It’s still early in the year but if you read the January Christmas Prep post you know that the goal is to make progress each month so the holidays don’t catch us off guard. This year we’re taking a little time around the 25th of every month to prepare for the holidays and make progress on all aspects of planning and gift giving.
Last month we paid attention to the kids! Back to school was in full swing and kids were getting new backpacks and clothes for the new school year. Our ears perked up as it was time to listen, and start paying attention to the things they didn't get for the start of the school year or what they are coming home and telling you all about. Take note when they start eyeing their schoolmate's gear for great gift ideas and stocking stuffers!
This month will be the final installment of the Christmas Prep Series before the Christmas holiday is actually in full swing! This month, it's time to update your gifting spreadsheet with Christmas gifts you've purchased in advance, through the year. Or if you've been gathering ideas, it's time to fill in the spreadsheet and start purchasing gifts! Review the previous months' posts if needed.
For some, the Christmas spirit is in the air all year round but for most, the shopping starts after Halloween. So no matter how much of your Christmas shopping you've accomplished throughout the year with the Christmas Prep Series, it's never too late or too soon to start!
A Quick Recap of this Year:
In January we took the time to review last Christmas. We updated our gift spreadsheets with all of the gifts that we gave during Christmas. All of the clothes, toys, gadgets and stocking stuffers were noted, as well as their recipient’s reactions to these gifts.
We also talked about setting a budget for Christmas by setting aside a monthly stipend for the holiday season with a direct deposit amount or just a calendar reminder, or simply planning to purchase a gift each month so you don’t have to think of all the gift ideas at the end of the year.
In February we started to think about what to give for Christmas gifts. I get it, it’s early but gift giving is what this site is all about! This month we are getting strategic about gifts and gift ideas for Christmas. Let’s start thinking of ideas for gifts based on the resources recently presented to us.
In layman’s terms, look at all of the
Valentine’s Day gift guides for Christmas ideas.
In March we focused on the changing of the seasons. With the weather getting warmer, Spring cleaning is about to be in full swing. People will be donating things they didn't use or throwing away items that can't be reused. Listen to what the people in your life are saying they need for this new season. Many of us state out loud
what we need, in passing, and only
occasionally go about buying that item for ourselves.
In April we paid special attention to all of the gift ideas that flooded your inboxes for Easter! Easter is a great time to stock up on gifts for the little ones in your life. All of the Easter basket ideas are perfect to use as recommendations to start getting the ideas churning for Christmas. Look at all of the components of a great Easter basket as the components of a great Christmas
gift and stocking stuffers.
In May we focused on our parents! With Mother's Day fresh in our minds and Father's Day right around the corner, there are a lot of resources for great gifts for our parents. Review the Mother's Day gift ideas for great gift ideas for mom! And evaluate every Father's Day Gift Guide with a shrewd eye so you can purchase Dad's gift for Father's Day and for Christmas.
In June we went through our gift lists, and got ready for Christmas in July! We prepped our spreadsheet with gift recipients and any ideas you've had along the way this year in preparation for next month's Christmas in July. This is a good mid-year check in on your end of year needs!
In July we took a dive deep in to the Christmas in July gift guides that will got your wheels turning and helped you continue (or start) your Christmas shopping early! We reviewed all of the Christmas in July gift guides and made some progress on our lists! It's officially the second half of the year so if you haven't started to get organized yet, now is the time. Prepare yourself before Fall comes and kids go back to school and the avalanche of fall responsibilities starts to hit!
August Christmas Prep:
In August we paid attention to the kids! Back to school was in full swing and kids were getting new backpacks and clothes for the new school year. Our ears perked up as it was time to listen, and start paying attention to the things they didn't get for the start of the school year or what they are coming home and telling you all about. Take note when they start eyeing their schoolmate's gear for great gift ideas and stocking stuffers!
Next month we’ll circle back and work on making progress in another area so you’re prepared for the end of the year.
Very Happy Planning!
…
VHM
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