We sincerely believe that it’s never too early to decorate for Christmas. In fact, we think that the middle of summer is the ideal time to start getting ready for the holiday, even if there’s something so magical about the day after Thanksgiving decorating frenzy. You did really read correctly!
While we certainly support your decision to hang stockings and put up your tree in between pool parties and barbecues, there are a few easy projects you can complete in the summer that will significantly lessen the stress of the hectic holiday season.
Every year, it seems like there is more activity during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. There’s scarcely any time to relax over the holidays with cookie exchanges, Christmas card photo shoots, and last-minute shopping excursions.
Here are seven things you can do now to reduce stress throughout the holiday season. Thus, turn up the air conditioning, play your preferred Christmas music, and embrace the pre-holiday atmosphere.
girl with snowflakes made of paper
Image 1 of 8: JGI/JAMIE GRILL/GETTY IMAGES
Compile a list and double-check it.
Because there are so many activities around the holidays, we frequently equate them with stress. There is too much to do and not enough time to do it, including visiting family, going to events, and buying last-minute gifts.
Make a list of everyone you will need to buy gifts for during the summer months and jot down all the yearly events you know you’ll be attending (don’t forget about teachers and coworkers!). that when December comes, there won’t be any surprises.
Putting everything down on paper will assist you in establishing clear goals for the upcoming season and help you avoid the last-minute rush to purchase a gift for a forgotten person. Making a list will also assist you in determining what needs to be done immediately, such as selecting what to purchase for the yearly white elephant exchange.
02 of 08: Begin Do It Yourself
Even if it’s not yet scary outdoors, you can start making your own holiday décor and gifts for Christmas. Don’t wait until the last minute to do these projects because, of course, they usually take longer than you anticipate. You’ll also have more time to make more homemade gifts and save some extra money, which is always a bonus around the holidays, when you’re not rushing to finish tasks.
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Arrange the Holiday Card
We enjoy creating and sending the yearly Christmas card, but it can be difficult to gather the family for the ideal family photo, particularly during the hectic Christmas season. This year, begin your Christmas preparations in the summer by sorting through family pictures. The kids usually have more free time than they have in the school year, and if your weekend itinerary is packed, you may make the most of bright midweek nights.
Get in touch with a photographer right once to secure a date before they book up for the season if you are determined to take your pictures in the sweater weather. (Or, turn up the air conditioning and get everyone dressed in their finest holiday sweaters right now!)
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Get the Essentials
Make a list of the things you need to buy this year and take stock of what you already have throughout the summer. You may buy things online all year long, such as extra Christmas ornaments ($19, Target) or personalized stockings for a new family member. Don’t wait until December to buy an artificial tree if you’re considering switching to one this year. This 6-foot pre-lit artificial tree is appealing to us ($120, Walmart).
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Begin Conserving
Giving Tuesday was developed because, although charitable giving is important all year round, most local organizations usually have more need during the holidays. Coincidentally, after overspending on gifts and seasonal activities, this is also the time of year when we typically feel most broke. The average American household spends $1,536 on gifts, food, decorations, and travel during the holidays, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Start saving for Christmas this summer by creating a plan: You may make sure you can give as much as you want to during the holidays by setting aside a little bucks each week until they arrive. Benefit from early bird and summer sales on travel as well.
During the extra time, consider researching presents that support charities close to your heart and the hearts of your loved ones. Additionally, if you’re buying presents on Amazon, don’t forget to use the Amazon Smile program, which contributes a portion of your purchases—at no additional cost to you—to the charity of your choice.
06 of 08: Look for Summer Deals
You’ve probably already prepared a list of the people you need to buy gifts for, so taking advantage of summer bargains can help you save a ton of money on this year’s gift-giving. In essence, Black Friday’s summer counterparts are Christmas in July and Labor Day sales, and you don’t have to forgo Thanksgiving dinner to take advantage of them!
List possible presents for each person, assign a budget, and keep an eye out for deals on those things. Whenever I see “extras” on extreme discount, I always attempt to pick up a few: You never know when a last-minute hostess gift or gift for someone not on your list will be required.
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Arrange Novel Recipes
Most likely, if you’re cooking for the holidays, you’ll have to accommodate at least one dietary requirement. Even while we’ve always enjoyed Grandma’s tried-and-true recipes, it can be interesting to experiment with new holiday dishes. Prepare your new dishes and test them all at least once before the holidays, regardless of whether you need to serve a paleo dessert option or a vegan side dish. These incredibly tasty freeze-worthy make-ahead dishes can even help you get ahead on meal prep.
08 of 08: Commence the Countdown
Start your Christmas countdown early! Experience has shown us that December 1st isn’t the best day to assemble your Advent calendar, especially if you want to create a countdown that requires some forward planning. Set aside some additional time throughout the summer to create your own Advent calendar so that you won’t have to rush when the big day gets closer.