Christmas is just around the corner. Am I ready? Absolutely not! Everything started off strong — family pictures were taken in October; cards were ordered in November; the trees were put up the weekend after Thanksgiving. I thought to myself, “this will be the year I stay on top of things.” But then reality set in and I had to laugh at my optimistic outlook.
Now it’s two weeks before Christmas and the cards are still in the box. I have purchased very few gifts. I haven’t even bought wrapping paper, much less wrapped a gift.
You may be thinking, “It’s still the beginning of December. There is plenty of time left.” I agree. But that’s what happens every year. I overestimate my time and then things get really crazy. Some of you may be finished with your shopping and have every gift wrapped. If you exist, I truly admire you. I aspire to be like you. Sadly, it won’t be this year.
Unfortunately, everything doesn’t stop in December so we can finish our Christmas preparations and sit under the glow of the tree reflecting on the beauty of the season. Life still happens. Before we know it, we can find ourselves in a last-minute panic.
But being last-minute doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
You can get amazing deals, if you can find what you are looking for.
You have motivation to quickly finish shopping and prep, because you don’t have a choice.
You don’t have to worry about finding a hiding place for gifts, because you don’t have them.
Your children won’t be shaking their gifts and trying to guess what they are getting (because, you know).
Depending on how last minute you are, you may have the opportunity to get very creative with stocking stuffers. (Am I the only one who almost forgets about the stockings?)
You can bond with your spouse while you stay up all night on Christmas Eve wrapping gifts.
There are also a few strategies that can help a last-minute mama survive the holidays.
- Finish child-related commitments first. My children are in elementary and preschool, so we have two school calendars, two sets of teachers, etc. Getting teacher gifts and children’s activities finished first makes a big difference. (Here are some gift ideas for teachers.)
- Focus on charitable giving. Charitable gifts are often due a few weeks before Christmas (like now), so I try to shop for those first. I take my children with me and let them help pick the gifts. (Here is some information about local organizations and here is more information about volunteering with kids.)
- Make one big list, and check it twice (like Santa). When I start to feel overwhelmed, I make one huge list of everything that needs to be done. I list every person whose gift I need to buy, every gathering we will be attending, treats I need to prepare, etc. Every time I think of something else, I put it on this one list. It really helps me see everything on paper so I can be realistic about what I still need to finish. Then I can race like a madwoman to get it done!
- Adopt a menu. I serve the same food (or something similar) every year. When we meet with family before or after Christmas, we keep things simple and everyone brings an appetizer or dessert. On Christmas Day, I have a favorite make-ahead breakfast and traditional dinner. There are a few treats I prepare during the holidays for cookie exchanges and gifts. Sticking with tried and true ideas simplifies some of the holiday planning. (Here are some ideas.)
- Shop online. What would we do without Amazon Prime? Each year, I order more and more of my gifts online and it has been such a lifesaver. Last year, when I had nothing for my husband a few days before Christmas, I checked his Amazon Wish List, ordered a few things (the ones with two-day shipping) and voila! Done!
- Simplify gift giving. Gift cards or subscriptions are great if you are running short on time. One year, I ordered a shave club subscription for my husband, printed a card from the website, wrapped it, and put it under the tree. A few weeks later, his first box arrived. It was easy, last-minute, and keeps on giving. (Here is an extensive list of great ideas.)
- Keep wrapping simple. Since I am usually wrapping my gifts at the last minute, I have learned to keep it simple. I often use brown kraft paper with pretty ribbon. My sister buys coordinating paper in a different pattern for each child. Gift bags are also an option.
- Give yourself grace and let things go. We all want to make the holidays perfect for our families, but there is only so much we can do. Just focus on what is most important and don’t worry about what you can’t do. Some seasons in life are harder than others. You are making memories and that is what will be special to your family.
