Earnest Parenting.com logo

Encouraging Heroes. You can be one too.

Christmas is coming! It’s not time to panic yet, but it is time to get going. Here are the five topics that have to be on your to-do list at this point.

Organize Your Wardrobe

By now you have some idea of what the season’s social schedule is going to be. What are you wearing to your annual get-together with your niece for “The Nutcracker?” Do you have enough little black dresses to get you through the holiday parties? See what you can accessorize and what you have to buy.

Do the same for the kids. Have they outgrown last year’s dress clothes? Go through what they have, and make a list of what they need.

Greeting Cards

Resurrect last year’s Christmas card list, and update it. Check your stock of cards. Think about personalizing your cards for your friends interest. Perhaps you have some cute cat note cards for your pet lover friends, or some religious cards for your parents or grandparents. But more then anything make sure to get those cards out there. It is a great way to keep friendships alive with people who are not near you.

Budget and Lists

Set down clearly just how much you can afford to spend this Christmas. Gather your lists. Decide how much you are going to spend on each niece and nephew, what you will budget for office gifts, and how much you can spend on your immediate family and close friends. Set limits. Allow a little wiggle room at the top for the inevitable surprise guest or expense. Write down your figures, and carry them with you when you shop.

Shop the Sales

Check newspaper flyers, television ads, store windows and online coupon sites for discounts. Do your research, plan your activities, then bring your lists. You can save a lot of money if you have the time and patience to scout for bargains. While you’re shopping for holiday party clothes, you might come across the perfect accessory for your niece.

Contribute to Charity

Helping others makes us feel better. Christmas shopping can get pretty tense when we try to find the perfect present for everyone on our list. Take the time to get away from it all. Find a cause that touches your heart. Perhaps there’s a crowdfunding project for needy children that strikes you. Maybe you want to make your chocolate chip cookies for the school fundraiser again this year. Be sure the time and money are budgeted in.

The holiday season is upon us. Make merry, keep hold of your to-do lists, and be flexible. It’s the best way to stay happy and healthy this Christmas.

Earnest Parenting: help for parents who want to be sane this holiday season.