Christmas Planning

Tips To Plan and Prepare For Christmas

Christmas seems a little far away right now, after all, it is still August and the summer holidays are in full flow. But, that doesn’t mean that as parents the big “C” word isn’t at the back of our minds. Lingering as we consider ways to make Christmas better than last year. But how can you make it magical for children? There are so many ways, but often with Christmas, we need to start thinking about the costs involved. I wanted to share with you some of the ways that you can make Christmas magical for your children and how you can do it.

Have a Plan

One of the best things you can do when it comes to Christmas is to have some form of plan in place. It will sneak up on us before we know it. The plan can include all sorts of things. It might be lists of the people you want to buy gifts for and what those gifts might be. It might be a plan on how you want to spend the Christmas period, from taking your children to see Santa to hosting parties and gatherings with friends and family.

It might be planning the Christmas dinner or deciding on what you want to do on the day itself. Having a plan can help you to be better prepared for the season, and with it only being four short months away it is time to start thinking about it.

Start Saving

Christmas is an expensive time of the year, there is no denying that fact. It doesn’t intend to be, nor should it be about money. But buying gifts, spending more on events or days out, and taking time off work to be with the family may end up with less pay for the December month. It can be a hard time. So try and take some time to enjoy it by saving for it right now. It might be that you save a small amount each week, or put all of your change into one of those savings tins. Little and often could be the key to making it a success.

Make Some Extra Cash to Help Pay For It

Maybe you need some extra cash to help pay for Christmas. My blog is full of ideas on how you can make some extra income from home, but often it is all about using your spare time more wisely. It could include taking on some online side hustles like filling out online surveys or performing mystery shops.

It could be that you make some extra cash by decluttering your home. Listing things online on websites like eBay and making some extra cash, and space in your home. It could even mean taking on extra shifts at work or overtime if it is available. Doing it now means that you can then save the extra income for December when you might need it the most.

Think Outside of The Box

Christmas is one of those times of year that I think parents love. There is something about the magic of the time of the year that you see in your children’s eyes that can often make any extra hard work or expenditure all the more worthwhile.

If you love Christmas then you may be wanting to think about some of the ways that you can make it extra special for your family. One of the best things to consider would be something like a trip to Lapland. The home of Father Christmas himself, and a place filled with wonder and magic.

Not only is it a great thing to do around Christmas time but it can also be a fabulous family holiday to enjoy. Other things you could consider would be decorating your home for Christmas with your children, documenting the things you do, and making cards or Christmas food. Planning ahead means you can really feel in control and actually enjoy Christmas rather than feeling stressed and overwhelmed by it.

Have a List and Start Buying Now

Finally, if you like to plan ahead then a great tip would be to have a list of things you need, perhaps gifts for people, for example, and start buying them now. Many stores and shops hold summer sales and this could be the perfect opportunity to buy the things you need and save a little money in the process. Black Friday sales are the best sales of the year and so a perfect time to get most of your Christmas shopping done at great prices.

Even buying party food ahead of time and freezing it when they are on offer with a buy one get one free offer could save you a fair bit in the long run.