What is it about the Christmas holiday that gets people to spend money? While I have several thoughts on the question, what I know for a fact is that in the marketing world the word Christmas equals profit. Once companies realized that it was the word Christmas itself that urged people to part with their money, they decided to use it to market during a much slower time of the year; summer. Ever seen a “Christmas in July” sale? Some wonderfully brilliant marketing executive on Madison Avenue realized that if you attach the word Christmas to a sale, customers will come and spend money. I once saw a Christmas in July banner in a store that read, “Keep Christmas all Year Long.” Now if that isn’t playing on the emotions of people, I don’t know what is.

All that aside, now is the perfect time to begin to think about Christmas. It is coming; only 129 days to go! Many of us are already thinking very differently this year about our gift buying. Some begin shopping for the next Christmas on January 1. Others are reducing Christmas purchasing due to the sluggish economy. Then there are those who save money all year long to purchase presents closer to the holiday. Are you one of the people who like to have their shopping done before October first? There are also those who are working towards a more meaningful Christmas. Wherever you are, today is a great day to get started with your preparations. Here is a simple checklist of tasks you may want to plan so this Christmas your focus will be on enjoying the season instead of being stressed.

  1. Start a gift list. Who will you be gifting this year? Are there any special needs you should plan ahead for? Do you have an idea what you would like to give your recipients?
  2. Make a budget. Having a budget set in place is of great importance. The current economy is playing a part this year especially. With so many struggling to keep the basics in place, providing for Christmas can add serious stress. Making a budget now can help to reduce that stress and make the process flow more smoothly.
  3. Think Homemade. Nothing says you care about another quite like a homemade gift. I have a very popular seminar about classy homemade gifting. Society has brainwashed us to think that homemade gifts are cheesy and “cheap.” Nothing could be farther from the truth! Begin researching some ideas, make a list of supplies needed, and make a plan to accomplish all your gifts with a goal of finishing up the week before Thanksgiving. This will give you a little cushion should you need a bit of extra time to complete any projects. Be careful not to take on a lot of time intensive projects unless you can devote the amount of time needed without causing chaos.
  4. Rethink your Christmas card list. I have discontinued sending Christmas cards. Instead I keep track of things that happen throughout the year and send out a family letter in mid to late January. This helps to keep the Christmas season simple and eliminates your message being white noise. I have gotten so many wonderful responses over the years to this practice. I am not sure if it is the busy-ness of holidays or the barrage of cards and letters that are received in the few weeks prior to Christmas, but people don’t give those sentiments much thought. I have never had anyone call or write to me about a Christmas letter or card. Yet friends and family take time to reconnect after receiving a letter in January.
  5. Think about the meaning. What does the Christmas season mean to your family? Do you think about volunteering or donating prior to Christmas and never get around to it? Start researching different opportunities in your local community and around the world. Pray for God’s guidance. Talk with your husband. Make a plan now so that you will be prepared to execute the plan this year.

Over the next few months I will keep reminding you of tasks that you may want to plan for in preparations for a simple and frugal, yet meaningful Christmas. If you have ideas please email me at Leslie@leslievaleska.com . I will gather and post them as they come in. Sharing our wisdom will help every family have a precious and simple Christmas this year!