Nichole Sheley February 27, 2023 No Comments

The holiday season is a time of joy, family, and traditions, but it can also bring a lot of stress and chaos. With so many things to plan and prepare for, it's easy to get overwhelmed and forget important tasks. That's where a Christmas planner comes in handy.

A Christmas planner is a tool that helps you stay organized and on top of your holiday planning. It can help you keep track of your to-do list, budget, gift list, meal planning, and more. In this article, we will share some tips and tricks on how to use a Christmas planner to make your holiday season stress-free and enjoyable.

Why use a planner during the Holidays and Christmas?

Using a planner during the holidays and Christmas can bring a multitude of benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety, staying organized and on track with tasks and events, and ensuring that nothing important is forgotten.[1] It can also help with budgeting, meal planning, and gift shopping, making sure that everything is planned out ahead of time and within your means. A planner can also serve as a memory keeper, allowing you to jot down special moments and memories that you can look back on for years to come. By using a planner, you can fully enjoy the holiday season and focus on spending time with loved ones, rather than feeling overwhelmed and stressed.[2]

What kind of Supplies will you need for making the planner?

Making a Christmas planner yourself at home is a great idea as it allows you to customize it according to your preferences and needs. It also gives you the opportunity to save money as store-bought planners can be expensive. Additionally, making a planner yourself can be a fun and creative project, and you can involve your family members or friends in the process. It also helps you stay organized and on top of your holiday preparations, which can reduce stress and increase enjoyment during the holiday season.[3][4] Here’s what you need to make one:

Paper - You may need lined or graph paper, as well as plain paper for notes and brainstorming.

Pens and Pencils - Use pens and pencils to write down ideas, to-do lists, and important dates in your planner.

Highlighters - Use different colored highlighters to mark important events, deadlines, and tasks.

Sticky Notes - These can be used to add reminders or mark pages in your planner.

Stickers - Add a festive touch to your planner with Christmas-themed stickers.

Washi Tape - Use washi tape to decorate your planner pages and create tabs for different sections.

Scissors - Use scissors to trim paper or washi tape to fit your planner pages.

Hole Punch - If using a binder, a hole punch is needed to add pages to your planner.

Ruler - Use a ruler to create neat lines and grids on your planner pages.

Free holiday planner cover

Here's how you can make a beautiful free cover for your holiday and Christmas planner: [5]

Choose a high-quality image or graphic related to the holiday season, such as a snowman, Christmas tree, or a winter landscape.
Open a design software such as Canva or Adobe Illustrator, or use a word processing software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
Create a new document in the size of your planner cover (usually 8.5 x 11 inches).
Import your chosen image or graphic into the document.
Add text to the cover, such as "Holiday Planner," "Christmas Planner," or "Season's Greetings."
Choose a font that complements the image and adds to the overall look and feel of the cover.
Adjust the size and placement of the text as needed.
Add any additional elements such as a border or decorative accents.
Save the document as a high-resolution PDF or image file.

10. Print the cover on high-quality paper or cardstock, and attach it to the front of your planner using adhesive.

Get your own Christmas planner

If you are looking to buy a new planner from the market, here are some tips to consider: [6]

Size:

Consider the size of the planner and how much space you need for planning your Christmas activities.

Layout:

Look for a planner with a layout that suits your planning style, such as daily, weekly, or monthly.

Material:

Check the quality of the paper and binding to ensure the planner can withstand regular use.

Design:

Choose a design that speaks to your personal style and festive spirit.

Features:

Look for additional features that might be useful, such as pockets for holding Christmas cards, stickers for decorating your planner, or tabs for easy navigation.

Price:

Consider your budget and shop around for a planner that meets your needs within your price range.

Reviews:

Read reviews from other customers who have purchased the planner to get an idea of its durability and functionality.

How to use the planner during the Holidays and Christmas?

Here are some tips for getting organized during the holidays and Christmas with a planner:[7][8]

Set Goals:

Write down your goals and priorities for the holiday season. This will help you stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Create a Schedule:

Use your planner to create a schedule for holiday activities and events. This will help you stay on track and make sure you don't miss anything important.

Keep Track of Gifts:

Use your planner to keep track of gift ideas, budgets, and purchases. This will help you stay within your budget and ensure that you don't forget anyone on your list.

Meal Planning:

Use your planner to plan your holiday meals, including menus, shopping lists, and prep schedules. This will help you avoid last-minute trips to the grocery store and ensure that you have everything you need.

Schedule Some "Me Time":

The holiday season can be busy and stressful, so make sure to schedule some time for yourself. Use your planner to schedule in some self-care activities, such as a massage or a relaxing bath.

Stay Flexible:

While it's important to have a plan, remember that things don't always go as planned during the holidays. Stay flexible and be willing to adjust your plans as needed.

References:

Nichole Sheley

Nichole Sheley February 20, 2023 No Comments

Christmas is the most fantastic time of the year, but it can also be the busiest and most stressful. To avoid last-minute chaos and ensure a perfect Christmas, it's essential to plan. And what would be better to do that than with a Christmas planner?

Creating a Christmas planner can help you stay organized, track your progress, and remember everything necessary. It can be a fun and creative project that the whole family can participate. In this blog post, one can get tips for creating a Christmas planner to help you stay on top of everything and have a stress-free holiday season.

Tips for Sticking to Your Christmas Planner

Below are the top 5 tips for sticking to your Christmas planner:

Choose a Suitable System for you

Christmas is a time of joy, cheer, and celebration. However, it can also be stressful, especially when planning and organizing all the activities and tasks that come with the holiday season. One way to alleviate this stress is to choose a system that suits you for making a Christmas planner.

The first step in choosing a system is determining what type of planner you need. Do you want a physical planner that you can carry with you, or would you prefer a digital planner that you can access from anywhere? Once you've decided, you can begin narrowing down your options.

For physical planners, many options are available, from simple notebooks to elaborate planners with tabs, pockets, and stickers. Consider the size, layout, and design when choosing a physical planner. You want a planner that is easy to use and visually appealing, encouraging you to use it regularly.

If you prefer a digital planner, there are also many options available. When choosing a digital planner, consider the most critical features, such as ease of use, the ability to set reminders, and the ability to share your planner with others.

Another factor to consider when choosing a system is your style and preferences. A physical planner may be your best option if you like to write everything down by hand. A digital planner may be the way to go if you prefer to keep everything digital. Remember that the goal of a Christmas planner is to make your life easier, so choose a system that suits you and that you will enjoy using.

Collect Necessary Items and Keep them Together

The holiday season can be the most hectic time of year, with many tasks and events to manage. One way to make the process smoother is to create a Christmas planner. It can help you stay organized and ensure you remember everything necessary. The first in creating a Christmas planner is to collect all necessary items and ensure they are stored in one place.

To begin, list everything you will need for your planner. This may include a notebook or planner, pens and pencils, stickers or other decorations, and any other supplies you want to use. Once you have your list, gather all the items together and check to ensure you have everything you need.

Next, choose a place to store your Christmas planner items. Ideally, this should be a location that is easily accessible and that you can return to throughout the holiday season. Choose a spot on your desk or a shelf in your office, or use a decorative box or basket that you can keep in a central location.

Once you have chosen your storage location, organize your items in a way that makes sense. You can group similar items, such as pens and pencils, in one section and stickers in another. Create sections for different aspects of your planner, such as gift lists, meal planning, and holiday events.

Finally, return your Christmas planner items to their designated storage location after each use. It will help you stay organized and always know where everything is. By collecting necessary items and storing them in one place, you will be well on your way to creating a successful Christmas planner that helps you stay on top of your holiday tasks and events.

Create an Organizational Christmas Planner System

By creating an effective organizational system in place, making a Christmas planner can be a breeze. The key to creating a successful planner is to break down the planning process into manageable tasks and then prioritize them. Here is an organizational system for planning for creating a Christmas planner:

Create a master list

Create a master list of all the tasks that must be done for Christmas. This can include gift shopping, decorating, menu planning, and sending out holiday cards. Be as comprehensive as possible to ensure that everything is noticed.

Prioritize your tasks

Once you have your master list, prioritize them based on their importance and deadline. It will help you to focus on the critical tasks first and avoid any last-minute stress.

Break down large tasks.

Some tasks, like decorating or meal planning, can be overwhelming. Break them into smaller, more manageable tasks that can be tackled over time.

Use a planner

Invest in a planner or create your own with a notebook or a spreadsheet. Use this to track your progress and deadlines for each task. It will help you stay organized and remember all critical deadlines.

Set reminders for yourself for critical deadlines, such as the last day to send holiday cards or the final day to shop for gifts. It can be done through a digital calendar or a reminder app on your phone.

Delegate tasks

Feel free to delegate tasks to family members or friends. It can reduce your workload and make the planning process more manageable.

Celebrate your achievements

Remember to celebrate your progress and achievements along the way. It will help keep you motivated and energized as you work towards completing your Christmas planner.

Right Placement of your Planner

As the holiday season begins, it's essential to start planning for Christmas in advance to ensure everything runs smoothly. One of the most critical steps in this process is choosing the right location for your planner. Placing your planner in a visible location can help you stay on track with your plans and reduce the stress associated with last-minute preparations.

Select a location that is easy to access and that you frequently visit throughout the day. It could be a central location in your home, such as the kitchen, living room, hallway, office, or workspace. By placing your planner in a visible location, you are more likely to remember to check it regularly and make necessary adjustments to your plans.

Another crucial factor to consider is the type of planner you are using. A planner with a larger size and clear pages can help you quickly see your plans and make necessary adjustments. Choosing a planner with enough space for all your Christmas plans, including shopping lists, party planning, and travel arrangements, is also essential.

Lastly, keeping your planner organized and up to date is essential. It means setting aside time daily to review your plans and update your planner with any changes or additions. You can also use color coding or stickers to help keep your plans organized and visually appealing.

Keep Checking your Planner to Remember your Tasks

Planning is essential for the successful execution of any event or activity. The holiday season can be exceptionally hectic, so having a well-organized Christmas planner is crucial to ensure everything goes smoothly. However, creating a planner alone is not enough. One must frequently review and update it to stay on track and accomplish all the necessary tasks.

The first step to effective Christmas planning is creating a comprehensive checklist of all the tasks you need to accomplish. This list should include everything from gift shopping, meal planning, decoration, and scheduling holiday events. Once you have this list, you should transfer it to a planner and prioritize the tasks based on their urgency.

Reviewing the planner frequently is essential to ensure you progress toward your goals. For instance, you can review your planner weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on your schedule. During these reviews, assess which tasks you have completed, which need to be prioritized, and which can be delegated. Additionally, consider any new tasks that may have arisen and add them to the planner.

Lastly, be flexible with your planner. It's essential to remember that things may only sometimes go according to plan, and you may need to adjust your schedule or priorities. Be open to change and adapt as needed.

Nichole Sheley

Nichole Sheley February 13, 2023 No Comments

Christmas is a special time of year meant to be enjoyed with loved ones but it can also be expensive. The costs can quickly add up, from buying gifts to hosting parties and dinners. However, having a great Christmas doesn't have to break the bank.

With careful planning and a few simple seven tips, it's possible to have a wonderful holiday season without overspending. In this guide, one can get some strategies for enjoying a fantastic Christmas on a budget. Whether you want to save money on gifts, decorations, or food, we have you covered. So, let's get started and make this holiday season one to remember.

7 Tips for the Best Christmas on a Budget

Let's get into the details of all the 7 tips for the best Christmas on a budget, one by one!

Save Yourself with Simple Traditions

You can never avoid celebrating traditions entirely, although they always become a burden to your pocket. To save yourself, stick to simple traditions. It will help you enjoy festivities without breaking the bank. The simple Christmas traditions include visiting a Christmas parade, going Christmas tree hunting, making a gingerbread house, and many more. Opt for the one that guests will enjoy a lot.

More Traditions Resource -

Create a Budget Plan

Creating a budgeting plan for Christmas is essential tos ensure you have a joyful holiday season without breaking the bank. The first step is to identify your total budget for the holiday season. This amount should include everything from gifts and decorations to travel and entertainment expenses. Once you have established a total budget, you should allocate specific amounts to each category based on their importance to you.

To get started with your budget, list all the people you need to buy gifts for and set a maximum amount for each person. Remember to include expenses like wrapping paper, cards, and postage fees. You can also look for ways to cut costs, such as opting for DIY gifts or shopping for deals during sales.

Next, consider your travel expenses if you visit family or friends during the holiday season. Look for affordable travel options, such as booking flights in advance or taking advantage of travel rewards points. Moreover, remember entertainment and holiday decorations. You can set a separate budget for things like holiday parties or buying decorations for your home.

More Christmas Budgeting Resources -

Cut Your Budget on Gifts

Christmas is a time of giving and sharing, but it's also when many people overspend on gifts. While it's natural to want to make the people we love happy, it's important to remember that spending a lot of money on gifts doesn't necessarily equate to showing love and appreciation.

One strategy to spend less on gifts during Christmas is to plan. Make a list of everyone you want to buy a gift for, and set a budget for each person. Stick to your budget by shopping early and looking for deals and discounts.

Besides this, consider conversing with your loved ones about the true meaning of Christmas. Emphasize spending time together and creating memories rather than focusing on material possessions. You might be surprised that many people feel the same way and are more interested in spending quality time with loved ones than receiving expensive gifts.

More Gift Resources -

Use Free or Cheap Decor

Decorating your home for Christmas is a fun and exciting way to get into the festive spirit. However, it can also be an expensive endeavor, especially if you opt for high-end decorations. Fortunately, there are many ways to use cheap or free decorations to make your home look festive and cheerful.

One of the easiest ways to use cheap or free decorations is to make your own. You can create beautiful decorations using materials you already have at home, such as paper, fabric scraps, and even old Christmas cards. Plenty of tutorials and ideas are available online to help you get started, and you can involve your family and friends to make it a fun activity.

Also, you can use natural elements to decorate your home, such as pine cones, branches, and berries. You can gather them in your backyard or local park and use them to create a beautiful and rustic holiday look. The possibilities are endless, and you can create a festive atmosphere with creativity and resourcefulness without breaking the bank.

More Christmas Decor Resources -

How to Decorate for Christmas: Easy Ways to Decorate Without Overdoing It!

Save on Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper can be an expensive part of the holiday season. However, there are several ways to save money while wrapping your presents beautifully.

Use what you have

Look around your house for unused wrapping paper or other materials such as newspaper, tissue paper, or even old magazines. These can be used creatively to wrap gifts and add a unique touch to your presents.

Buy in bulk

If you have a lot of gifts to wrap, consider buying wrapping paper in bulk. It can be more cost-effective than purchasing individual rolls.

DIY wrapping paper

Consider making your wrapping paper using plain brown or white butcher paper. You can personalize it by adding your designs or stamps; it can be a fun activity with kids.

Reuse old paper

If you receive gifts wrapped in paper, save them and reuse them for your gift wrapping. You can also use old maps, sheet music, or other decorative paper to add a unique touch to your presents.

Gift bags

Instead of wrapping paper, consider using gift bags. These can be reused multiple times and are more environmentally friendly than traditional wrapping paper.

Christmas is for your Family

Christmas is a time of love, joy, and togetherness for many families worldwide. However, with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. For my family, Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and spending quality time with loved ones.

So, we make a point to attend church services and reflect on the holiday's significance. It's also a time for us to give back to our community by volunteering at local charities and donating to those in need. Also, try to teach your children the importance of compassion and generosity during this season of giving.

In addition, on this occasion, chase the tradition with your loved ones. Besides this, gather to decorate the Christmas tree and home with lights and ornaments. Also, bake cookies and other festive treats, sing carols, and exchange gifts. However, remember that the most important gift we can give each other is our time and love.

Spend Less on Grocery Budget

The holiday season can be a financial burden for many families, with the cost of gifts, decorations, and entertainment adding up quickly. One area where you can significantly impact your budget is your grocery bill. By making a few changes to your shopping habits, you can cut your grocery budget for Christmas and still enjoy delicious meals and treats.

First, plan your meals and make a shopping list. It will help you to avoid impulse purchases and ensure you only buy what you need. Look for sales and coupons for the items on your list, and consider buying generic or store-brand products instead of name-brand.

Second, consider buying bulk for frequently used items, such as baking ingredients or canned goods. It can save you money in the long run, especially if you plan on baking or cooking several dishes for the holiday season.

Third, think outside the box when it comes to your menu. Instead of expensive cuts of meat, consider making vegetarian or plant-based dishes, which can be just as delicious and often less expensive. Also, consider making homemade gifts, such as baked goods or preserves, instead of buying expensive store-bought items.

Nichole Sheley

Nichole Sheley February 06, 2023 No Comments

The holidays are always a crazy time of year so it’s important to get ready for Christmas early. With everyone running around doing holiday shopping, celebrating, and decorating, it seems like there’s barely time to breathe. Getting ready for Christmas early will reduce stress during the end-of-the-year rush.

So what can you do to get ready for Christmas early? Here are a few ideas.

Tips to Get Ready for Christmas Early

Let's dig into the details of the 5 top ways to plan for Christmas right now to enjoy a festive and stress-free holiday season.

Know What You Want Out of Christmas

The first step is to plan a general outline regarding how you envision your Christmas. Think about last year and what you and everyone liked. Will you be spending it in town or out of town? Will you be throwing any parties? How will you be decorating? And what will you be doing to celebrate? Any early gift ideas?

And Christmas isn’t only about what you want to do. It’s about how you want to feel. Do you want a calm Christmas? A vibrant, social Christmas? Or maybe you want to spend a lot of time volunteering.

Once you get an idea of what you want out of your Christmas will allow you to gather all the pieces as the year progresses. If you want more help in this area, be sure to read A Sheley Christmas: A Complete How-To Guide. It will walk you through all the steps.

Involve Your Family

When making important decisions regarding Christmas, involving your family can help ease the stress and make the process smoother. Whether you are planning something significant or need to adjust to your current situation, conversing with your family can provide valuable insights and support.

One of the primary benefits of involving your family in your plans is that it can help you gain a fresh perspective. Sometimes, when we are too close to a situation, it can be challenging to see things. Discussing your plans with your family allows you to gain new insights and ideas you may have yet to consider. It can assist you in making more informed decisions that are according to everyone.

Keeping traditions alive during the Christmas season can be pretty difficult to achieve. It's okay to stop old traditions to create new ones. Have a family get-together and discuss traditions and activities. Find things everyone truly loves and continue with that tradition. Having a Christmas bucket list helps when you want to spend your time and money on the things that are important to you and your family.

Create a Christmas Plan to Get Ready for Christmas Early

Creating a formal plan will help you get ready for Christmas early. You can write down your plan on paper or store it on your computer. Having a written plan can help to ensure that all aspects of the holiday are accounted for and can help to reduce stress and anxiety. The initial step in formulating a plan for Christmas is to set clear goals and priorities.

It might include spending time with family, decorating the house, preparing meals, or participating in religious or cultural traditions. Once these goals have been established, it is essential to break them down into manageable tasks and set deadlines for completion. A critical aspect of planning for Christmas is budgeting.

It is essential to determine how much money can be spent on gifts, decorations, and food and to stick to that budget throughout the holiday season. Another effective way to plan for Christmas is to create a calendar or schedule that outlines all the tasks that must be completed leading up to the holiday.

However, by formulating a solid plan for Christmas and committing it to write, it is more likely that the holiday will be a success and that everyone involved will have a more enjoyable and stress-free experience. If you want to be really organized and have some of the work done for you check out my Christmas planner. It has everything ready for you so all you have to do is print it out and fill it in.

Additional Resource: How to Create a Christmas Planner

Start to Prepare

Don't worry about having every Christmas task completed at the same time. When writing everything in your planner think about what you want to be done before the holiday season and figure out when to complete those tasks. Spreading out your to-do list makes it easier to stay on track. Especially when we get overwhelmed because then we don't want to continue. This way, you can avoid the last-minute rush and enjoy the festive season with your loved ones.

January: After the holidays, take some time to think about what went well and what can be improved. Start by listing things you want to do differently next year, such as budgeting better or starting your preparations earlier.

February: Start to plan your budget for the holiday season. Decide how small amount you want to spend on gifts, food, decorations, and other holiday-related expenses. Start saving money each month to avoid the financial burden of the holiday season.

March: Begin decluttering your home and removing anything you no longer need. It will make it easier to decorate your home when the time comes and also help you feel less stressed during the holiday season.

April: Take stock of your holiday decorations and list anything you need to replace or purchase. This way, you can use sales and discounts throughout the year and avoid the last-minute rush.

May: Start planning your holiday meals and make a list of all the things you will need. It will help you avoid the stress of last-minute grocery shopping and ensure you have everything you need to create a delicious feast.

June: Start thinking about your holiday cards and decide whether you want to make them or buy them. If you plan to make them, start gathering supplies and ideas.

July: Start shopping for gifts for your loved ones. You can take advantage of summer sales and avoid crowded malls in December.

August: Start wrapping your gifts as you buy them. It will assist you in staying organized and avoiding the stress of wrapping everything at once.

September: Start decorating your home for the holiday season. There is no need to do everything simultaneously, but adding a few festive touches each week will help you avoid the last-minute rush.

October: Finalize your holiday plans, including travel arrangements and any events you will be attending.

November: Enjoy the holiday season without feeling stressed. You have prepared well; now it's time for relaxation and spending time with your loved ones.

Additional Resource: Free Printable Monthly Tasks

Start Saving Money

The holidays are a time when many of us spend a lot of money. You can reduce the financial strain by saving money throughout the year. The earlier you begin, the more time your savings will have to grow, and the more secure your future financial situation will be. A savings plan can also help you feel more in control of your money and avoid the stress of unexpected expenses.

Every week, set aside a certain amount of money from your paycheck. It doesn’t have to be a lot. $20 or so will do. Starting a side hustle will help you build your Christmas budget without taking money from another budget. By the end of the year, you will have quite a bit saved up so spending won’t cause as much of a financial strain.

Additional Resources: Budget to Save Money for Christmas All Year