How to organize your Christmas Shopping list

Christmas is fast approaching and will be here before many people are truly ready for all holiday celebrations/activities. As a busy mom who is already stretched too thin at this time of the year, you can do yourself a favor by getting more organized with that in mind, here are tips to help you organize your Christmas shopping list for best results.

1. Plan Ahead for Your Christmas Budget

Knowing how much you want to spend now will make shopping much less stressful. Also, you will have a framework to know approximately how much you intend to spend on each recipient.

2. Make a list and check it twice

While you are probably not actually grading people’s behavior about who was naughty and who was nice this year to decide who will get presents, it’s prudent to make a list as soon as possible. That way, you won’t accidentally leave someone out and then have to scramble at the last minute to find them something nice.

3. Don’t “Shop ‘til You Drop”!

Holiday shoppers do not need to be heroes. While it might be fun to see how much shopping you can do in one day or during a single trip to the shopping center, doing so can be a recipe for burning out. The last thing you want is to grow resentful about the time and effort you’re putting into making Christmas a day to remember.

4. Choose unique gift ideas this year

Instead of giving people predictable gifts, look for something unusual that they might never have thought of getting for themselves. A great way to find one-of-a-kind gifts is to visit local artists’ shops in your area, or from their online storefronts.

5. Set aside gifts to mail and hide

Some gifts will have to travel a long way, such as across the country or even around the world, while others you will be handing out in person, under the Christmas tree. Organize your gifts ahead of time so you’ll make sure to get proper postage and hand them off to the delivery service as early as possible. Then hide the other gifts in your home so your nosy kids don’t stumble across them and ruin the surprise.

6. Make That Christmas List and Set That Budget

Part of your organizational process should involve finishing your Christmas gift list, and then allocating how much to spend in each category, for each person. Nothing will fall through the cracks when you have a detailed list.

7. Take a Break if You Feel Stressed Out!

Remember, even while you are focused on the many tasks ahead of you, the Christmas holidays are a time to enjoy friends and family, and to share joy with them. 

There’s no need for you to become stressed out over what still needs to be done or how much time you have to complete your tasks. So while an organized Christmas holiday shopping list will be immensely helpful, remember to pause and take a breath in between tasks, to relax and enjoy the holiday spirit.