Difference between revisions of "Get Ready for Christmas"

#Brainstorm gift ideas. As the saying goes, it’s better to give than to receive. Have fun thinking about what to give your family, friends, and whomever else is lucky enough to get on your list. Write down your ideas to ensure that you don’t miss anyone. Whether it’s a gag gift or a sentimental one, taking the time to find the right gift for the right person is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.<ref name="rf1">http://hellogiggles.com/10-things-to-do-to-get-ready-for-christmas/</ref>

#*Ask if the the person has a wish list. While it may seem lazy, research has shown that people receiving a gift that they actually want makes them happier than if they were to receive a gift that a lot of thought was put into. However, if you do put a lot of thought into a gift you may feel closer to the receiver.<ref name="rf2">http://www.livescience.com/25720-christmas-gift-tips.html</ref>

#Make a list and check it twice. It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit so prepare a list and budget. Just because you have the perfect gift idea for your dad, doesn’t mean you should mortgage your home to get it for him. Be disciplined in your spending by creating a list, complete with prices and alternatives, and keep it with you at all times.<ref name="rf3">http://www.kidspot.com.au/Christmas/Christmas-ideas-Cheap-Christmas-Plan-your-Christmas-presents+3653+664+article.htm</ref>

#Shop online if you want to avoid crowds. Avoid the holiday crowds by shopping in the comfort in your own home. It is easier to stick to your budget as you keep a spreadsheet open or app to help you track your spending. You may also find great promotions and deals exclusive to shopping sites. Be aware to read the fine print on shipping and returns. You don’t want to buy the perfect gift and have it arrive 2 weeks late, damaged, and only eligible for store credit.<ref name="rf3" />

#Use an aroma pot. Waking up to the smells of the season are a great way to start each day. Create a Christmas aroma pot using orange, cinnamon, apple cider, and cloves. Let everything simmer during the day so that the aroma wafts throughout your entire your home.<ref name="rf4">http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/25-quick-ways-have-best-christmas-ever#yuuzx7pUQ6IUf5Jh.99</ref>

#Create a festive music playlist. No matter what genre of music you enjoy, chances are there are Christmas songs that are perfect for your musical taste. While variety is good, only you know what songs can get you in the mood for the season. Whether you find each individual song or download a pre made playlist, enjoy the sounds of the season.<ref name="rf1" />

#*Some popular Christmas songs are “Santa Baby” by Madonna, “All I want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” By Thurl Ravenscroft, “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson, and something from Michael Bublé’s Christmas album.<ref name="rf1" />

#Decorate your home, office, and yourself. As soon as Halloween is over, Christmas decorations will start to appear. The earlier you shop for decorations, the cheaper they will be. You may also use social media to find used and unique decorations as well as instructions on how to create your own. You may also decorate your food, your face, your clothes, or anything else you have permission to decorate.<ref name="rf1" />

#Watch a Christmas movie. There are many classic Christmas movies that you can stream online or watch on tv as many major networks will begin to show Christmas programming. You may also watch new release movies as Christmas time has some of the biggest and most anticipated movie openings of the year.<ref name="rf1" />

#Get your Christmas tree and decorate it. Christmas trees are synonymous with the season. Whether you go out and choose a real tree or get your plastic one from the basement, enjoy the annual tradition of decorating your tree with your family and friends. Themes can always be fun to let your creative juices flow.<ref name="rf5">http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/sex+relationships/wellbeing/how+to+get+into+the+christmas+spirit,16151</ref>

#*If you don’t have the space or budget for a full blown tree, visit local displays. Department stores and even entire neighbourhoods will display Christmas trees so check your community calendar.<ref name="rf5" />

#Build a gingerbread house. Gingerbread houses are a fun activity for family or friends. Find your favourite recipe and build the type of house that fits your budget and schedule. Whether you’re making it to be displayed or to be eaten, enjoy the process.<ref name="rf1" />

#Bake Christmas goodies ahead of time. Christmas is a great time to mix old favourites with new recipes. Baked goods are a fun gift and are tough to run out of since this is the most social time of the year. When you have free time to bake, make sure you freeze baked in sturdy containers that can stack easily.<ref name="rf6">http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/dessert/a19585/make-ahead-christmas-cookies/</ref>

#*Ensure that the baked goods have cooled down and wrapped before storing them as you don’t want freezer burn.<ref name="rf6" />

#*You may use royal icing to decorate cookies before you freeze them. Wait until the icing is hard before you stack them. You may also place each individual cookie in its own plastic bag before stacking.<ref name="rf6" />

#*If you’re making a few different baked goods, keep them in separate containers to make sure the flavors don’t blend together. Store your treats in the back of the freezer to maintain freshness as they’ll keep up to 3 months.<ref name="rf6" />

#Make your own version of an Advent calendar. Advent calendars mark each day leading up to Christmas with a piece of chocolate and can be found at most grocery stores. They are cardboard boxes with little windows that you open, one for every day of December, up to Christmas. Use your imagination to create your own version with a small treat for each day. Whether you bake little pieces of chocolate or more extravagant gourmet candies, create anticipation as each day becomes a fun surprise.<ref name="rf7">http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/christmas-countdown-free-print-161912</ref>

#Organize a family party. While many families may already have an annual tradition, make sure to send your invites early if this is the first year organizing a family Christmas. When creating your invite list, make sure that you are aware of any conflicts between family members or extended family to avoid any awkwardness. Depending on how many people you invite, be sure to create a menu for enough people and with plenty of recipes you can cook ahead of time.<ref name="rf8">http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/christmas/stress-free-holiday-party/easy-impressive-food</ref>

#Plan a gift exchange with co-workers. Add some Christmas cheer to your office by organizing a gift exchange or ''Secret Santa''. Simply place everyone's name in a hat or organize a system in which each co-worker is anonymously assigned a fellow co-worker to buy a gift for. Make sure that there is a price limit and to stress that gifts should be appropriate for your work environment.<ref name="rf9">http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7316-gift-exchange-ideas.html</ref>

#*For a more random exchange, create a cakewalk in which everyone buys a gift. Set a price limit so that no one goes overboard. Line up all the gifts and assign each with a different number. Follow the rules of musical chairs and play a song as everyone walks around the gifts. When the music stops, each person gets the gift closest to them.<ref name="rf9" />