The Early Bird gets the..

Hello, blog land!

I know it’s only October 7^th, which means we have several upcoming holidays before the end of the year: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Black Friday {yeah, it’s a holiday in my book..}, my birthday AND Charles’ birthday {again, holidays..} and finally Christmas! I’m typically pretty gung ho on not rushing holidays – every holiday deserves it’s time in the limelight – yet every year, it seems like Christmas items come out faster and faster.

I’ve made it no secret that fall is my favorite season there is. There’s something about the crisp fall air perfect for grilling and having a bonfire and opening windows and the candles and football and I better stop now because I could ramble on for paragraphs. End rant. So don’t get me wrong with what I’m about to tell you. I love fall. I don’t want fall to be rushed. It is wonderful and perfect in its own right. BUT…

I was perusing Wal-Mart last week and the aisles by the garden center {and, well, the whole garden center} was starting to be filled up with Christmas items: ornaments, wreaths, wrapping paper, outdoor decorations, etc. At first I was mortified. “It’s the beginning of October, for goodness sake” I thought to myself as I passed by. I even shook my head in disgust for their lack of patience.

Then I started thinking, “well Christmas is coming up…I really should start planning so that my December isn’t the typical month of panic and holiday rush that it usually is.” With both of our birthdays and Charles’ graduation in December this year, along with Christmas parties, getting together with friends, work parties, family in town, and the like, I couldn’t help but think that I was already behind.

Then I quickly thought about how I can actually fully decorate our new house this year, and started thinking of how I wanted to decorate {insert three hours on Pinterest here}. Side not, the pinterest for three hours thing led to Youtube tutorials on how to make various Christmas crafts..it wasn’t pretty. Too much time was spent, and now I feel like this weekend I’m going to make a trip to Michael’s or Hobby Lobby or somewhere to get items to craft..for Christmas…over two months away.

I realize I took this too far, and I can slow down on the need to Christmas craft until at least next month, but there are a few things I feel that if I do now, it will save me time and sanity around December and the Christmas holiday so that I can enjoy time with my wonderful husband and our families. Of course, I am going to share this with you now!

Without delay, here are a few tasks that I feel would be beneficial to start doing now in Christmas preparation, and things I am already starting to do:

1.)    Start making a Christmas List!  This one is just too easy, I think everyone starts this pretty early. Start finding out what your loved ones want for Christmas! That way you’re not running around 20 stores trying to find something that your husband’s family would like {yes, this was me last year…} I have my family as well as Charles’ family to plan for, and sometimes I can find it a bit challenging to manage. I’ve already started an “idea list” for all of my family and friends, and some of them are a bit difficult to buy for. Thanks to google, I’ve found several idea pages with lists for presents for the photographer in your life, the nature lover, the cook, etc. Through these lists I’ve found more than one present idea for the difficult to buy for people in my life, and I still have time to order them online and have them here in plenty of time! Make. A. List. Early.

2.)    Decide how you want to decorate your house!   Yes, I am giving you permission to go pinterest crazy and figure out your Christmas theme! If you’re like my husband and I, you decorate for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving, and I’d like to have all of my decorations at the house and ready for me to put up, instead of running around last minute trying to decide what I want to do.

3.)    Craft for Christmas!  Why not have a crafting party early with some girlfriends {throw in some wine and some fondue and I might even show up!} This helps out with number 2 on my list. Get some cute items decorated while you still have some time. This works well if you’re not a big football fan. Spend the time your husband is watching the game crafting. It’s a win win situation!

4.)    Order your Christmas Cards!  I do this mid- October each year, that way they come in early, I can slowly address them and type up our Christmas letter, and I’m all set to stick them in the mail right after Thanksgiving. The early bird gets the worm..and the best spot on everyone’s fridge! Vistaprint has some great cards and amazing specials and prices. Take advantage before all Christmas Card companies start raising the rates, which they always do closer to Christmas.

5.)    Plan your calendar!  I know my work already has our Christmas party scheduled. I know I want to have a holiday exchange party with some girlfriends. I know various family members will be coming in town. I know Charles graduates in December. So. Much. Happens. Plan early so you don’t over-extend yourself, or overbook yourself.

 

Alright, I've shared enough wisdom with you for one morning. I will be back shortly! I'll try to do some fun things so I can share some pictures with you next time ;)