It’s November 1st. Halloween decorations and costumes have left the scene, and the holiday sparkle has came out. I know, I know, it’s November, and that means Thanksgiving is arriving before Christmas, but I’m the type of person who starts decorating the second I can get away with it...which is today.
Decorating isn’t the only thing I like to get an early start on. I also love having most of my holiday shopping over and done with by the time the turkey is going into the oven at the end of the month. Sure, I leave a little room in the budget for those last minute gifts and my annual Black Friday online deal hunt, but the sooner I have the shopping done, the more I can enjoy the magic of the season (and maybe spend a little time planning for Thanksgiving!) If you’re ready to get holiday shopping crossed off your list, here’s a couple of tips to keep you on track for a merry and budget-friendly season.
1. Make a list! I love lists, and when it comes to planning out my holiday shopping, they’re even more fun. Include everything that you consider to be part of the holiday budgets, from presents, to wrapping paper, to decorations and food. If you like planning and you’re go nuts for parties and get togethers, this one will be fun, I promise.
2. Make a budget. Okay, not as much fun as the list, but still a worthwhile step in planning your holly jolly holiday. Be honest with yourself here. My husband and I have a Christmas Club account at Afena Federal Credit Union, so I know exactly how much we have to spend, and we decide together what the priorities are. We love watching the kids open presents on Christmas morning, but we also love the feeling of family and happiness that a nice holiday dinner brings. Decide what’s most important to you and your family and spend accordingly.
3. Stick to the budget. Sounds easy, I know, but I’m also guilty of falling for a holiday deal or two that wasn’t on the list. If this is something that is difficult for you, then maybe pulling out and using cash for your holiday spending is the best method to avoid breaking the budget.
4. Make it personal. Most of us can’t afford to spend as much as we’d like to on our loved ones, and truly, most of our loved ones aren’t able to spend as much as they’d like to spend on us. What would you say if your spouse, child, or best friend said that to you? You’d let them know that you love whatever they were able to give, because it’s from them. And that’s the truth. So when you’re looking for gifts, remember this: it actually is the thought that counts...not the pricetag.
Happy November, everybody! I’m Claire, the Afena blog mom. Thanks for reading.