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.
Soha Molina
start scouting for sales and coupons.
Soha Molina
start scouting for sales and coupons.
Nancy Kane
We read a book called Jotham’s Journey to the kids throughout the month of December. It helps to set their minds and ours as to what the Christmas season is really about!
Nancy Kane
We read a book called Jotham’s Journey to the kids throughout the month of December. It helps to set their minds and ours as to what the Christmas season is really about!
Cheryl Poole
I have a “present” closet, and all through the year, I take advantage of clearance sales on toys,electronics, household, jewelry, and beauty products. I buy these items at bargain prices and put them in my ” present closet”. That way, the process of buying presents is a little less stressful, because most of my shopping is done before Christmas and I bought them at discount prices. This is also great for birthdays throughout the year!
Suzanne Carlson
I had a friend do that and I always swore I would follow the idea and never have. Thanks for reminding me to start my own closet. It’s a great idea.
Cheryl Poole
I have a “present” closet, and all through the year, I take advantage of clearance sales on toys,electronics, household, jewelry, and beauty products. I buy these items at bargain prices and put them in my ” present closet”. That way, the process of buying presents is a little less stressful, because most of my shopping is done before Christmas and I bought them at discount prices. This is also great for birthdays throughout the year!
Suzanne Carlson
I had a friend do that and I always swore I would follow the idea and never have. Thanks for reminding me to start my own closet. It’s a great idea.
Liz M.
I try to shop online or during off-hours to reduce the stress of dealing with crowds.
Liz M.
I try to shop online or during off-hours to reduce the stress of dealing with crowds.
Diane Welch
Deviled Eggs are a big treat around the holiday time of the year. We have found a tip that makes the egg shells just fall off. After your eggs have bolied long enough, set your hot pan in one side of your sink, have ice water in a large bowl setting on the other side of the sink dip out 2-3 hot eggs into the ice cold water, crack the eggs and the shells practically fall off. Continue this process until all eggs are peeled. Place in a covered dish in the refrigerator and they will be ready to be prepared later. Also have a WalMart bag to throw the egg shells in.
Thanks!
Diane Welch
Deviled Eggs are a big treat around the holiday time of the year. We have found a tip that makes the egg shells just fall off. After your eggs have bolied long enough, set your hot pan in one side of your sink, have ice water in a large bowl setting on the other side of the sink dip out 2-3 hot eggs into the ice cold water, crack the eggs and the shells practically fall off. Continue this process until all eggs are peeled. Place in a covered dish in the refrigerator and they will be ready to be prepared later. Also have a WalMart bag to throw the egg shells in.
Thanks!
Erin Collins
I make lists to keep me in check!
Erin Collins
I make lists to keep me in check!
Lynda Del
I make a list and shop online wholesale.
Lynda Del
I make a list and shop online wholesale.
Lisa G.
Watch the TTC’s website for deals!
Lisa G.
Watch the TTC’s website for deals!
Gay Gillespie
I keep my Christmas card list in a word document so that I can just pull it up when Iwant to send cards. During the year I can easliy make changes or add new addresses. I also try to get the cards out early before all the busyness of the holiday starts. i buy the cards at the end of the season and save for the next year.You can find great bargains!
Gay Gillespie
I keep my Christmas card list in a word document so that I can just pull it up when Iwant to send cards. During the year I can easliy make changes or add new addresses. I also try to get the cards out early before all the busyness of the holiday starts. i buy the cards at the end of the season and save for the next year.You can find great bargains!
Kay pressley
I started a list in July of what I needed to get or do for Christmas. I take that list once per week and look to see if I have a coupon for something so that I can go ahead and start marking off items from my list. It really helps because I start thinking and planning way ahead. It makes Christmas not as stressful.
Kay pressley
I started a list in July of what I needed to get or do for Christmas. I take that list once per week and look to see if I have a coupon for something so that I can go ahead and start marking off items from my list. It really helps because I start thinking and planning way ahead. It makes Christmas not as stressful.
melissa jump
I go to the thrift stores starting around August . This is after I have figured out the unique crafts I am going to do for Christmas presents. I look all over the web and magazines for the best crafts. The thrift stores usually have 90% of the things I use and then i get started making crafts . I get to not feel that Christmas panic and I love making crafts and I spend so mucg less.
melissa jump
I go to the thrift stores starting around August . This is after I have figured out the unique crafts I am going to do for Christmas presents. I look all over the web and magazines for the best crafts. The thrift stores usually have 90% of the things I use and then i get started making crafts . I get to not feel that Christmas panic and I love making crafts and I spend so mucg less.
Angel B
I buy presents a little at a time as the year goes on…then when unexpected birthday parties, showers, or weddings come up…I am ready to go…not to mention I make gift baskets for friends who I know will use the HBA stuff I get free or cheap during the year 🙂
Angel B
I buy presents a little at a time as the year goes on…then when unexpected birthday parties, showers, or weddings come up…I am ready to go…not to mention I make gift baskets for friends who I know will use the HBA stuff I get free or cheap during the year 🙂
Jaimee
Normally, I am so on top of things, but this year with a little one, I’ll be lucky to throw a wreath on the door!!
Jaimee
Normally, I am so on top of things, but this year with a little one, I’ll be lucky to throw a wreath on the door!!
Casey Lynn Everidge
i prepare for the holidays by entering tons of giveaways to help save money, or win christmas gifts… also i save a little more money every week!
Casey Lynn Everidge
i prepare for the holidays by entering tons of giveaways to help save money, or win christmas gifts… also i save a little more money every week!
Cheryl Barnett
Prepare in advance, have your veggies and other things you can prepare early ready. I also have family bring snacks we can set out while waiting. Shares the expense and I don’t spend all my time in the kitchen trying to make a whole meal.
Cheryl Barnett
Prepare in advance, have your veggies and other things you can prepare early ready. I also have family bring snacks we can set out while waiting. Shares the expense and I don’t spend all my time in the kitchen trying to make a whole meal.
J Webster
I take a day off from work two weeks or so before Christmas. That gives me time to do last minute shopping or gift wrapping before we start our holiday traveling. If everything’s done, it gives me a whole day to read, drink hot cocoa, and rest up for the big rush.
J Webster
I take a day off from work two weeks or so before Christmas. That gives me time to do last minute shopping or gift wrapping before we start our holiday traveling. If everything’s done, it gives me a whole day to read, drink hot cocoa, and rest up for the big rush.
April Schow
Get your shopping done early so you can enjoy the holiday season and remember the true meaning of Christmas.
April Schow
Get your shopping done early so you can enjoy the holiday season and remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Ashley B
I make all my casseroles, snack foods and cold desserts the day or two before everyone arrives, that way I have more time to spend with my family. Which is what the hollidays are about!!
Ashley B
I make all my casseroles, snack foods and cold desserts the day or two before everyone arrives, that way I have more time to spend with my family. Which is what the hollidays are about!!
Kristy
We split up all the work in our family, so no one person is doing too much.
Kristy
We split up all the work in our family, so no one person is doing too much.
Anna Marie Penix
Use your calendar to block out a few days that will be spent on time to shop or prepare your house for company. Once the holiday activities start, you can get caught short of time and end up harried!
Now is the time to stock up on food staples that you know you are going to need for those holiday meals, and tape and ribbons and bows and anything else that you can get a head start on. You will beat the crowds, too!
Anna Marie Penix
Use your calendar to block out a few days that will be spent on time to shop or prepare your house for company. Once the holiday activities start, you can get caught short of time and end up harried!
Now is the time to stock up on food staples that you know you are going to need for those holiday meals, and tape and ribbons and bows and anything else that you can get a head start on. You will beat the crowds, too!
Chelsey
Start shopping EARLY!
Chelsey
Start shopping EARLY!
Jennifer Reed
I try to start early, and I set limits for each person. I don’t go over my budget!
Jennifer Reed
I try to start early, and I set limits for each person. I don’t go over my budget!
Neysa Vachon
I used to work in retail & dislike the attitudes of angry last minute shoppers, so I chose not to be one of them. I usually start in June picking up clearance items at different stores, or even on-line. Around October or November you notie the clearance items disappear so now you have to pay full price for everything. I pack them all away and after Thanksgiving I pull them all out, sort & then wrap them. Conclusion: I am finished shopping before December and don’t have to fight the crowds.
Neysa Vachon
I used to work in retail & dislike the attitudes of angry last minute shoppers, so I chose not to be one of them. I usually start in June picking up clearance items at different stores, or even on-line. Around October or November you notie the clearance items disappear so now you have to pay full price for everything. I pack them all away and after Thanksgiving I pull them all out, sort & then wrap them. Conclusion: I am finished shopping before December and don’t have to fight the crowds.
amanda l h
I shop black friday (yep I’m crazy) and win giveaways!
amanda l h
I shop black friday (yep I’m crazy) and win giveaways!
amber
i prepare for the holidays by buying presents all year round so that I don’t have to shop in the crazy holiday crowds
amber
i prepare for the holidays by buying presents all year round so that I don’t have to shop in the crazy holiday crowds