Tackling the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

We are thrilled to have Jennifer Tankersley, founder of ListPlanIt.com, joining us to share tips for getting organized early for Christmas.

Christmas in August?

I know what you’re thinking. “Why should I be thinking about Christmas this early? It’s not even fall yet!” This post is all about planning ahead so that you can actually enjoy the holidays. While ideally, you might strive to create a simple Christmas for your family based on values, giving, and love, in actuality, Christmas joy is often overshadowed by long last-minute to do lists.

Those that consider Christmas (or whatever December holiday you celebrate) preparation early often tend to save money, experience less stress, and get more enjoyment out of the holiday. So don’t think about it as rushing the holidays. Beginning September 16, there will be just 100 days until Christmas day. That should not create in you a sense of panic, but of urgency. This is a wake-up call to starting in plenty of time in order to do what needs to be done in order to create a peaceful and meaningful December. Here are a few things to consider now.

How to prepare NOW to have a more enjoyable Christmas season

• Calendar – Which holidays/events come between now and Christmas? Put those down now on your calendar so you can get a clear picture of what lies ahead.

 

• Budget – This is extremely important as you near the holidays. How much have you put aside for gifts, meals, décor, events? How much will you still need for those things?

 

• Gifts – If you like to handmake your gifts, then you had better get started researching ideas and purchasing materials. If store-bought gifts work best for you, then begin watching for sales or scouring Craig’s List.

 

• Meals – There are some pretty momentous meals in those 100 days. Whether you are an old hat at preparing holiday meals or a novice, there are still groceries to be bought and recipes to be unearthed.

 

• Correspondence – For some people, communicating at Christmas time with friends and loved ones is an essential part of the season. If sending Christmas cards is important to you, then there are several steps you can take to prepare in advance so that this year’s cards can go out before the new year officially begins.

 

• Fun – Hosting holiday events (such as a Fall or Halloween-themed party or a Christmas Cookie Exchange) in your home might be an integral part of your holiday season. Or maybe you prefer to make the rounds to all of the holiday happenings in your area. Either way, planning ahead is vital.

 

A daily dose of inspiration and motivation!

For a daily dose of inspiration and motivation from September 16 to December 25, join us at 100DaystoChristmas.com. Each day presents a new task, activity, event, or reminder geared toward helping you to get ahead so that you can relax more through December.

This year, for the first time, you can choose to get all 100 Days delivered to you in one package through our 100 Days to Christmas 2011 eBook. It is available in 3 formats (PDF, Kindle, and Nook) and includes links to ideas, crafts, and recipes and also includes links to ListPlanIt.com’s lists and holiday planning forms – all for just $4.99.

Join the 100 Days to Christmas community for updates and the day’s discussion at 100 Days to Christmas Facebook page.

Written by Jennifer Tankersley, founder of ListPlanIt.com, which has hundreds of lists and planning pages all geared toward helping you live a more organized life, including everything you need to prepare for the holidays.

 

Disclosure: We are so impressed by ListPlanIt that we have become affiliates and have included those links in this post.