Preparing for the holidays is often a joyful time. But it can also be stressful with so many things to do. As the season approaches, getting ahead of your holiday to-do list will help reduce stress and allow you to focus on making memories with family and friends. Here are the holiday tasks you should start thinking about now.
Budget
The holidays are known for overspending. But you don’t have to if you make a budget. Sit down and outline your budget so that you can set money aside ahead of time. For larger purchases, consider budgeting out the cost to pay it off by a certain date to save on credit card interest.
Make Your Gift List
There’s nothing worse than not having a gift to give to someone. The stress associated with finding a last-minute gift isn’t worth it. Save yourself the hassle by creating your gift list in advance. Include family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Write down gift ideas for each person. For inspiration, look up gift guides online.
Stock the Pantry
Stock your pantry while there are deals to be had. Grocery stores have items on sale periodically. Take advantage of this and stock up on holiday favorites like pumpkin pie mix, cranberry sauce, and chocolate chips. Ask friends and family to keep an eye out for coupons or deals. Sometimes manufacturers will post coupons on their website as well. With a fully stocked pantry, holiday baking and meal preparations will be much easier.
Order Holiday Cards
Order your holiday cards as soon as possible. It will take more time than you think to complete your holiday card list. Pick out your family holiday card photo or draft your holiday letter while you wait so that you’re ready to start sending the cards out when they arrive. If you intend to take a holiday photo in the next few weeks, account for the time it will take for the photos to process and be sent to you.
Deep Clean Early and Declutter
Cleaning for a holiday gathering is a must. Most people use it as an opportunity to give their house a good deep clean. Time to do this may be in short supply as the holidays approach. Do a deep cleaning just before the holidays. When the holidays roll around, you can do a surface cleaning.
No one can tackle their holiday preparations alone. This is especially true when people get older. If you have a loved one in Orange County or Newport Beach, CA, help make their holiday season brighter. Contact Optimal Senior Care Solutions to learn more about we can help your loved one today.
