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Holiday Countdown Series Recap {Week Three}

Can you believe we’re already on Week 3 of the Holiday Countdown?! See what’s on your task list to prepare for Christmas.

I’m so glad I’ve been able to stay on track despite being distracted by so many other things going on in my life right now. I’m finding it hard to wrap my head around my son applying to universities and colleges for next year. Helping out with the research and helping him make a decision about what he wants to do in this next stage of his life is a bit overwhelming. I don’t think I’m ready for this! Nevertheless, the fog always seems to clear, so I have faith. I know eventually he’ll find a good fit.

Holiday Countdown Series

This past week, I’ve been busy looking at a few furniture pieces for our basement family room (need to order very soon!), as well as getting my craft on with a few small projects for the One Item Project Challenge. On Sunday, my husband put up the Christmas lights, since it was rather lovely outside. We won’t be turning them on until the end of the month or beginning of December. Some of our neighbours have started already.

This year, I’ve decided to use the same decorating scheme as last year- silver, white, smoke and turquoise. I’m thinking about adding some gold to liven it up. Of course, I’ll still be mixing in natural materials, such as pine cones, birch, greenery, etc. I love how the natural and glam look side by side, as well as mixed metals! I can’t wait to see it all come together.

If you’re just joining the Holiday Countdown, be sure to catch up on Week One and Week Two.

This Week’s Holiday Countdown Homework

On Wednesday, while I was furniture shopping for our basement, I couldn’t help but notice the beautifully decorated stores filled with Christmas ornaments, tableware and accessories. I did break down and buy a couple items after careful consideration. I’m a budget-kind-of-girl who pays her credit cards off each month. Plus, I love my warm holiday I take every winter with my family way too much to jeopardize it because I bought too much for Christmas. You can stay on track this year as well if you plan ahead.

Plan Your Gift Buying

Two things I do every year is make a list of WHO I am buying gifts for and then I set a budget for HOW MUCH I’m going to spend on each person. Then I stick to it (or under-spend if I got a fantastic deal).

I created a Christmas Gift Planner on my computer where I record all of the gifts I buy and tuck the receipts in a labelled envelope for safe keeping. There are several free printables and apps you can download if you prefer that method.

Do Your Homework

As Canadians, we don’t typically have the Black Friday sales like those found in the US (the Friday after American Thanksgiving), but it’s getting much better. With that being said, many major US-based retailers will extend their online deals to Canadian consumers. Make sure you calculate duty, shipping, taxes and exchange (if applicable) before you buy! In addition, the biggest online shopping day of the year is Cyber Monday (the Monday after Black Friday). If you are subscribed to a retailer, you’ll likely receive a promotional email in the days leading up to Cyber Monday.

If you normally purchase your gifts directly from a store, find out if they have any friends & family events coming up. Over the years I’ve made a mental note of when stores I frequently shop at have their best sales. It’s a gamble whether or not the products will still be there, but if you’re flexible, it’s worth the wait. In addition, check the flyers that come in your newspaper instead of automatically throwing them in the recycling. Lastly, think about purchasing gifts that give back.

The Cozy Box Artisan Box From Globe In

Consider Handmade Gifts

Every year I like to make something to give to friends and/or family members. Last year I made cookie mix in a jar that I embellished with a handmade ornament. It’s easy to find unique and inexpensive containers at dollar stores, discount corners of home stores or even vintage ones at second hand stores. Other years I’ve made ornaments, aromatherapy bath salts, preserves, fudge… I find that everyone loves receiving these handmade gifts and appreciates the work that has gone into them.

Homemade Pink Grapefruit Salt Soak

This guide may help you decide what to make. Figure out which supplies you’ll need and start gathering them as soon as possible. If it’s something you can start on now, set aside an hour or two spread over a couple weeks or dedicate some time on the weekend. If it’s something perishable, mark off time in your calendar closer to Christmas to get it done. Get your kids involved, especially with gifts for grandparents. I promise it will bring joy to your life!

love is in the details card

via She Paperie

If you’re really short on time or need to find other unique personalized gifts, consider shopping at your local market or on Etsy. Last year I bought a vintage matchbook necklace for my friend that’s one-of-a-kind. Not only did she love it, her teenage daughter tries to wear it all the time too.

Book Appointments

Another important task left off last year’s countdown list is to book appointments for hair, nails or whatever you and your family need coiffed and primped. Quite often stylists book up quickly, so take a look at your schedule and make the calls. You may even want to take some of those handmade gifts along with you to your appointments to say “thank you!”

What have you been working on the past couple weeks?

Sheila went out on limb and planted paperwhites bulbs for the first time.

Paperwhite Bulbs Planted in Pot

I’d love to hear what you’ve been doing to prepare for the holidays. If you have any suggestions or tips for staying on budget or anything else related to getting ready for the holidays, please send them my way. If you’re a blogger, send me the links to any posts you have done as part of this year’s Holiday Countdown and I’ll include them in an upcoming post.

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Enjoy your weekend!

Shauna at Satori Design for Living Blog - Home Decor, DIY, Vintage Finds, Recipes

4 Comments

  1. Another great checklist, Shauna, and complete with so many good ideas to choose from. I’m a list maker, too, and yet haven’t put pen to paper… the ideas are still floating around in my head! Thank you so much for sharing my link! That was really thoughtful of you! Fingers are crossed those Paperwhites will grow!

  2. Adore that sideboard with the yummy chocolate ribbon and ornaments. What a great look!

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