Happy July 1st – Christmas in July

It is July 1st, which means heat and humidity. It is the perfect time to remember cooler weather, so I thought I’d spend the month talking about Christmas. That’s right. Christmas in July!

Before you start thinking I’m out-commercializing commercialism, take a few moments to think about how you felt fighting through crowds of shoppers to look for just the right gift at the last second. You probably were really frustrated and stressed and then overpaid for the gift you finally bought. Did you think about making your own gifts or at least getting your shopping done earlier last year? Then now is the time to start planning your low cost, low stress Christmas.

Photo:SXC

Today, we start with a list of giftees. Decide whether you’re going to try to give gifts to teachers, co-workers and extended family. Once your master gift recipient list has been created, you’ll be able to use it to check off gifts as you make or buy them. This really helps you avoid buying three gifts for one person and completely forgetting to buy even one for another person.

Is your gift list ready? Great! Now, look at it again and think about your budget. Note the amount you want to spend on each person beside his or her name. Add up the numbers. After you regain consciousness, adjust the amounts to end up with a total that doesn’t make you see black spots before your eyes. There you go! You have your holiday gift budget. Now, it is just a matter for keeping your eye out for good sales and carving out enough time to make all the gifts you have ideas for.