By: Amy Hannold
24/7 MOMS Frugal Living Editor
Eighty-degree temperatures and gardens in bloom don’t usually lead me to think about December holidays. Intellectually, I know they are less than six months away. Truthfully, if I have any motivating thoughts about the holidays this time of year, it’s the constant reminder that I want to “start earlier” this year. If I expect to survive holidays, I should spend some of these lazy days alleviating future headaches and remorse.
Retailers are way ahead of me. They know the longer holiday merchandise is on the shelves, the more of it they’ll sell. If I’m without a plan for my holiday preparations, I’ll shop for the holidays several times, as items catch my eye. By the time December rolls around, I may have already spent more than I anticipated.
Statistics tell me many of us experience what I have just described. The answer to changing our future is by taking steps today – this summer. We can enjoy a more creative, affordable, and cherished holiday. Are you with me? Let’s begin. Here are a few ideas:
Save Money Now: Create a “Christmas Jar”, tossing your change in, and add to it some of the money you’d spend today on things you can do without. Have your kids decorate the jar, with Christmas pictures, to further get you in the spirit. They could even start a jar for themselves. This is a great opportunity to show them the value of saving for later.
Determine Family Gifts: Discuss with your family, friends and extended family about gifts for the holidays. Consider the creation of “family gifts”, gift exchanges, drawing names, or other traditions. This reduces spending overall and increases the thoughtfulness of gifts.
As a side tip: Our family of 12-plus teenage cousins and 10-plus adults decided several years ago to shop all year for that perfect “White Elephant”, and delight one another in the exchanging of the most coveted “gift”. We survived years of “Snowman Poop”, only to rule later that your unusual or humorous gift must also contain something of “reasonable value” to the recipient. We now fight over “super-finds”; items which are usually found by the garage-salers, who get the best, nearly new tools, sportswear and antiques at very affordable prices!
Begin to Shop Thoughtfully: Be on the look out for items you know a loved one would appreciate. Garage sales, summer clearances, and store discount departments can be great places to find affordable gifts. Think birthday party gifts and favors when crayons, notebooks and other fun school supplies are on sale. Ordering catalog or personalized gifts now means they will arrive in time for Christmas—without the stress & extra shipping charges.
Gift Gathering Place: Inventory any gifts you might have already purchased for your loved ones. If you don’t have a “Gift Closet”, start one. This closet of finds is great for last-minute birthday party gifts, and even “re-gifts” (don’t forget to label from whom, to avoid gifting errors!). You’ll save you both time and money. Maintain accessible inventory lists (you will forget, trust me!). Occasional perusal of your gift closet equals maximum money-savings. You’ll be giving more creative gifts and are ready for any day that you need to recognize someone special.
Plan the Time and Supplies to “Create Your Gifts”: Start now! Research online or at the library to find fun, homemade gifts that you and your kids would enjoy making. Designate in writing, a timeline towards completion of your gifts. Make a list of what you’ll need, so you’re ready when you’re out shopping.
Make it Social: Host festive “Gift Creation” nights with your friends this summer to encourage friends to also be ahead of schedule for their homemade holidays. String a set of Christmas lights, play some holiday music and share your holiday traditions. By sharing your ideas now, you’ll have time to prepare and enjoy new holiday favorites.
“Christmas in July” Holiday Décor Check: Inventory your holiday décor and supplies. When you find you have more than you plan to use, or you want to swap out some of what you have for some new items, exchange them with friends. To make it fun, you could even try an ornament exchange, as part of your holiday gift creation parties.
Enjoy Everyday: Your preparations for the holidays shouldn’t overshadow your summer fun. Balance your summer activities with a little time spend getting ready for the holidays. Think how anticipated your holidays will be when you have spent time and thought creating – instead of trying in vain to catch up with them.
Make Your Lists and Check Them Often: After reading these ideas, you should be ready to make four types of lists: A: “Gift Closet Inventory”, B: “Homemade Gifts Plans and Supplies”, C: “Gift Shopping Guide”, and D: “Holiday Décor Inventory”. You can get even more organized with forms for creating a holiday budget, an overview of your holiday traditions and values, a plan for sprucing up your home, and more forms that will be useful as the holidays draw closer. You can find forms like these at “Organized Christmas”, found at http://christmas.organizedhome.com/printable/holiday-planner-pages