It’s never too early to start thinking about a holiday checklist. It’s the season for spending money, entertaining guests, and having the time of your life. However, this is also the time of year for some serious planning. You’re likely to go somewhat insane from the stress of it all if you don’t have a plan for gifts, wrap pickups and drop-offs, travel, and activities. Do you need some stress-relieving advice? Here are a few to help you stay calm during the holidays.
The best way to deal with Christmas stress is to take action, so take a deep breath and follow this simple Holiday Checklist to remain on top of all your holiday plans and ideas.
1. Start Making Plans In Early November
The first step in any effective vacation plan is to set your dates. Start putting important dates on your calendar with your Getting Stuff Done Planner.
Make your holiday plans as soon as possible. Make a few phone calls to see when guests will arrive at your place. If you’re picking someone up from the airport or going to see them, make a note. This will also help you decide when to decorate your Christmas decorations (before people arrive).
Before entering the details, list essential dates in your holiday plans, such as Christmas markets, the last days to shop, and other important dates.
2. Think Of Logistics In The Middle Of November
This is the part that I enjoy the most. Once I get the dates, I begin to plan my strategy. For example, picking up overseas family members from the airport generally requires keeping the house clean, organized, and decorated before arrival. It means I’ll need to devise ways to keep kids entertained till Christmas, as well as meals to eat in the meantime.
Don’t wait until the last minute to figure out the logistics. Consider who will attend your holiday gatherings, where they will sleep, and what you will require. Things like bedsheets, towels, and meals are frequently overlooked! Isn’t it true that you all have to eat in the run-up to Christmas?
So, at this point, I switch to full planning mode. I’ll start thinking about the ‘theme’ I want to go for so that my house looks uniform and pretty when people arrive. I’ll plan Christmas dinner based on how many of us there are and add it to my basket (I order it all primarily prepared from CookFood to save myself a headache I’ll never have time for). I’ll start thinking about the ‘theme’ I want to go for so that my house looks uniform and pretty when people arrive. Putting everything in one basket now also helps stage three, budgeting.
3. Create A Budget By The End Of November
Knowing the critical dates for your holidays (when people will arrive and go etc.) is only the first step.
Start placing orders online and keep track of the pricing of different items. You must know your budget ahead of time. Isn’t it better to pay for things gradually rather than putting a big dent in your December paycheck?
You may have been ambitious in stage two, putting an entire store’s home collection in your basket, but now you must be practical. Do you know how many gifts you’ll need to buy and how much money you’ll spend on each one? Create a card and wrapping budget, and then apply what you’ve learned about your Christmas meals and any extra meal prep to creating a realistic Christmas budget.
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4. Begin Buying Things At The Beginning Of December
Schedule your Christmas tree delivery, order your decorations, arrange for your Christmas meal to be delivered, and make a list of any items you know you’ll need to buy. The sooner you begin cutting your Christmas budget, the better. Set your deadlines and start being organized (read: paying bills or preparing meals!).
From personal experience, I enjoy purchasing themed towels, tablecloths, and other items for the sit-down meal while planning Christmas, and I’m sure you do as well! So keep that in mind; the smallest of details can have a significant effect. It’s best if you can get everything done as soon as possible.
