By Shyanne Ussery
It’s mid-November and the holiday season is upon us. For most people the holiday season starts with preparing for Thanksgiving and ends with celebrating the New Year. The holiday season is meant for joy but can be stressful if not prepared for in time. Preparing the perfect Thanksgiving dinner and buying the perfect Christmas gifts will take time. There are a few tips to help you plan for the holiday season, so you can avoid the stress.
Plan Ahead.
Waiting last minute for holiday planning is stressful and can bring the joy out of the holidays. Planning ahead for the holidays is the perfect way to avoid the extra stress. A way to plan ahead is to budget, save so much money each paycheck and devote that to holiday shopping. Budgeting plays a big role into the holiday season and having the proper funds can relieve the pressure on holiday shopping.
Prepare Your Gift List.
After planning ahead on your budget for the holidays, the next step is to prepare a gift list for those whom you would enjoy sharing gifts with. For example, asking gifting someone something they need (Ex. A sweater) and giving them something they want (Ex. A PlayStation). Prioritizing your gift list per person may help you stay within budget and make Christmas shopping much easier.
Take Advantage of Sales.
Coming into the holiday season local and retail stores usually take part in holiday sales. These sales are a great way to save money on food items and gift items. Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are a perfect chance to get ahold of cheap and last-minute holiday gifts. Sales can also be found online and can save you a trip to the store.
Prepare for Holiday Decorating.
Going alongside holiday gifts, holiday decorating may also take time and cost a little money. Try and find decorative items that can be used for more than one holiday event. Also, set time aside for decorating so you can enjoy the process and celebration of each holiday.
Don’t Forget Holiday Meals.
The holiday season is full of parties and gatherings to share the joy of each holiday. In the craziness of the holidays we tend to forget about preparing for holiday gatherings and the meals that go along with them. Pinterest is a good source to find quick and simple meals for any holiday gathering. Another option is to stockpile your pantry in earlier months to ensure that you will have the goods you need for that special dish.
Shop Local for Last Minute Gifts.
It may seem odd to shop at your local grocery store for gifts, but they normally have gifts for all of the last-minute shoppers. Blankets, candles, and coffee mugs are always a great gift for anyone who has put off gift shopping all year.
Homemade Goods.
Bringing out your favorite cookie recipe may save you some time during the holiday season. Instead of a materialistic item try some baking and give each person some cookies or a dessert that you have made. Another great homemade gift are candles and soaps; which can be inexpensive.
The Holiday season can be stressful with making sure everyone has a holiday gift; but some holiday gifts can be easy and made personally. Personalized gifts can bring joy and love to the receiver and are great for anyone who is shopping last minute or for anyone who is trying to save an extra dime during the holiday season. Planning ahead, preparing your gift list, taking advantage of sales, holiday decorating and meal plan are essentials tips to help lower the holiday stress level.
