06 November 2016

Planning Tips For The Festive Season


The holidays and the Festive Season are fast approaching. You still have plenty of time to prepare but only if you get started now. Instead of waiting until December 1st or even the 15th.

This year in particular, families will need a lot of advance planning. With the economy the way it is; people all around the world may find it difficult this year to celebrate the Holidays in the way we have been used to. The price of almost every imaginable good has gone up considerably so, it’s safe to predict that this coming Holiday season will be very stressful for many families but with a little advance planning, we can still have a great Christmas!


Get Organized

You may have a list that you follow every year, but if not, here are some of my own suggestions which will help to get you started on a well-organized and joyous holiday!


Remember Traditions

If your family has traditions that you keep, year after year, plan everything you'll need for them now.
Do family members draw names for gift-giving?
Do the children in your family prepare a skit or do adults tell family stories?
Do whatever you need now to make sure the traditions are passed on and remind everyone involved of the importance of their participation.
Buy invitations and address them, prepare the menus, ask others to contribute what they love and decide on a theme for the decorations. If you create a checklist, it will be easy to see what's left for you or others to do.


Prepare Your Gift List

If you're like many, you may have a closet of gifts already put away with friends or family members names on them. If not, make your gift list now. Collect catalogues if you like to order gifts, go to the local shopping centre before the crowds arrive or collect what you need if you make your own gifts. Make lists so you don't forget anyone important.If you have to send gifts out-of-town for friends or family, plan to do it early. Get those gifts first and send them off.


Gather Your Supplies

It won't take long to get all your holiday supplies together. Make sure you have enough stamps for holiday cards. Check your supply of wrapping paper and ribbon. Collect basic kitchen items that you know you'll need. Make lists and use them.
Prepare Your Christmas Cards

You may not be in the mood to write out your holiday cards but you can spend an evening watching TV addressing the envelopes, pasting on return address labels and adding stamps. Encourage your children to create their own cards to send to grandparents, cousins and friends. 



Do Some Housekeeping

Now is the perfect time to face annual chores in and outside of the house. Hose off the front door and garage door, clean the windows, polish silver, chandeliers and the light fixtures.
Are Guests Coming?
Now is a great time to clear out the clutter in your extra bedroom, since you'll probably need it this season for out-of-town guests or a sleepover. Pack away, all the out of season clothing, leaving room in the closet and drawers for your guests things. Put away unfinished projects. Finally, add some of the comfortable touches that make a guestroom look comfortable and nice!
Make sure there are plush pillows, a good reading lamp and fun reading material. 



Decorate the Outdoors

You may think it's too early to put up the holiday lights but it's much easier to do it now than in the middle of the heat! Test the lights before you put them up and after but don't turn them on at night until it’s time. 



Plan Holiday Travels

If you're planning to be away for the holidays, it's a good idea to book your holiday travel now. Check your calendar with others in your family and get friends and family to do the same. If you have guests coming to your home, remind them to make their travel plans early.

No comments:

Post a Comment