As a single mom, the strategy that has worked for me over time is to plan in advance for the holiday. I usually have the day to day obligations for myself and for the kids and I do not know about you but I do not work well under pressure. That is why I have come up with 5 top reasons why you should plan in advance for the holidays.
1. Best Deals and Bargains
Regardless of the holidays people choose to participate in, most people approach the holidays with good intentions. Over the years, what I have known to be true is that life happens and that it is better to say ready so you do not have to get ready.
With that being said, I typically start planning for the holidays 11 months in advance. For example, a month after Christmas, I start thinking of a theme for the following year. After a season or a holiday's, that is when you are most likely to find things at a discounted price. Stores are immediately trying to get ride of past holidays and seasons inventory so that the next season and holiday can be bought in. They know that the only way to do so is to sell the items at a discounted rate. I have literally found things that were super expensive that I have been able to pay little to nothing on just by shopping during off seasons.
2. Stay out of Debt.
I remember someone telling me that procrastination leads to desperation and I can see why that statement rings true. Waiting until the last minute to do anything without a plan is a sure way to over spend, over think, and to miss out on things you really want to get. Because finances can become an issue, set a budget in advance. Having a budget written out might help you resist the urge to overspend as the holidays approach.
3. Start getting your house in order.
Cluttered areas often contribute to anxiety. Having a clean home gives me one less thing to worry about during the holidays. In addition to having a clean space, getting rid of unused possessions will allow room whatever decor you plan on putting out.
Starting now you can:
Clean out your refrigerator, freezer and pantry prior to doing a holiday grocery haul.
Going through your kids and your own belongings to find things that can be discarded or donated.
Refresh bathrooms and other spaces that may be utilized by guests visiting.
Clear out your closets to house any coats and other belongs that may need to be stored.
4. Cook/ bake ahead.
Create a tradition of prepping recipes in advance such as pies and cookie dough and freezing them so that can be one less thing to do the day of. Being ready means that you do not have to get ready.
5.Create memorable moments.
Spending time with people that matter is what the holidays are really about. By planning and organizing your events in advance you can really take the stress of the holidays away. Spending less time shopping, budgeting, and cleaning gives your more time to with your loved ones.
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