I have done enough crazed holiday shopping to know that it never works out well. That last minute run to the mall, the battle with the hoards of shoppers on “sale” days and hauling bags of goods through the house to stash while the children are pre-occupied.
It is dangerous. AND expensive.
So, for the last few years I have done it differently. And because of these rules below, I have a pretty stress-free holiday. I AM that mom baking gingerbread men and doing holiday crafts. I attend the kids holiday concerts and don’t book an expensive holiday sitter so hubs and I can shop.
We go to the movies actually, and for dinner.
For me the holidays aren’t about chaos and the race for more-more-more. The holidays are about choosing the right thing, for the right person.
With ample time to enjoy the process.
So, I have my tips for you. Or rules if you need me to be strict.
Abide by them, and enjoy your holidays!
1. Start early.
Always, always start early. Make a list and stick to it! It is already the end of November and you should have your shopping near complete. Make a list in the fall of the obvious items the kids will want, and start looking for those creative gift ideas for the adults in your life. Not only does this save your rushing around in December while the malls are packed, it also saves that BIG crunch to your bank account- spread it out, invest early and save the stress.
2. Get online
There is nothing better than filling a digital shopping cart from the comfort of your couch, with the fire on and bunny slippers on your feet. Then to have the gifts delivered to your door in the coming weeks keep the excitement alive, and ensures everything is out of site (and boxed in shipping package) so prying eyes can’t snoop.
3. Make a list
We all know that grocery shopping off a list and a meal plan is one of the BEST ways to save money, time and stress. So let’s do it for the holidays as well. Make a list. And KEEP TO IT. (and if you are following rules 1 & 2 this will be even easier) Make a list of everything, and set a budget. Don’t make last minute, rash purchases and trust that you make the right choices and check out this GREAT wish list option from Mattel– have the kids choose their gifts and then share the list with family to make THEIR shopping easier!
4. Mail your Santa letter early.
I sit my kids down around Halloween and we write Santa letters. It gets them excited about the upcoming holidays but also commits (in legal form) what they are asking for for Christmas. Our kids have also been trained that they won’t get EVERYTHING on their list, and that Santa (and mom & dad) get to choose. And parents, once that letter is signed, sealed and delivered do not, I REPEAT DO NOT, engage in future gift conversations. You are opening a can of worms for yourself here.
5. Think about “THE DAY”
As you are sitting and making your list, with ample time to order the gifts online, make sure you choose wisely. Think about waking up on Christmas morning, and what YOU want that day to be like. Choose gifts that will provide hours of independent play for the little ones while you and santa Dad, curl up on the couch watching a flick and drinking more Bailey’s than coffee. Choose items with LASTING ENTERTAINMENT value. Added note here – if a gift needs to be “assembled before use” make sure that is done BEFORE Christmas morning!
BONUS!
And lastly, as a bonus point for all you parents out there. It is worth it to do something AWESOME at Christmas for your kids. There is a certain magic to the holiday and I love that as parents we have the opportunity to keep the magic alive a little longer for our little people. It doesn’t have to mean quantity and going all crazy over the top, but it could mean getting them that one special item from their list.
Choose wisely, plan ahead and make memories. I know I will be this holiday!
Check out the Great Top Toys this holiday from Mattel and help your kids get a head start on their Holiday wish list (and you on yours)
“Disclosure: I am part of the Mattel Holiday Blogger Campaign with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.”