watching Fluffy while you’re gone.
– Update your address book and think about your holiday cards.
I know it might feel weird to think about Christmas in the middle of summer, but trust me, your future self will be thanking you when December rolls around. Imagine actually being able to relax and enjoy the holidays instead of running around like a crazy person.
So, grab yourself a cold drink, find a comfy spot, and let’s get planning. Your future “festive and stress-free” self will thank you.
