I know, it’s the middle of summer and you probably hate me for even saying this, but Christmas is less than 6 months away! Now is the time to start prepping for the holiday so you don’t find yourself scrambling at the last minute.
The question is, which items on the list do you tackle first? For us, the one thing that is always hard to do is capture the perfect family photo or just pictures of the kids to feature on our holiday card, after that, I always put the rest off….but not this year!
This year, we have come up with 8 items for you to check off your Christmas To-Do list – in July!
1. Create Christmas Wish Lists
One thing I despise more than anything is getting a list from my kids or other family member super close to Christmas. I love to shop year round and you never know when you will stumble upon a great sale for the perfect gift your family member wants. Be sure to create your list and have you kids create their lists too. Getting them done early means they will be ready and waiting the minute someone asks for them.
2. Family Pictures
If you are planning on sending out a photo card, newsletter or want to give photos of the family or just the kids as a gift, schedule your photo session ASAP! Photographers book up more and more the closer we get to the holidays and the sooner you get yours done, the sooner your photographer can get them edited and back to you in time for the holidays.
3. Get Some Christmas Card Ideas Together
Selecting a Christmas card to send can be tough, especially if you are looking for something that is simple or something that you can customize to meet your tastes. Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. Once you select a design you can change the color of each element on the card to over 180 different color options so you can make sure the card is exactly how you want it down to the littlest detail. The
holiday cards maker makes it easy for you to get exactly what you are looking for! As a bonus, you can even order a sample card early to make sure they are just what you are looking for. Basic Invite is filled with all kinds of great Christmas card ideas including company Christmas cards if you need them! Right now Basic Invite is offering 15% off with coupon code: 15FF51.
4. Get Started on Homemade Gifts
If you plan on gifting any items that are homemade such as keepsake gifts from the kids, blankets, or anything that takes a lot of time to create, get you projects started now. A lot of stores are already stocked with holiday crafts and sales making it a great time to take advantage of the prices and the extra time before the holidays hit.
5. Clean Out The Kids Rooms
When it comes to Christmas and kids, it usually means more new clothes and more new toys. Start working on cleaning out all of the clothes that don’t fit anymore or toys they have outgrown or just don’t enjoy and find them a new home with a friend or family member or donate them to a local charity.
6. Take Advantage of Summer Sales
A lot of stores start putting out small Christmas displays in July to bring in some extra sales in the summer which makes it the perfect time to shop for some new holiday decor if you need it. Also, watch for stock up sales for things like bath and kitchen towels, dishrags, and other household goods that could make great gifts for friends and family.
7. Find Time in Your Winter Schedule To Give Back
The holidays are a great time to give back to your community and a lot of people wait until the last minute to sign up to volunteer their time. Take advantage of the summer and make a few phone calls to local charities or schools and find out what events they have going on during the holidays that you are your family may be able to help with a commit to it now and get it on your calendar.
With just completing these tasks, you will be checking off items on your Christmas to-do list and be prepared for the holidays instead of waiting until the last minute.
