10 Ways to Get Ahead of Holiday Preparations

The holiday season is hectic. Start early, do and buy a little at a time and spend more time enjoying the season!.

1. Gather up leftover wrapping paper, ribbon, and other supplies in one area. Take an inventory and make a list of what you need - tape, ribbon, cards, stamps, etc. and get those supplies now. Having them on hand means you can save last minute trips to the store - and if it's for a roll of tape seldom do you get out of the store with just the tape. As you get gifts you can wrap them, tag them and they're done!

2. Get an inexpensive notebook (the 5/$1 pocket ones are fine). Outline the candy and baked goods you plan to make and the ingredients you need. What you can get now - DO! If you know every year you make 4 pecan pies, get pecans early, when they're on sale. Don't overlook farmers markets. This gives you the luxury of stocking up a little at a time and of buying when you find things on sale. Waiting until late November usually means paying premium prices - and if you bake quite a bit that can mean a $200+ grocery bill just for baking supplies. Splitting that into several months and buying smarter can mean saving quite a bit of money.

3. Make a list of craft projects the same way. Recently I saw short strings of lights - 25 lights - for $1 on an early sale. These can be used for wonderful easy to make handmade gifts. Get a wide mouthed jar/vase, layer the lights (with the cord end out) with potpourri (also easy to find on sale if you buy at your convenience!) and cover with a bright cloth and ribbon. Plugged into an outlet the light warms the potpourri and is an attractive counter or desk item.

4. Set up small daily chores to save on housework. Get other family members involved - leave the sink clean a night. Cleaning the sink, wiping down the counter and table and sweep the floor takes just a few minutes. Wipe down the bathroom counters and mirror takes a couple more minutes. Get pretty containers on sale to help store things. Think of it this way - three people doing 15 minutes is 45 minutes of cleaning a day. Even children can do small tasks. Something for 15 minutes isn't as bad as an all day cleaning marathon.