Holiday preparation for early birds
There are two types of people when it comes to holiday preparations: Those who say “This year I will start preparing and looking for presents early to avoid the December shopping stress!” and those who don’t want to think about it until December.
Whichever type of person you are, take this article as an inspiration and even motivation, to get things done early and enjoy a relaxing December. These are our tips for family gatherings and presents, and some ideas on how to use your free time while everyone else is hurrying from shop to shop.
And if you are the rare, third type of person, who already know how to avoid holiday stress, share your secrets in the comments!
Family events
Check who will be there to plan accordingly.
Ask your guests to confirm early, so you have time to think about food and activities for your loved ones.
Think, does anyone have special dietary needs or preferences?
Are you having a new guest over or are you not sure if that niece is now a vegetarian or not? Just ask beforehand, so that everybody will enjoy your food or has the chance to contribute to the meal.
Think of activities that everybody will enjoy so nobody feels left out.
Even when your family is naturally chatty and there will be no risk of anyone getting bored, it is still nice to prepare some activities and games to make this a special event. The children will love it!
Try out new recipes beforehand.
If you like to be a bit adventurous in your cooking, your guests will probably be happy to taste it. However, they will probably also be glad to not be your guinea pigs.
Plan your itinerary.
If you are visiting family or friends over the holidays, book your travel tickets early to get cheaper offers. We all know this, but we still procrastinate. Not this year!
Presents
Find out what your friends and family members like these days.
Do you know that one person who once mentioned that they liked that thing and now gets similar stuff every year? Let’s not add more to it.
Get presents on Black Friday.
Maybe you see a deal for something that you don’t want but reminds you of someone else. Hurry and get all the good deals!
Check online shops early and to make sure everything arrives on time.
It’s the early bird that will not be nervously checking their mail in December to see if that fun gift they got from the Etsy-Shop of that talented artist in South China has arrived.
Find appropriate gifts for all kids.
Every child is different, so whenever you can, make the gift specific to them. Take your time and make sure that every gift is impressive and fun in their own way, so there is no gift-envy.
Look forward to your stress-free December
These are just some of the things you can do when you are not too busy because of holiday preparations:
Lay back and do nothing.
You deserve it. That’s why.
Volunteer in your community.
See which organization needs help this season or just help out your friends and family with their projects.
Declutter your home.
Cleaning out your home can be very therapeutic and relaxing, especially if you have kids. It’s a good season to give a new home to once loved but outgrown toys by donating them to charity.
Answer some surveys and browse the Nicequest shop.
Get comfy and see which reward would be your perfect next gift!
What are your plans for the holidays? Have these tips been helpful? Let us know in the comments!
