1. Make a budget
If you start buying gifts early, like me, there is a danger
that you will forget how much money you have spent on each person. I always
have a budget for each person and write down what I have bought for them, and
how much it cost. That makes sticking to a budget much easier.
Remember to also estimate how much money you will need for decorations,
groceries, events and trips you are going to. Also, it is important to make
sure you have a little room in your budget for fun. We always treat ourselves
to a few dinners out, going to the spa and so on. If you estimate this into
your budget, you won’t have any nasty surprises in January.
2. Make a Christmas masterplan
Now is the perfect time to slowly start planning Christmas. Make
a to do list with tasks and dates. Fill in as you go, and be flexible. But just
having somewhere to input the tasks you beed to do is a great help to avoid the
stress. I always use Wunderlist, but
there are several printable lists you could use.
3. Start a gift list
Send out a request for peoples wish lists. People often need
time to start thinking about what they want for Christmas, so the earlier you
start asking them, the sooner you can start buying your gifts. Ok they might
think you are a little crazy, but think about how much you can save, buying
things in the autumn sale.
4. Start your (and your kids?) gift lists
I have my own wish list all year round really. I put things
on it, that I cannot buy there and then, so when people ask me, I know what I
need. I also ask my kids to write up things they need and want when we are
shopping. They know the are not only allowed to put "want" things on
their list, but also some "need" things, like clothes etc.
5. Try some new recipes
We all have the go to dishes we do for parties and get
togethers. Maybe you could spend this autumn trying some new recipes? Maybe you
will find some new go-to favorites you could do for friends and family this
Christmas?
No comments:
Post a Comment