The countdown is on! Christmas is only a handful of days away. Whether you’re still shopping or everything is wrapped and under the tree, we all need to keep a few money saving principles in mind. Here are 7 Tasks to Do the Week Before Christmas!
Quit Buying Christmas Themed Items
In a week’s short time, you’ll begin thinking about packing away those cute reindeer socks. And even though it’s practical, the Santa bubble bath will soon be on sale for 75% off. From cute playing cards to toys and festive apparel, press pause on purchasing any items with a Christmas theme – at least until after Christmas.
Stock Up on Essentials
Grocery shopping during the last couple of weeks of the year is always tricky. It’s likely, it will be even more so this year during a pandemic. So in the week before Christmas, it’s wise to take inventory of what you have and what you need. Think: cleaning products, paper goods, special snacks, personal care items, OTCs, and anything else you might run out of and need.
Plan Your Meals
While you’re making your list for the store, go ahead and plan your meals. It’s ok to plan for carry out or delivery meals, but making at least a general plan will save you from landing in a lurch during the most wonderful time of the year.
Exercise
The holidays often prove to be times where we experience an increased level of stress and indulge a little more than usual. Make some time for yourself in the week before Christmas to move. It can be a heart pounding cardio session or a simple walk around the block.
Declutter
In many homes, Christmas means an influx of new toys, games, and clothes. It’s wise to clear out worn out and outgrown items to make way for those new items. Hand down the items you no longer need to those in your community. If you don’t know anyone who could directly benefit from your gently loved effects, consider donating them to a charity.
Prepare a Christmas Morning Basket
After all gifts have been opened, odds are good, you’re going to need more. There are boxes to open, charging to be done, batteries to be installed, and more. Think through the gifts you’re giving this year and devise what else you’ll need to make the day complete. This may include anything to make playing with those new toys complete. Again, a lot of stores will be closed. So prepare to play before the big day arrives. You’ll also want to think about including anything necessary to assemble new goodies, too like tools. And maybe a trash bag or two to clean up the mess.
Wash Those Christmas Jammies
If your family has the tradition of Christmas Eve pjs, it’s smart to go ahead and remove the tags. Then wash them up before wrapping them. That way, you’ll be able to open them and get ready to snuggle the night and next day away.
It really is a wonderful time of the year. Pause and prepare for the festive days ahead to save money, time, and you sanity!
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
