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If not, then trim names from the list reduce the budgeted amounts until you get a figure you can actually afford!
We make a ritual out of setting up our Christmas tree and decorations. We do it as a family, carols playing in the background, and there is always a visit from the Christmas Elf (he brings a gift, usually a Christmas Movie, Gingerbread house or craft kit and mysteriously leaves it under the tree while we are upstairs saying the magic words - my children are 1 and 17 and they still participate in this!) Then we enjoy a movie, popcorn or cookies and cocoa.
Begin making your Holiday decorations at this time too-wreaths, ornaments, table arrangements, etc. Use your sale coupons from the local craft stores to lessen the financial burden.
Take your Christmas PHOTO now (Why can't you wear Santa hats at the Pumpkin Patch?, around the Pool?)
Begin to write your Christmas letter NOW! You can add last minute items right before you print it!
Address Christmas cards while waiting at the bank's drive through, at the doctor or waiting in your school car pool line. If you have some extra time, create address labels in your computer instead! This will save you hours of work in the future.
Always be on the look out for a special gift for someone-consider Art fairs, the dollar store, even yard-sales can yield a gift. You are only limited by your imagination.
Once purchased, WRITE it on the list you created in item #1. This is critical or you will find yourself with 3 gifts for Aunt Suzy and none for Grandma!
As you purchase gifts store them in one central location so you don't misplace them!
Decide which cookies you will bake, create a grocery list and begin to stock up on those expensive items (like butter, nuts and candied fruits) NOW!
Make sure you set aside that evening to eat of few of your cookies with those you love best. Relax, enjoy a cup of eggnog or mulled wine while the kids down the hot cocoa.
Purchase any candies you might need for your baking after Halloween!
Use creative wrappings such as cookie tins, tubes, and children's art work as wrapping.
I purchase little clay ornaments as gift tags (4/$100 at the dollar store), write the year and person's name on it and it is an additional "gift".
Set the wrapped gifts aside in a place where prying hands will not undo all your hard work and where the wrapping will not get torn (We use our boat!)
I despise wrapping gifts and would gladly just staple the top of a brown paper bag shut and write your name on it in crayon, but these do not look as pretty under the Christmas tree!
It really is! Children don't enjoy the Holidays any more when the receive 10 gifts as when they receive 5!
Take care in putting away your decorations. Label boxes for easier decorating next year. Weed out broken or unwanted items.
Have your kids write thank you notes! It will make them more appreciative and better adults! And who doesn't like to receive a thank you?
Update your addresses from the Christmas Cards you've received so you'll be ready next year. Take a moment to reflect on all the great memories you created!
Source: Years of stress and resentment caused me to re-evaluate and implement these plans.
By Diana from Prospect, KY
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Related: 
Preparing for Christmas
By
10/13/2008
Nice post. I have also been posting about the holidays. I have been putting aside money every week for the holidays. I have a list and started buying. I am almost done! Happy, happy, happy.
Another lady here suggested buying a gift card for the groceries. Another idea was to start buying some of the things that could keep for the holiday meals. Planning and organization makes for a great holiday.
Don't forget the after holiday clearance. I was also happy, happy, happy to put out my 75-90% off Halloween decorations this year!
http://www.savingspotpourri.blogspot.com/
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