A Merry Little Christmas in July

Dog days of summer got you down? Cool off with the icy thoughts of a white Christmas. Christmas in July, that is. While many are setting off on their summer escapades and dreaming of the beach, now is the perfect time to begin preparing for old Saint Nick. Here are some tips that you can start working on now to make your holiday season less stressful.

One of the most important tips to remember is to make the most of your holiday. It’s important to plan head so as not to overindulge, over-spend, or over-schedule. Preparation results in cherished and, more importantly, stress-free family time. Planning ahead can save you time and money in unexpected ways, rather than doing everything last minute.

Setting a budget for the season is arguably the most crucial step to planning ahead. If you set the budget now, you have more control over your spending, and do not have to rely so heavily on the plastic. Rather, you can possibly save up and spend cash, resulting in no surprise credit card bills after the holiday is over. Experts say to start planning the budget after your summer vacation. When everyone goes back to their normal routine in the fall, families aren’t spending as much money. Therefore, they can save and plan for their next big purchases (most likely Christmas gifts) later on.

Arrange travel plans early. Experts also recommend securing travel as soon as possible. The key to seeing loved ones is ironing out trip details early enough to get the cheapest flight. This way you’re able to enjoy grandma’s cooking without wondering what you’re going to eat when you get back home. Arrange your flight as soon as possible: in doing so, you can save up to 55% on ticket prices, as opposed to booking at the last minute.

Other tips include stocking up on supplies such as wrapping paper, tape, and other Christmas necessities. These items will be harder to find the closer it gets to the actual holiday. This includes food and drinks. Stock up on any non-perishables you can think of now and stick them in the freezer for later.

Last but certainly not least, presents! Budgeting and saving in anticipation of the holidays will help you with the cost of those presents that you want to give your loved ones. Experts suggest that you make a list and stick to it. This way you have a rough idea of what everyone wants, and hopefully they don’t deviate too far from it. Most retail stores’ layaway programs begin in September, so everyone still has time to think of that perfect gift.

Layaway is an effective and time saving measure for Christmas gifts. However, before you go ahead and place something on layaway keep the following in mind: check and see what items are actually eligible, as some stores have restrictions. Also, stay savvy of in-store and online deals, and see what store locations actually offer layaway. Make sure you know what fee the store charges to participate in its layaway program, as the fee can sometimes be up to $15 per item. It is crucial to also make sure you are aware of the layaway program’s payoff period. Generally, this is anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks, though the time can vary. With the Christmas season just half a year away, be sure to keep an eye on the programs offered by your favorite stores and plan accordingly.