No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. It is only July, but I am already thinking of Christmas. As I explained in last year’s introduction to Christmas in July, I am not attempting to minimize the celebrations that occur between now and Christmas, nor am I promoting “Christmas creep” (the phenomenon of retailers exploiting the commercialized status of Christmas by moving up the start of the shopping season). I’m planning for Christmas early so my family and I can maintain focus on the real reason we celebrate.
The Christmas season is stressful for many Americans. In fact, researchers found the following in one study:
- An increase in stress during the Christmas season is experienced by 38% of Americans.
- Christmas stress is disproportionately felt by women (44% percent of women report an increase in stress compared to 31% of men). Women report having a hard time relaxing due to preparations associated with family celebrations (e.g., gift shopping, cooking, cleaning).
- Individuals of both genders who report an increase in stress around Christmas are more likely than those who don’t experience increased stress to worry about money and buying gifts.
Planning early is one way we can enjoy traditions (time with family, traditional treats, gift exchanges, decorations, etc.) without losing focus on our celebration of the Savior whose birth we’re commemorating (Luke 2:1-20).
Last year we examined four Christmas in July topics:
- ‘Tis the season for serving others
- Gift giving guidelines
- Alternative gift exchange ideas
- Ways to save money on Christmas travel
Over the next few weeks we’ll examine three new topics:
- A novel way to pay for Christmas gifts
- Christmas planning worksheets
- Going green with Christmas cards
How do you approach Christmas preparations? Do you wait for the last minute or do you start early? If you start early, what sort of tasks do you address ahead of the Christmas season?
Every crafter knows you start Christmas crafts in July to have time to comnplete. I personally make Christmas stockings (counted crosstich or something of that ilk) for my grandchildren. They usually get them the following year, after the year they are bor. This year I will receive the gift of my first grandaughter and I will probably have her stocking completed by the end of the weekend, or be on the final stage of it anyway! Of course I was hoping for this baby and started it last year!
I am looking forward to the other entries you will share about early planning.
Ah, I have a few crafts I need to get started on for Christmas. 🙂
Great idea to start preparing now! I often feel rushed, stressed and exhausted around the holidays, which makes me not focus on the true meaning. Every year I swear it will be different and now with your reminders, I will get a jump start on it. I’m your newest follower and am happy to find you through A Proverbs 31 Wife link-up. I would be honored if you would link with me at Saturday Soiree Blog Party at faithalongtheway.com each week!
Those feelings of stress and exhaustion are just what I hope to avoid!
Thanks for sharing about the link-up! I’ll check it out. 🙂
We are making a concerted effort to do more handmade gifts this year and a little less “stuff.” The kids are actually excited about that. 🙂
It’s also fun to shop seasonal sales and unique options while you have the luxury of time. For my aunts who love gardening, I’m getting them a seed saving kit and plant labels, along with a vintage gardening book from the library sale. For my kids, I’m making prayer kneelers and partnering them with an age-appropriate faith book for one of their gifts.
Hi Robbie,
I love making handmade gifts!
Thanks for sharing the tip to shop seasonal sales. I’ll have to think about what might be on sale now that would make a great gift for a loved one…