Christmas can be a whirlwind of activity, and that’s especially true if you have children. Remove a little of that stress by starting early in planning your holiday decorating. Getting a jump on the holidays now saves money later on and makes decorating go smoothly when it’s time to start decking the halls.
Check out your current decorating supplies. You’ll be searching for your fall and Thanksgiving decorations soon enough, so while you’re at it, pull out the boxes marked Christmas and see what you’ve got. Check for broken or damaged pieces and whether you need hangers, tinsel or other Christmas decorating staples.
It’s a good idea to test out your lights, so you won’t have any surprises when it’s time to light the Christmas tree. If you want to simplify your decorating life, invest in pre lit Christmas trees. This is a simple solution for lost strings of lights, maddening rat’s nests of tangled cords and the danger of a child pulling a hanging string of lights from the tree.
Make a list of the decorations you have and the items you need. If you plan on a themed tree, compile the ornaments you have that will fit in the category. Shopping now will give you a chance to consider your purchases. Waiting until the last minute will find you grasping at straws in a mad rush to complete your shopping.
Shopping early can also help you save on your decorating dollar. With no need to rush, you can compare prices for the best deal. Many stores begin carrying Christmas merchandise early in the fall. Check craft stores and fabric shops for early selections. Many of these stores also offer early-bird specials for crafters that want to get an early start on holiday craft projects. Purchasing your supplies well in advance of the season allows you to have a wide selection and take advantage of store sales.
Children love to be involved with all aspects of the Christmas season. Set up a project for them to make ornaments for the Christmas tree. Whether it’s gluing cartoon character cutouts to plastic ornaments, creating decorations of colored paper or using a kit to create beaded and sequined snowflakes or snowmen, your children will enjoy helping make the house look festive for Santa’s imminent arrival. Seeing the pride in their eyes when they show Grandma their special hand-made ornament makes it all worthwhile.
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