There are two common reactions when I tell people I start planning for Christmas in July.
In one camp, people are shocked. “It’s July!” they says. “Who starts thinking about Christmas in July?”
And in the other camp are those who have the answer: people who want to save money — and maybe a bit of their sanity, too.
Planning for Christmas in July has made a big difference for me, both when it comes to finances and enjoyment of the season. But here’s the thing: while I chose July to start, the actual month is not all that important.
In fact, the best time to start planning for Christmas is right now. Today. As you read this.
Here’s why.
Why planning for Christmas early makes sense
The holiday season happens at the same time every year. It can sneak up on us, yes, but it’s not unpredictable in terms of when it happens.
That predictable nature means it is definitely not an emergency or a surprise — but it’s easy to lose sight of that in the moment.
This tends to result in one of two things: credit card bills in January or a replenishing of the emergency fund after dipping into it to cover holiday-related expenses.
I have done both these things in the past. It’s what started me down the path of planning ahead in the first place. Now, I don’t have to worry about either after the holiday season is over — and let me tell you, that feels good.
Still unconvinced, though? Here are four reasons I think you should consider starting your Christmas early.
Planning for Christmas early means more time to save money
According to a report by the Retail Council of Canada, in 2018 the average person intended to spend $675 during the holiday season.
That same report noted one in three people typically overspends.
So if you feel overwhelmed when you look at your credit card statement in January, you’re not alone.
But if you start saving for the holiday season early, you can save more — and possibly avoid this.
Of course, saving is only one part of the equation. If you want to get out of the holiday season without adding debt, you will also need to make a budget and stick to it.
But starting in on the planning early provides more time to plan and save.
It also means more time to plan your gift list
Do you struggle to come up with gift ideas for the special people in your life? Or maybe you’re the person who always ends up at the mall on Christmas Eve because you realized you totally forgot to get something for your mom’s great aunt.
Planning for Christmas early gives you more time to brainstorm gift ideas — and make sure you don’t forget anyone.
Other bonuses: knowing early in the process what gifts you want to purchase gives you more opportunity to shop around, which could result in saving money. It also gives you more time to work on hand-made gifts, if those are part of your gifting plan for the holiday season.
Planning for Christmas early means fewer impulsive spending decisions in December
We have all been there: caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we end up making questionable or unnecessary purchases.
You know what I’m talking about: buying wrapping paper even though you have some in the closet from last season or a dress for the office party even though you have plenty of appropriate options in your closet already.
It’s the kind of spending that happens when you see something in the window and decide you have to have it, even if you don’t need it — or if you don’t have the money for it.
When you start planning for Christmas early, you identify what you already have and determine what you need. If you use that information, it’s easier to avoid making these unnecessary, impulsive purchases during the holiday season.
Planning for Christmas early means more opportunities to enjoy the holiday season!
Christmas can be a stressful time.
You hate to think like that — I mean, it’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, right? — but it’s true.
Between trying to balance finances and gifts, family time and work (depending on what you do)…there’s a lot going on during the holiday season. And while a lot of it is good, it can be a lot to manage.
Planning for Christmas early won’t eliminate all these stresses — but I’ve found it certainly helps to alleviate some of them.
Taking time to save up and create a budget, brainstorm gift ideas and begin the process of shopping (or creating) lightens the load when the holiday season comes around, leaving more time for things like spending time with family and friends and taking part in beloved traditions.
Final Thoughts
Christmas can be stressful — but it doesn’t have to be.
Taking time to plan for Christmas early alleviates some of the stress associated with the holiday season. Less stress means more opportunities to enjoy time with friends and family.
Do you plan ahead for Christmas? When do you start planning?
