The holidays are just around the corner and with some simple early planning that time of year can go much more smoothly. Also keep in mind that the holidays do not necessarily mean spending a lot of money. Keeping it simple and planning ahead will help your pocketbook in the long run. In these tough economic times, keeping it simple certainly pays off. Let’s also remember that even though we may have less to spend this year, we can keep it fun! The adage I live by is “the more simple, oftentimes the more fun it is”!

Follow these simple planning tips and your holidays will start off on the right foot.

-Have a family meeting and plan out where you will spend the holidays.
There is nothing more disappointing than discovering you have overbooked your holidays with too many events. Take into consideration your children’s ages, whether you plan on traveling to visit family and friends, and what your travel budget is. Sit down one evening and make it a fun event. Grab a calendar and a list of known events and talk about whether you are passionate about attending them. Take into consideration everyone’s feelings, even the children. Once you have a plan, notify others so they can know what to expect from you. This will take the stress out of the “need” to be places just to please others.

Remember, to plan on time to relax and just “be”. Enjoy the energy of the holiday by baking with children, decorating with the family, and doing the “traditional” fun things such as caroling, sleigh rides, and visits to Santa. Those simple times can be the greatest memory makers.

-Will you be hosting any events?
If so, make this another family planning session where you sit down and discuss logistics and expectations. For example, if you are hosting a cookie party, how many will you invite? Will you serve a light meal as well? Will you send out invitations or perhaps e-invitations to cut on costs? Have you planned a date? Are there items that you can shop for on sale before the event? Keep a running list in your purse to pull out when shopping.

-Get out your decorations and take stock of what you have.
Bring up your decorations and take stock of what you have on hand. Will you be decorating outdoors? If so, do your lights work? If not, put that on a list to be replaced. What status are your indoor decorations in? Are there broken bulbs? Do lights need replacing? Do your stockings need to be mended? Would you like to see new decorations this year? If so, plan out what that would be. Michaels’ stores sell these inexpensive wooden decorations that are eco-friendly and can be painted by children. They hang by raffia, look fantastic, and cost little. If you are just starting out and this is your first holiday season in your new home consider browsing thrift stores or asking your Mom or Grandma for some hand-me-downs. Or go for a brisk walk in nature. You will be amazed what you find.


-Will you be sending out cards this year?
If so, make a list of recipients and plan on what you will send them. Will it be a traditional card, a family photo, a newsletter, or possibly an e-card? Before the season gets into full swing oftentimes you can find a sale on traditional boxed cards. If you plan a family photo you will want to be sure that you have a family photo. If you do not, take one with a digital camera or plan a session with a photographer. Drafting a newsletter can take the effort of the whole family. Can you enlist a teenager to make a rough draft? That could be a time saver for you and a fun project for the older child. E-cards are inexpensive or free and are very eco-friendly.

-What will your gift budget look like?
Sit down with your family (immediate and extended) and plan out gift giving expectations. Inside of buying for everyone in the extended family, consider drawing names. This can be a fun way of giving gifts. Also, sit down and discuss what the meaning of gift giving really means to you and yours. Perhaps simplifying this task may mean only giving home made objects or giving I.O.U. certificates? In this time of economic strain, make sure that gift giving truly reflects your values.

I hope this list gave you a good overview of how to plan the upcoming months without getting stressed out and with a renewed vigor of what fun can be with less. Taking the time to plan out the little things can go a long way in creating a fun time this holiday season.