Frugal Tips: Preparing For Christmas?

You might look at the title of this blog and say “what?” However, now is the best time to review the holidays and make some notes as to what you would like to work on before next December arrives. Make a note of what worked and where you may have over spent. I actually have a Christmas notebook where I keep track of all gifts given and received. After the holidays I take a few moments to write down ideas I have for the next holiday. I find if it is written down and I can look at it through the year there is a better chance of it getting done! If you can work on a twelve-month plan you will find the holidays become less stressful and considerably more manageable financially.

Now is the time to purchase your wrapping paper, Christmas cards and ribbons at clearance prices. Buy discounted ornaments, decorations, dishes etc. You can use them yourself or save them for hostess or wedding gifts. Review your reward programs you belong to. If you collect points all year long you can cash them in for gift certificates and/or merchandise.

I have a gift box where I store items that I will use as gifts during the holidays. January can be a good time to buy sheets, towels and other linens. Who wouldn’t appreciate a Christmas gift of luxury linens like high thread count sheets or spa-sized towels with fancy lotions, bath salts or shower gels? Use your own homemade lotions for a really special gift. A good gift for children would be to wrap up some bubble bath and bath toys in a favorite character towel.

Please don’t spend money you don’t have, but by doing a little Christmas shopping each month you will find yourself in a much better position to enjoy the holidays in December.

Linked to: LearningTheFrugalLife, InsideBruCrewLife, LifeOnTheFunnyFarm, TheThriftyHome, WeAreThatFamily, EarningMyCape, TheNYMelroseFamily,AdornedFromAbove, TheWelcomingHouse, FrugallySustainable, AGlimpseInside, DelightfulOrder, SevenAlive, FeminineAdventures, Thrifty101, TheBrambleberryCottage, HomemakersChallenge, JustWingingIt, WhatJeanLikes, DomesticRandomness