Three Things to do in June to Prepare for Next Christmas

Here we are in the middle of June. The months are quickly passing, and before we know it, Christmas will be here. How are you doing with your holiday preparations? Have these monthly lists been helpful? What months did you find to be the easiest?

Below are the tasks in June that will help make the holidays less stressful. 

Decide on DIY gifts

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This is not something I do much of these days, but for those artisans out there, it's time to start thinking about what you're making. Back in January, you would have inventoried and organized your craft supplies, so by next month, you will be in a good place to purchase supplies. 

Consider and/or Make Travel Arrangements

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Some flexibility is needed for travel plans because you might not even know where you are going yet. But if you know visiting family is on your list, you can finalize those travel arrangements now. Whether you are flying, driving, or taking the train, you can put together your plans and sometimes order tickets. 

We've never gone away for the holidays, but I truly would love to spend Christmas on the Outer Banks of North Carolina one year. What would your dream Christmas getaway be? 

Browse Father's Day Sales and Online Gift Lists for Ideas

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I was at the mall today browsing for a Father's Day gift for my other half. This is the first year none of the kids will be home for Father's Day, so I am hoping to make it special for the two of us. They had so many amazing sales that I knew I could grab one or two things for Christmas as well. Several online sites compile Father's Day gift lists, like this one from Good Housekeeping, that might spark some holiday gift ideas as well. 

With these tips, you can make the rest of your holiday planning easier. 

Three Things to Do in May to Prepare for Christmas

 

There are 28 weeks or 200 days until Black Friday. As we in New England are planting our gardens, that seems so far off. But it will be here before you know it. If you do a little bit each month, that lessens the stress of the holidays. Here are three things to do in May to prepare for Christmas.

Shop for on sale craft supplies

When I stopped by JOANN's website, blanket yarn, sewing supplies, and buttons and threads were included in this week's ad. Hobby Lobby had t-shirts, yarn, and jewelry making supplies on sale. Michaels' website showed canvas and paint supplies on sale, deals on Cricut® materials, and frames on sale.

Make a family Christmas book reading list

Each year, I plan to read more seasonal titles between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Do I? Rarely. Use Goodreads or an online book wish list to add books you want to read, so that by November you can make a trip to the library or buy the ones off your list that you are sure you want to own.

Browse your cookbooks for recipes 

This is another thing I plan to do around the holidays that gets lost in the shuffle. If you take out your cookbooks now, you can bookmark the recipes you want to try. Especially if you will be making them for a party, you might want to try them ahead of time. Then, when November and December roll around, you will already have some menu ideas handy.

What are some other tasks in May you might want to tackle to prepare for Christmas?

Three Things to Do in March to Help Prepare for Christmas

 

We have just entered the last month of the first quarter of 2024. Did that go by quickly or what? There are only 271 days until Black Friday, the typical start to the holiday shopping season. 

Part of why holidays can seem so stressful is that we try to jampack so many activities into the last two months of the year. Tackling holiday preparation a little at a time can reduce the stress and allow you to enjoy the holidays more. 

Here are some March tips. 

Shop Sales

For years now, I've trusted things like after-Christmas sales to stock up on supplies early. That keeps me from rushing around in November to buy lights, cards, wrapping paper, etc. Current, a direct marketing company that helps people keep in touch with family and friends, is running an After-Christmas sale with deals up to 75% off*. 

Here are a few other places to save:

• Christianbook.com has a last chance bargain section where you can find deals up to 80% off*. 
• LTD Commodities is still selling Christmas merchandise on their website*. 
• You can also check out Etsy.com for some unique goods. 
• If you are visiting your local store, check out their clearance section for slippers, scarves, hats, and mittens, which are often great gifts.

Make Your Crafting Plan

If you're making gifts this year, March is a good time to put together your plans and inventory your supplies. JOANN Fabric and Craft is the closest store to us, so I shop there. Back when I had more time, I would check out their clearance racks for cheap crafts to entertain the kids while I was working on my own handmade items. HOBBY LOBBY has some Christmas on clearance on their site*. 

Update Your Address Book

Whether you have a spreadsheet or a book that you tuck away with your latest batch of holiday cards, now is a good time to update the addresses for anyone who moved. This is one reason I save the envelopes from the cards. That way, I can check the return address on each envelope and update my list before the holidays kick off. 

What are some early preparations you make for the holidays?

* This information is accurate as of today.