Five Ways to Nail Christmas, Stress Free!

If you ask any of my friends and family, they will tell you that I am Christmas obsessed. I love everything about this magical time of year. The coziness, the giving spirit, the time with loved ones…I can go on.

Many people think I am just downright crazy though. They fear the holiday season because there is just so much to do, and this often turns what could be such an enjoyable and relaxing time of year into a stress-filled marathon causing us to add a little too much RumChata to our hot chocolate.  

Have no fear! I am here to give you five ways to completely OWN the Christmas season, so you can sit back and enjoy.

Christmas pictures

Start planning these now. Yes, I said NOW. Start thinking about outfits, location, themes, etc. Book your photographer for, wait for it, before Thanksgiving. Beat the rush. Doing this will leave you with beautiful, unhurried pictures and plenty of time to order cards and get them to the post office prior to just two days before Christmas. (Personally, I aim to have mine out the week after Thanksgiving). You can also get your address labels done now, too, so they are ready to go.

Make your list and check it twice

Sit down now and figure out who you need to buy presents for and what your budget is in total and for each person. A great way to keep track of this is with an app I use called Santa’s Bag. Santa’s Bag allows you to list all of your recipients, the budget for that person, and then gifts you want to purchase or have purchased and then cost. The best part is when you’re done with that recipient, you actually check them off! I realize it sounds crazy to start shopping now, but it really makes life easier. Studies show that sales aren’t necessarily better on days such as Black Friday, but even if you do want to wait until then, at least you can have your list set, budget determined, and gift ideas decided for each person.

Get Wrapping

In my opinion, one of the most tasking parts of the holiday season is wrapping gifts. I know some people absolutely love this part and their packages are all perfectly coordinated with homemade bows and cute sprigs of evergreen. I’m not quite that person. However, I do like to have my wrapping done as soon as possible, mostly since it’s my least favorite. I also don’t want to be the mom wrapping gifts at midnight on Christmas Eve. Buying all of my wrapping gear at after Christmas clearance the year before ensures I am stocked and ready to go. (Plus, it saves a pretty penny). I start wrapping in short bursts starting in November, but I also set a “done” date. I want to be done with all wrapping by the second weekend in December, yet another big project complete and out of the way! Typically, I need to set aside a Saturday night to have a wrapping marathon for the kids’ gifts after they go to bed. 

Plan your menus

Hosting a party on Christmas Eve or Day? Baking? Figure out now what you want to have. What goodies will you be making, and what will your menu be if you’re hosting? Second, complete your shopping and ingredient lists. What can you buy now? Of course fresh produce and meats will have to wait, but there are plenty of dry and freezer items you can snag now, hopefully on sale or with coupons. This is a great way to stretch your budget, so you don’t feel it all at once in December.

Deck The Halls

If you’re anything like me, your house is fully decorated within the first couple weeks of November. Which, if you’re not hosting Thanksgiving- or don’t mind having your decor up for the holiday- I can’t recommend early decorating enough.  It’ll be DONE, and you will have the opportunity to enjoy your beautiful decorations and focus on all of the other fun activities of the season. If you get a real tree, have everything up and ready to go by around Thanksgiving, and then go get your tree within a week or so of Turkey Day. Plus, with Hallmark starting their holiday movie lineup the end of October, you’ll have plenty help getting in the mood!

Well, there you have it! My five biggest tips and tricks to own the holiday season without it owning you.

Do you have anything you would add to this list? Let me know!