Get a Jump on the Holiday Season

It's not too early to start!

By Helen Williams, The 15-Minute Mom

It may seem a little early to start talking about the holiday season, but if you are like most moms today, you spend far more time preparing for the big day and not enough time enjoying it. The solution: have most of the preparation done before the beginning of December, leaving lots of time to enjoy the season!

Gift Giving

Make a list and stick to it. Budget and then track as you purchase items so you don’t end up with more gifts than you really need. Start your shopping now and complete it by November 30. Those of you who thrive on the craziness of the holiday season can still enjoy the mall in December, but you won’t have the stress of “having” to find the perfect gift. You will already have it!

Holiday Baking

Most recipes freeze well. Pick up some freezer bags or containers and get your baking done early. Better yet, do a big batch of your favourite recipe, host or attend a cookie exchange and you will have a nice selection of sweet treats to share with friends and family over the holiday season.

Christmas Cards

Make a master list and make sure you have correct addresses on hand. The Internet can be helpful in your search. In late November, get the family together and give everyone a job. Even young children can participate by licking the stamps! Family not into it? Have a girls’ “Christmas cards” night. Enjoy some appetizers and a bottle of wine and catch up, while everyone writes out their cards. Make sure you put them in the mailbox before December 1.

Wrapping

Don’t wait until Christmas Eve to do this task. Wrap as you go, that is, wrap presents right after you buy them in a designated wrapping area in your home. Or set aside an evening and get it all done while enjoying a good movie or book on CD. Just remember your deadline: December 1!

Clothing

Don't wait until the last minute to think about the clothing you and your family will need during the holiday season. Think about school concerts, church gatherings and special parties. Does anything need to be cleaned? Does everything fit... remember kids grow! Do you know where the good shoes are? How about the belts, nice coats and scarves! If you have a spare closet consider putting all of the holiday clothing in one place so you will have it when you need it.

Decorating

Mark a decorating week on your calendar and enlist the help of your family. Decorate one room each day and end the week with Pizza and a tree trimming party while you decorate the final room - the family room! If you are decorating outside, pick a mild day and get it done. You'll be glad you did.

Now Enjoy Yourself

Now that you’ve got everything done by your deadline, you can relax and enjoy visits with family and friends. But these too can get out of hand, so schedule in advance!