8 Weeks to a Peaceful Christmas Season
Posted by Danielle on Sunday, October 4th, 2009
Preparing for Christmas
Happy October! Can you believe it? I look forward to each season. I’m usually tired of one seaons before it’s over. I’m tired of the hot weather and watering plants. So, welcome Fall!
This is going to seem crazy, but I propose we start planning our holidays. Yes. Seriously. Beginning of October means holiday planning. Christmas is always super busy and often people say things like, “Boy, Thanksgiving was sure late this year.” Does that somehow change the day Christmas falls? Nope. But somehow people start Christmas planning the day after Thanksgiving. Let’s make a new plan.
Did you know there are exactly 8 weeks between Christmas and Halloween? Let’s put those 8 weeks to good use and the time from Thanksgiving to Christmas can be smooth sailing, making memories with our families and actually finding the peace of the season.
So, why are we starting now, even before Halloween? There are a couple of big issues to get out of the way before we can make our plans.
First, if your Christmas plans are not set already, get them set! Will you travel? Will you spend time with your family? His family? Step families? Get this figured out now, because this drives the rest of your planning. We’ll be talking about Christmas travel planning a little later.
Next, consider your gift-giving traditions. Everyone knows times are tight. Many families are tightening their budgets. Have you thought about how this will impact your Christmas shopping? On my husband’s side of the family, each family gives a $20 gift to each adult. We don’t really have a limit for kids since there are only 4.
On my side of the family, we each buy a gift for each of the kids. For the adults, we each bring a $15 gift or gift card, then we role the dice so everyone takes something home.
There are pros and cons of each. We’ll also discuss those options a little later. I’m not trying to tease you, I just don’t like to read long posts…or write them!
Lastly, consider your budget. This year, make a commitment to a credit card-free holiday! You have 3 months to save some dough. Imagine a January without yucky credit card bills staring you in the face.
Hmmm…maybe a peaceful Christmas season IS possible.
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