It can be difficult to when exactly you should start preparing for Christmas but just to make sure you can beat the stress during the Christmas rush, you need to start a plan. November is the best month to have a closer look at what is on-trend and how much you can put over your budget during your shopping. If you want to enjoy the season, even more, this article will help you organize your thoughts to avoid hasting during the last minute of your day. I’ll beat you, you are reading this because you don’t want to experience your past Christmas once again. This Christmas Checklist will save you more than you expected.

1. Print A Christmas Shopping List

It is better to write things down. Go ahead and print 2-3 pages of printable shopping list you can find on Pinterest. There, you’ll jot down all the things you need including gifts, Christmas decor, outfit for Christmas, list of non-perishable food and condiments; menu, people involved, list of websites for price references, places or apps on where to buy Christmas presents, and a space for your entire Christmas schedule.

2. Determine Who You Are Buying For

Before allotting a budget, it is easier for you to determine first who you are buying for and set a budget from there. This will help you to think, how many are your godchildren, friends, kids (if you have), co-workers, and members of your family whom you are setting the price limit for each gift. Also, making this list will help you visualize what kind of gift suits them and by that, you can make sure it is worth using over the years. There is no need to buy expensive things if you’ll end up in debt.

3. Plan Your Budget

This list can be interchangeable but this one is more comprehensive. Creating a list for shopping before the budget can help you to figure out how much it would cost. I know you have been calculating your 13th-month pay and your other bonuses over time so you have a clearer goal of how much you can spend and save. This time, you need to be the accountant of your own.

4. Create A Bucket List

Since you already started your day-time listing, it is time for you to have a thorough calendar for yourself. Remember, this Christmas is your Christmas too! So better to maximize your schedule without affecting your priorities and mental health. Be sure to include on the list all your remaining working days, family dinner, friend parties, pre-Christmas meet-ups, relative visits, and many others. Be sure to stay on track and update it frequently.

5. Visualize Your Christmas Theme At Home

Before buying, I know you wanted to have a different Christmas theme this year and you wanted it to be extra special because most of the family members are at home and they can’t go out due to the strict travel restrictions being imposed. Therefore, it is time to unbox those ornaments, tinsels, bulbs, and other decorations that you use to hide over a year. And if you feel that there is needed to be replaced, add it to your shopping list.

6. Begin Online Or In-store Shopping

Now, that you have almost completed your lists -it’s time to look for the best shopping stores online and in your place. Be sure to take advantage of the holiday sales and try to weigh in the most valuable deals and not easily get swayed by the cheapest offers. Be mindful of your budget and don’t be deceived by what you can see around you and of what’s popping out on your screen. Stick on your lists.

7. Clean And Decorate

Since unboxing comes first, it’s time for you to free all your spaces at home. Be more organized and keep everything clean before Christmas. Throw the things you need to throw because this is your opportunity to reset before New Year.

8. Craft A Christmas Template

I am adding this to the list because I know you have several social media friends, colleagues, neighbors, and other unmentioned people that you also consider greeting during Christmastime. So before forgetting, you can set up one good Christmas template for them and send it to them. It is to make sure that when you meet again somewhere else, there is no awkward gaze between the two of you because one forgets to greet during Christmas.

9. Make A Christmas Cooking Timeline

Make sure you are serving everyone in the family the most considerate, healthy, and delicious Christmas menu. You also have to consider what your family wants without ruining their diet. Christmas is known for much palatable food that means you no longer take part in their dietary restrictions.

10. Final Grocery Run

For Noche Buena, you better be shopping a week or a few days before Christmas. I mean, final one big shopping for perishable groceries and don’t forget to add up some of your favorite Christmas unfrosted gingerbread, macaroons, and other stress-relieving food that is good until Christmas.