Do you know what day it is? Do you know how many days are left until Christmas? 40! WoW! Can you believe it? Thanksgiving is around the corner and then the full Christmas season will be in force. There are many things swirling around your head. Food to make, presents to purchase, events to plan, budgets to set, activities to attend, decorating, and the list goes on, swirling about your brain.  Well here is a checklist to get your mind focused and moving forward. A simple Christmas is one in which you can relax and enjoy. You CAN accomplish this by making a good plan now.

·         Make gift lists. Include names, sizes, desires, and budgeted amount. This will truly make shopping easier. When you grocery shop, you should always have a list and not stray from it when you don’t want to overspend. The same can be applied to Christmas shopping. Set a budget and make a plan for each gift. When you shop go for only the gift on your list and you will find less distractions and impulse buys.

·         Make a Homemade gift list. Include a few ideas for each of the people on your list. Determine what supplies are needed for gifts and make another list for those supplies you do not have in your home.

·         Save the Date. Be certain to mark down all parties, events, and activities you will be hosting and attending on your calendar. This may seem basic, but can often give you the opportunity to visualize what your schedule will look like. It can prevent you from over scheduling and help you maintain simplicity throughout the season. Pick and choose your commitments wisely to keep your sanity.

·         Set your budget! Thanksgiving and Christmas are the one time throughout the year that we can overspend unconsciously unless we make a concerted effort to watch our spending. Our hearts are all warm and full of giving. Our emotions are in high gear. Making spending decisions with our emotions is never a good thing. Setting a complete holiday budget is the best way to combat this. Make categories not only for presents, but also for food, clothing, decorations, and travel.

Want to make your Christmas gift giving even better for your budget? How about some great ways to make homemade gifts for a fraction of the cost of store bought ones that will really knock the socks off your recipients. Homemade gifts can be spectacular if you only know how. My newest e-book, Gift Giving from the Heart: Homemade Gifts that are Treasured not Trashed, will be released November 22, 2009 for $9.99. This e-book will train you to give homemade gifts that are budget friendly AND classy! No more wondering or feeling guilty about homemade gifts.

Right now, I am offering a Pre-release Sale! You can get your copy of Gift Giving from the Heart: Homemade Gifts that are Treasured not Trashed, for ONLY $7.99! Order Today and you will be locked in at the pre-release price! My gift to all of you!

What are you waiting for? Order your copy now!



 

 

***Within 24 hrs of your order you will receive a confirmation email regarding your purchase. Your copy of Gift Giving from the Heart: Homemade Gifts that are Treasured not Trashed will be emailed right to your inbox on November 22, 2009.