Easy Ways to Plan Ahead for Christmas

Today is Christmas in July and I am sharing 7 easy ways to plan ahead for Christmas!  I will share all the details below to help you get a head start for a relaxing holiday season so you have plenty of time and aren’t doing things at the last minute! 

I’m joining many blogging friends to share inspiration for the holidays to help inspire our readers.  We are also sharing ways to help you get ready now with some ideas to get ready for the big day. This is the best time to get a head start. Catch July sales, and begin thinking about a meal plan, thinking about a Christmas budget, and how much money you can spend. it’s also a good time to take a family photo to add to Christmas cards. Especially if kids are in college. This way all the family members are there for the perfect Christmas family photo.

Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse is our host.  Thank you Rachel for putting this fun Hop together.

If you are visiting from Cindy’s at DIY Beautify welcome.  Cindy has such style and amazing crafting ideas.  Her ways to add a rustic cozy Christmas style are full of information and inspiration.

Why do I begin developing a game plan and preparing for Christmas early?

Many have opinions about Christmas in July; however, this is the time of year I begin gathering my thoughts with a list of things. A shopping list, hostess gifts, and new recipes to put a Christmas budget together. This is a good idea so we don’t spend too much money and wind up with our credit cards loaded with debt. No one enjoys that happening.

Stress-Free Christmas

Early Planning and Christmas Preparation Ideas

I like to prepare early for many reasons, but mostly because I want to enjoy the festive time of year with family members and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day too.  This is the best way to stay ahead of the game for this busy time is to make a to-do list and it’s a good idea to check it often. I can’t stress enough about getting a head start on planning the big day.  It’s a good time to gather gift ideas and a mailing list for Christmas cards. This allows plenty of time to gather craft supplies for homemade gifts not to mention it keeps your stress levels down. This is the best way to avoid scrambling in early December when things get crazy with Christmas shopping.

Kick Off This Festive Period Right

Plan Family Gatherings Early for This Busy Time

After the 4th of July, I begin to set dates to have family gatherings in our home.  Friends and family have activities they attend once fall arrives. It’s a good idea to plan early to get dates on the calendar.  So, I think it’s safe to say I’m a planner.

Early Holiday Cheer

Embrace Christmas Early: Christmas Planner and Shopping List

Many ask how I can think about Christmas when it’s 95 degrees in NJ and 100% humidity.  Well, honestly it’s not that hard.  Hallmark is sharing Christmas movies, GAC Family, and turning the air conditioning down and playing Christmas music gets me in the groove.

For the most part, I begin to plan a Christmas gift list.  I think about checking how many gift bags I left over from last year.  I’m very serious about the quality of the gift bags, wrapping paper, and tissue paper I use each Christmas season.

Summer Christmas Prep

Start a Meal Plan Early for a Stress-Free Season

Believe it or not, I also begin making a list of things and gather thoughts about Christmas cooking and baking for the holiday season.  I remind myself about food items made last year and remind myself what didn’t make for Christmas dinner last year that was missed by my family members.

This may sound crazy to some in the middle of summer however for me I like having a to-do list ready way before the Christmas season. Having Christmas preparations on my mind early is a great way to ensure a stress-free Christmas.

Many are aware I’m a seasonal crafting lady.  It brings me joy and relaxation to get my creative juices flowing.  And because I’m this type of person preparing early is the best option and that’s why I’m sharing 7 easy ways to plan ahead for Christmas.

As a rule, I begin thinking about and buying certain craft supplies for Christmas during July. This way I have plenty of time to purchase items that get more difficult to find as the seasons move forward.  

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Why I Don’t Change Decorations 

Why I Use the Same Ornaments for Christmas Trees

Although I’m not a person who changes Christmas decorations from year to year, I want to make sure I have everything needed.  

This is a minuscule look at my ornament collection.

Last year, we had to buy a new Christmas tree at the last minute and almost didn’t have a tree. Isn’t the best situation especially when I host Christmas Day and Blog.  Before the holiday season arrived, it didn’t dawn on me to check our tree.  This is a lesson I will never repeat.

7 Easy Ways To Plan Ahead For Christmas

Step 1:  Make Sure The Christmas Tree Works 

Yes, this is my top tip on the list.

If you use an artificial tree, make sure it is in working order.  Also, it’s a good idea to make sure the branches and twinkle lights are still looking good and are working.

This is also the best time because many tree companies have July sales for Christmas trees and Christmas decorations.  So it’s the perfect time to make a purchase.

I also love having small trees with twinkle lights around our home in baskets and if you didn’t make any purchases at the end of last year.  Early is the best time to find these and get great deals.

Are Homemade Gifts in the Plan?

Step 2:  Decide If You Need Craft Supplies

This is also the best time to plan and stock up on craft supplies such as jingle bells, wreath supplies, and ornament-making supplies. The Christmas decorations are made from clear plastic balls which sell quickly see the details for a simple idea.

I love decorating with natural elements during this special time of year. During the holiday season, my favorite things are orange slices which are a must. Shop your yard for branches, pine cones, and acorns. Nature is free and has so much to offer when adding these to our home and holiday decorations for a cozy feel to welcome family and friends.

Check your local grocery store when it comes to making crafts and decorating as I did for the fruit garland for Christmas. 

Cindy’s Top Tip:  It’s amazing the food items you see all the time that are easy ways to add to holiday decorations. Nuts, dried orange slices, pine trees in our backyard, and fresh cranberries. Add ding cranberries and fresh pine to Mason jars with water are perfect for this time of year.

Getting the Guest Room Ready for Extended Family

Step 3:  Is Everything Ready in the Home for Guests?

Is the guest bathroom ready?  This is a great time to make a shopping list and stock up on certain items in advance. Specifically, toiletries, soaps, hand towels, shampoos, and candles. This is the best way to make your extended family and friends feel welcome when visiting during the holiday season. Do you have enough bedding and blankets for the living room and guest room? This throw isn’t too much money and is the best way to snuggle up with hot cocoa and watch a favorite Christmas movie. Summer is a great time for White Sales so it’s the best time to stock up on sheets, pillow cases and get great deals.

It’s also the perfect time to get rooms painted and ready for family members.  Adding a fresh coat of paint to a room makes a big difference especially now when we want our homes ready for family gatherings.

Additionally, it’s a good time to recover any dining chairs and scotch guard the fabric to help with stains.

Getting Inspiration From Magazines, etc.

Step 4:  Need a New Tradition?

Want to begin a new tradition or Christmas activities? It’s a great time to look through magazines, blogs, your favorite decorating books, and of course Pinterest and Instagram which are filled with great Christmas ideas.

This is why I am giving you 7 ways to plan ahead for Christmas now.  You have enough time to get a list of things together about how you will be sharing your home for the big day with extended family  This wreath is an easy craft project that adds character to your Christmas decorations and doesn’t cost much money.

Adding a New Base to the Bottom of the Tree

Step 5:  Add a Different Tree Base This Year

I enjoy using different items as a base for our Christmas tree.  As an example, over the years I have used baskets, Mercury glass urns, and a galvanized tub.

How about building a wooden crate?  This is another great item to check off your “to-do list” or in my case “honey-do list”.  There’s plenty of time to check for plans online, Pinterest, and YouTube for step-by-step instructions.

Begin Your Decorating and Buy Gift Wrap Early

Step 6:  Decorate Early And Buy Wrapping Paper 

In full disclosure, because I’m a blogger and love the Christmas season, beginning to decorate early during this festive period makes me happy and excited.  So there’s no unhappiness about pulling my holiday decorations out early.

This gives me extra time to enjoy the Christmas season and the big day with family members and friends. I enjoy having the smells, sights, and Christmas music in our home during this time of year.

Get to the stores such as Home Goods, Michaels, and Jo Ann early for wrapping paper and holiday cards.  Or how about purchasing brown biodegradable paper and adding pretty ribbons?

As I said above, I love purchasing pretty gift bags for presents.  Home Goods and Jo Ann are my two favorite places to find a great selection.  Home Goods also has an outstanding selection of tissue paper.  Some may say I am a gift bag and gift wrap hoarder I can’t help myself.

Cindy’s Top Tip: While shopping for wrapping paper and early Christmas gifts as soon as you see Christmas cards grab them. Write them and get them ready so you only have to add a stamp and mail them.

My Seventh Idea Make a List of Christmas Gifts

Step 7:  List for Holiday Shopping Make a Christmas List

It is also a great time to make a Christmas shopping list for gift ideas, to keep us on a holiday budget. Hitting July sales and avoiding black Friday is the best option to have a stress-free Christmas. 

As we get older in our family less is more with Christmas gifts.  We are all truly blessed in our family so we keep things simple for Christmas gifts on Christmas Day.  Homemade gifts, special food items shared with our Christmas dinner, sharing a new recipe with family, or gift cards to a local restaurant make for great gift ideas and all that’s needed to make our Christmas Day perfect. We enjoy the laughter, stories, and memories.

Cindy’s Top Tip: This is a good time to search for new recipes and practice making them before the bid day.  When Christmas dinner rolls around it will take less time. This way in early December you can relax and enjoy hot cocoa while listening to Christmas music. You won’t need to stress about that new recipe at the last minute.

7 Ways to Plan Ahead: Stress-Free and Budget-friendly Christmas

Getting a head start is a great way to keep stress levels down and ensure the best family Christmas.  I hope these 7 ways to plan ahead for Christmas helps you get a head start so you can enjoy this festive season and enjoy decorating the Christmas tree and your home. So as you are making a game plan for the Christmas season remember now is the perfect time to plan a family photo and a shopping list to stay on a Christmas budget to avoid overloading credit cards.

Take the time to get the guest room ready, and a meal plan together so you have a stress-free Christmas. This gives you extra time to plan a new tradition with extended family. I hope you take advantage and find some good deals while getting ahead on your Christmas shopping. Doing this now is a great way to enjoy this festive period. Checking items off your to-do list now for Christmas Eve or Christmas dinner is the best way to ensure you will enjoy this festive period with your loved ones.

Happy Planning!

Now please hop over to my dear friend CoCo’s from The Crowned Goat to see her beautiful ornament creation.