Parenting 101: Start planning now for Christmas

November 5, 1:10 PMSalt Lake City Parenting ExaminerRachael Lever

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GIft gining time
wrapped gift

If you live in Utah, you may have noticed that it doesn't really seem like Christmas time yet. The weather is warm, there are still flowers blooming, and all in all it's more of an end of summer feeling than the beginning of November. But, no matter the weather, starting today you only have seven weeks left until Christmas. Now is actually the perfect time to begin planning your Christmas gift lists for family, friends, and neighbors. Here are a few tips for having a perfectly planned Holiday Season (if that's possible).

• Make a list of events already planned. Keep it posted so that as new parties and plans arise,  it will be easy for every one to write down their plans and keep organized.
• If you are having a party, begin to plan your menu and purchase items in advance when possible. You may even want to plan make ahead food items that can be frozen, or stored so you don't have to spend the whole day before  your party on your feet, making you too tired to enjoy yourself later on.
• Make a list of people you need to get gifts for. Plan what you will give each person. This will save you money, as you will be less likely to make impulse purchases, and it will save you time. You'll know exactly where to shop instead of wandering around the mall for hours. You can also watch for sales on the particular items you need, saving even more money.
• Plan your budget. How much can you afford to spend for each person on your gift list? In this economy, less is going to have to be more for a lot of people this holiday season.
• Think about home made gifts. How much time will you need to complete projects? How about materials? Start your home made gift shopping now, because you'll need the extra time to make sure you get everything done in time.
• Plan for "emergencies". Like when someone shows up at your door with a box of cookies or a home made wreath, and they did not happen to be on your list. Have a few wrapped gifts or cookies around (with ready made blank cards) that you can quickly hand out during an emergency situation.
• Plan for white elephants. While you are doing fall cleaning, instead of throwing everything out, you may want to save a few nicer items to take to those inevitable white elephant parties.
• Wrap your gifts once a week, or as you buy. Saving gift wrapping until Christmas Eve makes for an extra long night, when you could be do something a lot more fun, like sipping cocoa with your loving spouse in the light of the Christmas Tree while the kids slumber away with the sugar plums.

With a few simple lists, and a little organization, your Christmas can be low stress, and low budget, and you'll be able to focus on what Christmas really means to you and your family.

For more info: Try this article from the SLC single moms examiner about a great way to plan gifts for your children.