We’re in New York and we’re exhausted. I know its the city that never sleeps. Maybe we have jet lag or have just enjoyed the long sessions too much. But we need some sleep which means we need some help. We can’t get as many posts up as we would like so we wanted to know if you would help.
We know the holiday season is coming. To deny it is just to deny the inevitable. But we always love to talk about preparing ourselves ahead of time and planning now to help prevent you from having the money blues after. What we would love for you to share is your best holiday preparation tip! This could be related to budget, cooking, vacation or anything else surrounding the holidays. What would be the one tip that you would love to share with everyone here?
In addition, for helping us by adding to this awesome growing list designed to help give everyone some amazingly helpful advice to get ready for the upcoming holiday season, you are entering yourself into a fun giveaway for a chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card – which could help start or continue your Christmas shopping.
Feel free to read all the comments. We will try to compile them next week and share them so you have them all in one place. But until then, read and enjoy!
How to enter: Leave a comment with your best way to prepare for the holidays. That’s it!
This giveaway will end Saturday, October 15th at 12:00 pm MST.
noelle
I keep a list all year long on my computer of people I buy gits for. When I see an idea or they mention something they would like I add it to the list. When it’s time to shop I have great ideas for everyone.
noelle
I keep a list all year long on my computer of people I buy gits for. When I see an idea or they mention something they would like I add it to the list. When it’s time to shop I have great ideas for everyone.
Small Footprints
My tip is to get everyone involved. If everyone helps buy and prepare the meal, it’s less cost and stress. My family does this and everyone has fun … we’re all in the kitchen together, creating and laughing. In reality, we have more fun preparing everything together than we have actually sitting down to eat (and that’s a blast so you know the prep is tons of fun). It’s one easy way to make the holidays easier on everyone!
Small Footprints
My tip is to get everyone involved. If everyone helps buy and prepare the meal, it’s less cost and stress. My family does this and everyone has fun … we’re all in the kitchen together, creating and laughing. In reality, we have more fun preparing everything together than we have actually sitting down to eat (and that’s a blast so you know the prep is tons of fun). It’s one easy way to make the holidays easier on everyone!
Sheila Vives
Budgeting: It is good to shop early and to prepare your meal items as early as you can before the big feast. When I was working in finance I noticed everyone used up their household operation money for Christmas and shortchanged the utility companies, the landlord, the mortgage company, and some even dared to skip the car payment. Many people way overspend during the holiday season.
1st) Keep all your bills paid up and on time. If you can save enough to pay 2 months ahead on your bills such as the mortgage payment/rent or the car payment you are already putting yourself in a better safety zone.
2nd) Each month throughout the year, try to put back a small amount of money into a holiday fund. Also keep in mind, that it can be expensive to celebrate several holiday’s so close together. (Do you really need $200 worth of Halloween merchandise ? When were kids, we put together our own costumes from what we had at home). For Thanksgiving, consider doing a family “pot-luck” get together. That way the expense and the preparation time is divided up among all and you will be much less exhausted. (You can do the same for Christmas, and it will save you money)
3rd) Cut back on other expenses.
You can find the money for the holidays if you become more conscious of where you are spending it. Easy places to save include cutting back on eating out, those frequent stops at fast food drive thru’s (a biggie everyone), buying too much junk food at the grocery store (another biggie), and you can also simplify what you spend on cleaning products, as well as health and beauty items. You can save on Gasoline by planning your trips to be more efficient. (UPS drivers learn to take routes that utilize primarily right turns. This cuts down on waiting in the turning lane burning up fuel). If you have several places to go in one day, figure out the fastest and most efficient route to take, and do all of your business that you can within the same geographical area. Pick up needed groceries such as milk or bread on the way home from work instead of making a separate trip back to the store.
Also, cut down on using “shopping” or “window shopping” as a way to combat boredom.
4. Be sure to save money for the after Christmas sales. There are several families in our area that have Christmas AFTER Christmas. You can use the sales to buy different decorations for next year, or discounted gifts for other celebrations during the year.
5. Family crafts. Kids love to make things and they feel special when their arts and crafts are highlighted in the home. Make decorations for the Holidays out of simple inexpensive things like construction paper, aluminum foil, fabric scraps, miscellaneous junk you have stored in the house or shed. Be creative. Hand made decor items make a home feel inviting and warm. These also make nice keepsakes, even the one’s mommy and daddy made.
6. Credit cards: If you do decide to shop with the plastic, be sure you are using your lowest interest rate cards, and the cards which have a generous payment grace period (such as 10-15 days). Too often people think if they shop a particular store they must use the store cards. Store cards like JC Penney, Walmart, Kmart, Sears, and Specialty Shops, most of the time are in the 18% and higher interest rate range. Try to get a low rate Visa, or Mastercard before the holidays.
7. Start planning next year’s holidays right after Christmas. It is those last minute preparations that can be so hectic and costly.
8. Be sure to allow time for rest and recreation during the holiday season. We all need 1 day a week to just get everything off of our minds and to rest our bodies. You will feel better, think more clearer, make better judgement decisions, and have a better feeling of control.
Happy Holidays !
Sheila Vives
Budgeting: It is good to shop early and to prepare your meal items as early as you can before the big feast. When I was working in finance I noticed everyone used up their household operation money for Christmas and shortchanged the utility companies, the landlord, the mortgage company, and some even dared to skip the car payment. Many people way overspend during the holiday season.
1st) Keep all your bills paid up and on time. If you can save enough to pay 2 months ahead on your bills such as the mortgage payment/rent or the car payment you are already putting yourself in a better safety zone.
2nd) Each month throughout the year, try to put back a small amount of money into a holiday fund. Also keep in mind, that it can be expensive to celebrate several holiday’s so close together. (Do you really need $200 worth of Halloween merchandise ? When were kids, we put together our own costumes from what we had at home). For Thanksgiving, consider doing a family “pot-luck” get together. That way the expense and the preparation time is divided up among all and you will be much less exhausted. (You can do the same for Christmas, and it will save you money)
3rd) Cut back on other expenses.
You can find the money for the holidays if you become more conscious of where you are spending it. Easy places to save include cutting back on eating out, those frequent stops at fast food drive thru’s (a biggie everyone), buying too much junk food at the grocery store (another biggie), and you can also simplify what you spend on cleaning products, as well as health and beauty items. You can save on Gasoline by planning your trips to be more efficient. (UPS drivers learn to take routes that utilize primarily right turns. This cuts down on waiting in the turning lane burning up fuel). If you have several places to go in one day, figure out the fastest and most efficient route to take, and do all of your business that you can within the same geographical area. Pick up needed groceries such as milk or bread on the way home from work instead of making a separate trip back to the store.
Also, cut down on using “shopping” or “window shopping” as a way to combat boredom.
4. Be sure to save money for the after Christmas sales. There are several families in our area that have Christmas AFTER Christmas. You can use the sales to buy different decorations for next year, or discounted gifts for other celebrations during the year.
5. Family crafts. Kids love to make things and they feel special when their arts and crafts are highlighted in the home. Make decorations for the Holidays out of simple inexpensive things like construction paper, aluminum foil, fabric scraps, miscellaneous junk you have stored in the house or shed. Be creative. Hand made decor items make a home feel inviting and warm. These also make nice keepsakes, even the one’s mommy and daddy made.
6. Credit cards: If you do decide to shop with the plastic, be sure you are using your lowest interest rate cards, and the cards which have a generous payment grace period (such as 10-15 days). Too often people think if they shop a particular store they must use the store cards. Store cards like JC Penney, Walmart, Kmart, Sears, and Specialty Shops, most of the time are in the 18% and higher interest rate range. Try to get a low rate Visa, or Mastercard before the holidays.
7. Start planning next year’s holidays right after Christmas. It is those last minute preparations that can be so hectic and costly.
8. Be sure to allow time for rest and recreation during the holiday season. We all need 1 day a week to just get everything off of our minds and to rest our bodies. You will feel better, think more clearer, make better judgement decisions, and have a better feeling of control.
Happy Holidays !
Sheila Vives
Ha Ha, I was supposed to give 1 tip ? Hard to do. If I had to choose one tip to save you time, money, and energy, it would be to have family or group pot-lucks for the holidays (with disposable dinner ware).
Sheila Vives
Ha Ha, I was supposed to give 1 tip ? Hard to do. If I had to choose one tip to save you time, money, and energy, it would be to have family or group pot-lucks for the holidays (with disposable dinner ware).
Lillian
The best way that I prepare for the holidays, particularly Christmas it to start gift shopping early, way early. I purchased a gift for the following Christmas last year at an after Christmas sale. The only problem is keeping track of gifts throughout the year and remembering what and for whom I already purchased!
Lillian
The best way that I prepare for the holidays, particularly Christmas it to start gift shopping early, way early. I purchased a gift for the following Christmas last year at an after Christmas sale. The only problem is keeping track of gifts throughout the year and remembering what and for whom I already purchased!
surbhi
Giveaway: Win mp4 player
http://www.techbyte4u.com/2011/09/giveaway-win-mp4-player.html
surbhi
Giveaway: Win mp4 player
http://www.techbyte4u.com/2011/09/giveaway-win-mp4-player.html
Ruth Flynn
My tip is to just relax. Try to spend more time with friends and family, and make it less about the “giving.”
Ruth Flynn
My tip is to just relax. Try to spend more time with friends and family, and make it less about the “giving.”
Camiele
My tip would be to pack a few days in advance. That way when I remember something I forgot, I still have time to put it in my bag instead of remembering that I forgot something when I get to my destination!
Camiele
My tip would be to pack a few days in advance. That way when I remember something I forgot, I still have time to put it in my bag instead of remembering that I forgot something when I get to my destination!
monika bigelow
I start early around September and I buy baskets and antique ornaments from thrift stores. All year long I buy little gourmet items, or international sweets ( meijer has an international aisle) and little things the people on my list would love. I also started sweeps early this year and have won many presents to give away! I have to devote at least 1-2 hours a day entering, but I have won some nice things to give.
I bake the week before Christmas, I bake candy, mini pumpkin and banana breads, and cookies. I put them in tins and wrap them festively and then decorate the baskets.
I will check yard sales and garage sales all summer and fall for unique ornaments or baskets. Everyone loves these baskets. I will put fillers in there as well, like hard candies and vintage lace napkins or cloth ones that are elegant and antique to line the bottoms of the baskets. I also buy my other christmas presents or basket fillers in October and on black Friday ( the day after Thanksgiving). I will not have any debt related to Christmas. Oh! I start buying my Christmas baking supplies in August and I buy a little each month all the way until December. It is easier on my budget then to just buy it all at once! The dollar store has little bread tins to bake in and I give the baked bread in the tin as a present so it is like two presents!
There are themes you can make up for your baskets: Movie night ( gift card for movie rental or put in a movie your self, a small cuddle blanket, popcorn, soda, candy.)
Spa night: ( pedicure and manicure items, slippers, a mini bottle of wine with a cute wineglass from the dollar store with a pretty ribbon on it, an inflatable bath pillow from dollar store, some candles and a dollar store relaxation c.d.)
Chocolate Lovers: 2 mugs, cocoa mix, bag of marshmallows, chocolate everthing..
Coffee lovers: coffee mugs, starbucks g.c. , gourmet coffee , sweet rolls or coffee cake
Book worms: good book, big tea mugs, herbal tea, cookies a small fleece blanket.
You get the point~
Monika
monika bigelow
I start early around September and I buy baskets and antique ornaments from thrift stores. All year long I buy little gourmet items, or international sweets ( meijer has an international aisle) and little things the people on my list would love. I also started sweeps early this year and have won many presents to give away! I have to devote at least 1-2 hours a day entering, but I have won some nice things to give.
I bake the week before Christmas, I bake candy, mini pumpkin and banana breads, and cookies. I put them in tins and wrap them festively and then decorate the baskets.
I will check yard sales and garage sales all summer and fall for unique ornaments or baskets. Everyone loves these baskets. I will put fillers in there as well, like hard candies and vintage lace napkins or cloth ones that are elegant and antique to line the bottoms of the baskets. I also buy my other christmas presents or basket fillers in October and on black Friday ( the day after Thanksgiving). I will not have any debt related to Christmas. Oh! I start buying my Christmas baking supplies in August and I buy a little each month all the way until December. It is easier on my budget then to just buy it all at once! The dollar store has little bread tins to bake in and I give the baked bread in the tin as a present so it is like two presents!
There are themes you can make up for your baskets: Movie night ( gift card for movie rental or put in a movie your self, a small cuddle blanket, popcorn, soda, candy.)
Spa night: ( pedicure and manicure items, slippers, a mini bottle of wine with a cute wineglass from the dollar store with a pretty ribbon on it, an inflatable bath pillow from dollar store, some candles and a dollar store relaxation c.d.)
Chocolate Lovers: 2 mugs, cocoa mix, bag of marshmallows, chocolate everthing..
Coffee lovers: coffee mugs, starbucks g.c. , gourmet coffee , sweet rolls or coffee cake
Book worms: good book, big tea mugs, herbal tea, cookies a small fleece blanket.
You get the point~
Monika
Mariana Herrera
My tip is to just breathe! Sometimes we’re so caught up with if the stand underneath is dusted and if the bathroom towels smell fresh. We need to be happy and enjoy our loved ones more minutes out of the day.
Mariana Herrera
My tip is to just breathe! Sometimes we’re so caught up with if the stand underneath is dusted and if the bathroom towels smell fresh. We need to be happy and enjoy our loved ones more minutes out of the day.
Lois M.
Simply to start early. Me, two people, two presents, all done. And it hardly needs to be complicated – if you know them well, you’ll know what to get. And if you don’t… well, everyone likes cookies! LOL
Lois
Lois M.
Simply to start early. Me, two people, two presents, all done. And it hardly needs to be complicated – if you know them well, you’ll know what to get. And if you don’t… well, everyone likes cookies! LOL
Lois
Melanie Fuller
We started making homemade gifts last year for famly members and they absolutely loved it! I think everyone already has SO much anyway and a homemade gift (esp from children) is always more meaningful.
Melanie Fuller
We started making homemade gifts last year for famly members and they absolutely loved it! I think everyone already has SO much anyway and a homemade gift (esp from children) is always more meaningful.
Kimberly J
Hands down… the very best preparation is buying after Christmas novelties for pennies…. then the next Thanksgiving, I wrap them and bring them to the big family Thanksgiving dinner and tell my nieces and nephews and my own children that I Have thought about them all year. They are soo excited to get an unexpected gift and it kicks off the Christmas season for me.
Kimberly J
Hands down… the very best preparation is buying after Christmas novelties for pennies…. then the next Thanksgiving, I wrap them and bring them to the big family Thanksgiving dinner and tell my nieces and nephews and my own children that I Have thought about them all year. They are soo excited to get an unexpected gift and it kicks off the Christmas season for me.
Kimberly
I try to have 80% of my gifts bought and wrapped by Nov.1. Then I can relax and buy the other 20% during the big holiday saies!
Kimberly
I try to have 80% of my gifts bought and wrapped by Nov.1. Then I can relax and buy the other 20% during the big holiday saies!
Courtney Renee
Plan ahead yes. Also do as much shopping on black friday as you can!
courtnut1990 at yahoo dot com
Courtney Renee
Plan ahead yes. Also do as much shopping on black friday as you can!
courtnut1990 at yahoo dot com
Desiree
For extended family, each year I choose one or two themes for homemade gifts – it might be fleece blankets made with fleece purchased 50% off the day after Thanksgiving, or photo gifts with all the great photo deals you guys pass along. Sometimes I make salves and lotions for everyone, or cooking mixes. I try to make sure the items are personalized in some way, but doing it this way saves both time and money as I can purchase supplies for all the projects when I find a good sale, and have everything I need on hand.
Desiree
For extended family, each year I choose one or two themes for homemade gifts – it might be fleece blankets made with fleece purchased 50% off the day after Thanksgiving, or photo gifts with all the great photo deals you guys pass along. Sometimes I make salves and lotions for everyone, or cooking mixes. I try to make sure the items are personalized in some way, but doing it this way saves both time and money as I can purchase supplies for all the projects when I find a good sale, and have everything I need on hand.
Bernadette
I start “collecting” things whenever I see a great sale. For instance – when Target and Walmart drop their toy prices, I stockpile. And, whenever I get a great deal on H&B products, I stock up. Then, I put all my great finds in a closet and when I’m ready to begin sorting for friends and family, it makes the task a lot more fun. It’s like having my own department store closet, if you will. I also use large wicker baskets to hold freebies that I get in the mail and probably won’t use myself. I attach these little items to the top of the gift box under the bow or put in a little Christmas stocking then attach it to the gift box.
Bernadette
I start “collecting” things whenever I see a great sale. For instance – when Target and Walmart drop their toy prices, I stockpile. And, whenever I get a great deal on H&B products, I stock up. Then, I put all my great finds in a closet and when I’m ready to begin sorting for friends and family, it makes the task a lot more fun. It’s like having my own department store closet, if you will. I also use large wicker baskets to hold freebies that I get in the mail and probably won’t use myself. I attach these little items to the top of the gift box under the bow or put in a little Christmas stocking then attach it to the gift box.
domestic diva
My best tip: keep it simple.
domestic diva
My best tip: keep it simple.
MvP
My favorite holiday tip is one I’ve been doing for a few years now. I keep a stash of “emergency” gifts for unexpected guests. That way I am never caught unprepared. I have a box on my closet shelf that I add to all year. Some things I have include nice ornaments, gourmet non-perishable food, items that I can get on sale at a good price and that are good generic gifts, gift cards for places like Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts and also toys! You never know when you’ll need a gift for a deserving kid at Christmas!
MvP
My favorite holiday tip is one I’ve been doing for a few years now. I keep a stash of “emergency” gifts for unexpected guests. That way I am never caught unprepared. I have a box on my closet shelf that I add to all year. Some things I have include nice ornaments, gourmet non-perishable food, items that I can get on sale at a good price and that are good generic gifts, gift cards for places like Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts and also toys! You never know when you’ll need a gift for a deserving kid at Christmas!
Tina M
I shop on line, save my time
Tina M
I shop on line, save my time
TracyQ
I started my Christmas list, and my sister, mom, daughter, and I meet weekly to start making our Christmas gifts. We began home made tags last week, and they’re really neat! I love home made gifts and tags, etc. I have started putting aside some extra money in my gift envelope, so I can pick up any deals I see too. We may begin making Christmas cookie dough and freezing it beginning in November. Then we can bake them off when we have more time.
TracyQ
I started my Christmas list, and my sister, mom, daughter, and I meet weekly to start making our Christmas gifts. We began home made tags last week, and they’re really neat! I love home made gifts and tags, etc. I have started putting aside some extra money in my gift envelope, so I can pick up any deals I see too. We may begin making Christmas cookie dough and freezing it beginning in November. Then we can bake them off when we have more time.
Allicia
Start picking up gifts here and there starting around September. You’ll find lots of things that are on sale or clearance that your friends and family would want for gifts.
Allicia
Start picking up gifts here and there starting around September. You’ll find lots of things that are on sale or clearance that your friends and family would want for gifts.
Casherie Bright
I try to clean ahead of time. I do a deep clean in October and inventory my stock pile of gifts from the rest of the year. I also buy the gift certificates from city deals and eversave, plum district, etc. and keep the current ones in my email so I can print and give. This was I spend less but give more.
Casherie Bright
I try to clean ahead of time. I do a deep clean in October and inventory my stock pile of gifts from the rest of the year. I also buy the gift certificates from city deals and eversave, plum district, etc. and keep the current ones in my email so I can print and give. This was I spend less but give more.
Erin R
Lists. Lists help me stay organized – I get this from my dad! But don’t get too bogged down with sticking to the list. Perfect example, my dad use to make lists for everything. One vacation he actually scheduled “3:00-3:15 – fun”…
Erin R
Lists. Lists help me stay organized – I get this from my dad! But don’t get too bogged down with sticking to the list. Perfect example, my dad use to make lists for everything. One vacation he actually scheduled “3:00-3:15 – fun”…
teachinmom
My most organized years were the years that I used the Flylady Holiday Journal from flylady.com. I stayed in control and had much less stress than usual when I followed her tips, starting early and planning ahead. She has a lot of good ideas for clutter free gifts, too!
teachinmom
My most organized years were the years that I used the Flylady Holiday Journal from flylady.com. I stayed in control and had much less stress than usual when I followed her tips, starting early and planning ahead. She has a lot of good ideas for clutter free gifts, too!