Journeyer’s Chronicles

Each Tuesday in July, I will be writing about a different aspect of being prepared for Christmas. Some parts may help with your Christmas in July celebrations and some may just get you thinking about December.

I usually rush around in late November/early December getting ready for Christmas. This year, I’m determined to make it easier on myself. I’m starting to think about what I need to do now, rather than getting stressed and competing with the crowds in December. I know it seems like forever until Christmas, but a little bit of thought and organising now could save you lots of time and money later on in the year.

Here are some things you can start to plan and do now to make the lead up to Christmas more relaxing.

Christmas Decorations

Now is a good time to have a sift through your Christmas decorations. Take out any that are broken or a little tired looking and make a note to replace them. Check to see if your lights are in working order - do they need new globes?

The trick with Christmas decorations is to update or add to them gradually. Each year, buy a few new decorations to freshen up your theme. That way, you get a new look each year without spending a fortune.

Naomi from Nomesque Life suggests checking for sales of Christmas decorations in department stores at this time of year.

Gifts

Now is a great time to start thinking about gifts. I have lost count of how many times I’ve been asked what someone could buy the kids for Christmas and have drawn an absolute blank. Start making a list now. Don’t forget to include yourself!

There are many midyear sales on now, so if you have your gift lists prepared you will be able to take advantage of them. Many stores will layby until Christmas. Make sure you only buy what you can afford though. We’re trying to reduce the stress of Christmas here, not increase it with an astronomical credit card bill.

A couple of years ago, the gift giving in our family was starting to get a little out of hand. With cousins and grandkids being born by the handful each year, even a little gift for each person meant a large cost. Together each of our families decided that instead of buying a gift for each person, we would do a Kris Kringle. Each person picks a name out of a hat and buys only that person a gift (spending a predetermined amount).

Even if you can’t find all the gifts on your lists at the current sales, you will know what to look out for in upcoming sales. Remember to keep all your receipts in a safe place too.

Gina suggests starting any handmade gifts now. You will have plenty of time to prepare your gifts, without having to pull any all nighters close to Christmas.

Keep in mind that Christmas mail is frantic. On your gift list, make a note of any gifts you need to post and when they need to be sent by.

Cards

If you don’t have a card list, now is the perfect time to start preparing one. If your list is already prepared, you could spend a few minutes scanning through it to see if it needs updating.

Travelling

Christmas is a time when many of us are travelling to visit our families. There are some things you can do now to reduce the stress and expense over the Christmas period.

If you will be flying over Christmas, you may be able to get better deals by booking early. Being one of the busiest times of the year for travelling, it is always a good idea to get in early to ensure you aren’t stranded without a ticket. It is a good idea to look at booking accommodation now too.

Don’t forget to arrange boarding for your pets either. The kennels around our town fill up very fast for the Christmas period. We have previously had to change our plans because we couldn’t get accommodation for our dog and cat.

Money

It’s a good idea to save for Christmas throughout the whole year. A small, monthly amount deposited into a dedicated account can make the expense of Christmas much easier to bear. It’s not too late to start Christmas savings though. Every little bit helps. A direct debit into an internet savings account works well. Try to find one that doesn’t have any charges.

Traditions

Christmas is full of traditions. Some we like, some we don’t. Are there any traditions that your family has that you’d like to change? It can be difficult to change a tradition. However, by suggesting it early and giving everyone plenty of time to think about it, the change can be easier.

How about new traditions that you’d like to start? I’d love to hear what your favourite Christmas traditions are.

To celebrate Christmas in July and my three month blogiversary I’m giving away a $20 Amazon voucher! To enter just leave your Christmas tip here. As a thank you to my subscribers, they can get an extra chance to win. Details are at the bottom of your Journeyer’s Chronicles feed subscription.

If you aren’t a subscriber yet, just click here or on the green subscribe button at the top of the page and you can get your extra entry.

The Christmas in July competition runs from 1 July - 23 July. The randomly selected winner will be announced on 25 July (of course). Good luck everyone

More in the Christmas in July series

• Christmas in July
• Christmas in July - Eating
• Christmas in July - Gifts

Flickr photo by DPS