Festive Planning
Article Written By Beverley
( Clairvoyant | Healer | Intuition )
You deserve to take time to enjoy the festive season. And the best way of doing that is to plan ahead. With a bit of preparation, you can get lots of festive chores out of the way, so you can focus on your family when the big day comes. Now that christmas is just around the corner, it is time to start thinking about festive planning. Planning for the festive season can also make a huge difference when it comes to your finances. Social gatherings combined with presents, alongside everyday expenses can be the recipe for financial struggle. It’s vital to be conscious of the costs involved, so that when 2018 arrive, you’re not suffering from a major spending hangover.
When it comes to Christmas Financial planning, the first thing you need to consider is your budget. You need to decide what your budget is for each person on your Christmas list. When you make your Christmas list, set higher budgets for family and close friends.
Here are some tips when doing your Christmas Planning:
-Use a notebook or a planner to write down all the names on your list and also brainstorm gift ideas;
-Set up a budget for each person and also plan for handmade gifts and cards to go along with your main gift (if appropriate);
-Do your online shopping in advance, so you will have time to wrap all gifts without any rushing;
-Track all your Christmas orders and ensure to send away Christmas gifts and cards by post before December 12;
-Get extra christmas wrapping in case you run out and take advantage of the seasonal offers to ensure you save money;
-Always save receipts in case of returns;
-Take stock of your decorations. Get out your lights ornaments and see if anything is broken or needs to be replaced;
-Take stock of your dishes and glasses and make sure and make sure you have the serving dishes and cutlery you need;
-Plan your menu in advance: If you will be serving the Christmas meal make sure you know what you will be cooking and what family members will be bringing;
If you are sending Holiday Cards, make a Christmas card list and check if all the addresses on your list are updated. To facilitate the process, you can print all address labels, but use pen and paper to write your cards. I believe that hand-written cards are a sign of personal touch, they show that thought has gone into writing the card. So, if you can, choose to show you care this festive season and send a personal Christmas card rather than an electronic greeting. A hand-signed card through the letterbox means a lot and it is particularly important to demonstrate your love for special people in your life this time of the year. As cards arrive, update address book for next year.
Remember that getting organised is the best way to ensure you’ll have more holiday cheer. Ensure you keep track of the big tasks. Put all activities on a calendar, find out when parties, school activities and other events are taking place, so there is no rushing. Make plans for overnight guests if necessary. Think about who will be showing up and spending the night. Check if you need to buy extra towels, replace old sheets, and focus on getting your house in shape for visitors. Keep in mind that you don’t need to be cooking all day on the 25th to get Christmas dinner ready in time. Try to do all the prep in advance. That means more time to spend with the family. Give yourself a break on Boxing Day and choose an easy menu, so you can have a glass of wine and sit in front of the telly. Tis the season to be jolly, not the season to be stressed. Planning for Christmas means focusing on the magic moments.
