10 Things to do to Prepare for the Holiday Season NOW

It's no secret that I am OBSESSED with the holiday season. Not many things make me happier than Christmas time because it means I get to see and spend time with my family. Although this is true, I understand why SO many people don't exactly share my same excitement for that jolly time of year. It's funny, I'm typing this blog post sitting in a beautiful villa in Hawaii and I told my sister that I was going to write this post and she literally rolled her eyes at me! She's so not ready to be thinking about the holiday season and I'm sure there are many of you who feel exactly like her and who actually want to stop reading right now, but DON'T FRIENDS! KEEP READING! :)

Let me be honest with y'all; I have already listened to Christmas music in the car (a couple weeks ago), I've begun my Christmas shopping, and I've even watched a Christmas movie or two. I can't help myself! However, even if you're the type of person who usually doesn't even THINK about the holidays until they are a week or two away, there's still so much preparations that can take place to get you extra prepared for this holiday season and I'm here to help you out.

 
The holiday season tends to bring a lot of STRESS to people. Why is it stressful? Simple. We all want to make it special whether we decide to do so a couple weeks before or months before, we want to make it memorable for the ones we love. So, if we are stuck trying to piece together last minute plans, running short on cash to buy the things we want to buy, or just completely overwhelmed, the holidays will not be a happy time. Let's do some things to remedy that, shall we?

SO.. here we go!

Things to Do NOW to Prepare for the Holiday Season

1. Develop a Budget and STICK TO IT!
This is very important to a STRESS-FREE holiday season! Think about everything you are planning on doing during the holidays what it may cost you (gifts, food, activities, etc.), and then stick to that plan. Make sure your budget is something you can comfortably afford and not be depressed looking at your bank account January 1st. 
 
2. Plan Your Family Photos/Christmas Cards
If you know you want to take holiday family photos, start that planning now. Think about the outfits you guys are going to wear, where you want to take them, who you want to take them, and all that jazz. This also goes right into your Christmas cards because most people use the family photos for the cards. Start thinking about what you want these to look like so you're not scrambling around later and stressing yourself, and the rest of the family out about them. :)

3. Plan the Gifts You Want to Buy
There's an app for that guys! I use an app called Santa's Bag and I SWEAR by it. It allows you to put your budget in, all the recipients for gifts, the gifts you buy, etc. You can sort them and it will help you to stay on track! I love it so much and it helps me stay organized and know what I still need to buy, order, or wrap!

4. Shop Ahead of the Crowds
This is pretty self-explanatory guys. Not much is more stressful than being in a huge crowd looking for that last doll your daughter wanted. Last minute shopping is absolutely no bueno if you're trying to stay stress free. Doing this early (I'm usually finished by Dec. 1st with my shopping) allows me to enjoy the holiday season without the stress of shopping for gifts.
 
5. Buy Your Turkey/Ham
This applies for Thanksgiving and Christmas! I'm probably going to order our turkey and ham for thanksgiving next week. It just ensures you have the food you want and aren't running around from store to store trying to find the main dish of your holiday meal.

6. Make Your Holiday Travel Reservations
The holiday season is literally the BUSIEST time to travel! In order to not get caught up in the craziness, plan your travel ahead of time and have all your plans associated with it solidified. Get those tickets to the show you really want to see or the game you want to go to early so your trip doesn't come up and you miss out.
 
7. Start On Your Holiday Cards
This kind of goes along with #2, but I'm taking it a step further by saying go ahead and address them and get them ready to be mailed. Not only do we send Christmas cards to family, but there's a lot of people in my husband's business he likes to send Christmas cards to, so starting this process early and doing a few cards at a time saves me time, stress, and hand cramps!
 
8. Plan Fun Events for Family/Friends
Even if you're not traveling anywhere for the holidays, I am sure there are plenty activities to do in your hometown during the holiday season, so plan those things now. Want to throw a Christmas party? Start planning now! You'll be so glad you did, I promise.
 
9. Buy Decorations NOW
Y'all who rolled your eyes at this post all together are probably rolling your eyes at this one haha, but seriously, get that decor now. Retailers put their Christmas decorations out SO EARLY that by the time December rolls around, most decorations have been picked over and you won't be able to find the things you're looking for. I went to the At Home store last week and there was literally one little section of fall/Thanksgiving decor left, and the rest of the aisles were covered in Christmas goodness! You have to get these things early guys.
 
10. Make Time for Self-Care 
This is probably the most important of them all. You HAVE to practice self-care during the holiday season and before or you will lose your mind. Take time to do things for YOU and always remember to breathe through any stressful situation. You can't be happy and jolly for your family if you aren't taking care of you first. You can see some ways to practice self-care here.





So there we have it guys! If you follow even just a few of these tips, I guarantee you a more enjoyable holiday season and if I'm lying, you can come here and spam me (not really, but really haha). I truly think these things will change your holiday experience.

Also, I had to share these photos with you guys because I am OBSESSED with this jumpsuit and I wish it was in more colors! This one has the most perfect colors to transition into fall and I could layer with a denim jacket and booties! Now, I'm going to go back to my R&R here on the beach in Maui, Hawaii. It is so beautiful here you guys and I definitely needed this escape from reality! Don't worry, I will share all the details from this trip very soon, but in the mean time you can check out some of my other travel guides here.

What are some things you love to do to prepare for the holidays? I'd love to hear about them in the comments below!

Thanks so much for reading lovelies! xo


13 comments

  1. Love this list! Self care is so important to remember around the holidays. They can be so stressful

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  2. I have already started doing some of these! I think it's so smart, great ideas.

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  3. girl, you have me over the moon excited for the holiday season coming up! I’m getting married next month until the first holiday I’ll be decorating for when I get home from my honeymoon is Christmas! I’m really excited and now that I know about that app, I’ll be able to save some money by keeping track of my budget. Thanks!

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  4. Love these tips. I am all about shopping ahead.

    Cute outfit too.

    ❥ tanvii.com

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  5. This is a great list of tips!! Shopping ahead of time is such a great way to reduce stress!!

    XOXO
    Cathy

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  6. Yes!!! These are great definitely great tips for the holiday season!

    www.rdsobsessions.com

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  7. Trying to get our cards done asap so I have that out of the way!!

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  8. This is SUCH a great (and unique) post!! I am like you - I love to be organized and am always starting holiday stuff early because I love it so much. I'm copying this exact list and getting started!

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  9. As a therapist, you got me with 10- so important! :)

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  10. OMG!! Number 1 is soo important and I haven't planned on a budget yet. Specially when there's birthdays, weddings and special events coming!! :'( My wallet is going to suffer.... I know. lol

    XO
    Candace
    http://www.thebeautybeau.com

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  11. Oh I love these tips! Decorating early is always my favorite.

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  12. I love all of these ideas! I always love starting with the holidays early :-)

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  13. Girl I love the holidays too! I heard a Christmas song the other day and loved life. I'm so ready for the holidays!

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Through Jam's Eyes