If you haven’t already begun your #holiday shopping, this week is a good time to start. Consult the internet for early-bird specials from your favorite retailers, and check the social media for gift ideas. Make a budget and a list of the people you plan to buy for, and jot down a few ideas for each. You’re less likely to overspend if you have the elements of a plan in mind and #shop strategically. If you see a great deal, grab it — that price (and the stock) may not last, so get it while you can. And allow plenty of time for delivery of your holiday orders to avoid costly last-minute shipping fees and get everything under the tree on time. #HollidayTips
Tag: holiday tips
Make Lists to Better Manage the Holidays
Many large retailers started staging #holiday displays and promotions well before #Halloween was over. And while #Christmas, #Hannukah and the other #winter holidays may seem like they’re a long way off, now is the time to start planning. It’s never too early to make lists: Who’s on your gift list? Who gets a card? Who’s hosting which celebration? Get these things decided now, and you’ll have a lot less stress when the big celebrations roll around. You can also make a list of the spaces you want to #declutter before guests arrive, says Rooms Need Love; since a lot of people and stuff will be coming in, make space by #donating what you don’t need. #HolidayTips
Celebrate the Season Your Way
The Organizing Blog offers a lot of advice throughout the year to inspire readers to lead #tidy, #organized and #productive lives. During the #holiday season especially, we suggest ways to save money, reduce waste and cut #clutter even as you celebrate and give gifts.
But the #holiday season can be overwhelming and inspire just as much anxiety and stress as it does joy. That’s why we urge you to celebrate in a way that’s true to yourself this year — even if you have to put your #decluttering goals temporarily on hold.
The holiday season exposes us to lots of unusual demands and expectations, CBC says. Don’t overcommit or try to live up to unrealistic ideals, or you’ll burn out before you unwrap your first gift.
Many traditions were delayed, cancelled or otherwise upended during COVID, and it’s OK to mourn their loss. But you can use your creativity to can create new traditions, Psychology Today says, that help you relax and get in the spirit of the season.
That might mean baking cookies, relaxing by a fire, candlelight yoga, putting up decorations or hosting a #Christmas movie marathon. Or it might mean none of those things — there’s no wrong answer when it comes to treating yourself to a happy holiday.
Some people prefer to skip the gift exchange and family feast altogether, says Refinery 29. One woman — a retail worker — likes to get Chinese food after the holiday rush, and another uses vacation days every December for a bucket-list trip. Another writes a letter to herself every year.
Don’t forget yourself and your needs as you make holiday plans. There’s only so much of you to go around, and celebrating in the way you wish ensures that everyone who does get a little of your attention sees you at your very best.
Here’s to a safe and happy holiday season from ClothingDonations.org!
Start Planning Your Holiday Feast Now
Food prices are up across the board, but you can still feed your family and friends a great #holiday dinner for not a lot of money. Pork and poultry make for inexpensive main dishes, and bulk-purchased root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and onions can contribute to filling and crowd-pleasing sides. For an easy and plentiful main, serve a hearty seasonal soup and finger foods; or go for a more traditional sit-down meal. Plan ahead — and stick to the plan — to keep food costs in check. Stuck for inspiration? Delish offers 65 classic recipes to get you started. #HolidayTips
Plan Ahead to Keep Food Costs in Check
Plan ahead to make your #holiday #feast thrifty but memorable, says Good Cheap Eats. Knowing what you’ll cook ahead of time allows you to shop the grocery-store specials for the best prices on ingredients. And while people often expect turkey and ham on Thanksgiving, the December holidays more often rely on family traditions that emphasize hearty favorites such as tamales, stews or lasagna. Or you can think outside of the box for your feast, serving all finger foods, hot sandwiches or anything else your friends and family enjoy. Make things ahead if you really want to relax and enjoy the company. #HolidayTips