Even though Christmas is most peoples favorite time of the year – It can still be the most stressful and hectic time of the year! There is always so much to do; from Christmas shopping to cooking the entire Christmas dinner. We get pretty tired just thinking about it let alone doing everything that needs to be done before the big day. And, don’t forget we still need to maintain our everyday lives as we take on the responsibilities of Christmas.

One of the biggest tips would be this: Waiting until the last minute to get things done will just lead to more stress. Plan ahead… (I know, it really does sneak up on you!)

Stress-Free Christmas Tip #1 – Make A List 

Make a list (Santa does, why shouldn’t you?) of the everyone you plan to buy a gift for; this includes your spouse, children, parents, brothers, sisters and co-workers. On one side of the list print “Who I Will Buy For” and then list all the names.  On the other side of the list print: “Gifts.” Keep it with you and fill in the gifts you purchase and match with the names you need to buy gifts for.

Stress-Free Christmas Tip #2 – Shop From Home

There are plenty of places online that you can shop from home. This will not only be a great way to ensure a stress-free Christmas, but will give you more options and save you time. Right around Thanksgiving, many online stores like Amazon start their black Friday deals and continue sales right up to the week of Christmas. Be sure to have your gift list in from of you while you shop. Cross off names as you shop.

Stress-Free Christmas Tip #3 – Record What You Buy

Sometimes you may run across something that you think will make a great gift, but you haven’t figured out who  will make a great fit for the gift. So, making another list of gifts you purchase will come in handy. Don’t forget that people tend to show up at your place with gifts for you and your family. If you have a list of gifts that aren’t assigned to someone they can come in handy for this type of situation. If you keep up your main list you will be much more organized when it comes time to wrap and tag gifts. Keeping everything organized will create a stress-free Christmas.

Stress-Free Christmas Tip #4 – Buy Decorations In The Off-Season

Christmas decorations go on sale after Christmas. If you shop online for deep discounted Christmas decorations, you will be creating a stress-free Christmas for next year.

Stress-Free Christmas Tip #5- Wrap Sooner Not Later

As soon as Christmas wrapping paper is placed on the shelves, start selecting and buying. By this time, you should have a shelf full of presents to wrap. Wrap at your leisure; a few at a time or all at once. Just enjoy it. You have time to make the presents look outstanding. Give them that added decorative touch that will make the recipient feel special and give you the opportunity to be creative.

Stress-Free Christmas Tip #6 – Record What You Wrap

You have two lists to cross-reference. Check off or make changes as necessary. If you didn’t make a list, you should make one now. Don’t make the mistake I made one year. I got all my wrapping done early, and by the time Christmas came, I couldn’t remember what I was giving everyone or exactly what it looked like. I remember wishing I had a digital camera. I could have taken pictures of the presents before wrapping them. I don’t have to worry about that now. I have a list and a digital camera.

Stress-Free Christmas Tip #7 – Collect Recipes

If you don’t already know what dishes you will be making for your Christmas dinner, you could start collecting recipes early. You can get recipes from family and friend, or look online for some great recipes. Getting the recipes early will allow time for trying out the dis before that actual Christmas dinner. You really don’t want any surprises in this department.

The Christmas season should be a joy, not a stressful event. In order to have a stress-free Christmas, it will require planning well in advance. If you plan, you will succeed and have a great holiday. If you can, you can Christmas shop all year long and store the gifts you buy in a closet until Christmas. And, if you are a wise one like I know you are, they will already be wrapped and tagged well in advance. But, do hang on to your lists so you can remember what gifts you bought for which relative. The real tip for enjoying a stress-free Christmas is to have fun and enjoy the whole process.

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