#3 Making Your Lists

Good morning planners,
The holiday season all starts with a list doesn't it?  Food lists, guest lists, gift lists, and more.  Now is the time to make your lists.  BELOW IS A FREE PRINTABLE that i created to simplify your holiday season this year. 
      I would like to reiterate from my previous post that if the dollars don't add up, you cannot buy it.  Please don't care about anyone else s budget, but your own.  Going over your budget will only put you in the hole come January.  Remember that for the holiday season small, and simple can be better than huge, and expensive gifts.  In the end it is the thought that counts  If you are looking for some non-toy alternatives check out my post below for some great ideas!
      For the first couple of years my fiance, and i will buy a combined present.  Something for the both of us so that we can keep saving money.  This present will have to be affordable, and sensible.  I keep a running wishlist throughout the year so that we have a few ideas to pick from.  Don't stress if you find that everyone you wanted to buy for this holiday season just doesn't make the cut (Your mothers, sisters, best friends, daughters DOG!?)  Keeping to your budget is the most important thing.  Another reason to not feel bad is that everyone has a birthday which can be celebrated with just as much verve as Christmas, so be sure to save your money for those very special gifts this holiday season.  
         You may be a giver, and that is a great quality to possess, but giving yourself a gift giving limit will simplify your holiday season.  Take some time to consider each person on your list, and what each person would really like or need.  It is a good idea to keep a running wishlist for friends, and family throughout the year as well.  When you go to the store and see something someone else might enjoy receiving you can add it to the list so that come the holiday season you aren't stressing out over finding a present for everyone.  Sometime in the next 24 hours look at your list, and decide who you will shop for, what you will buy for each person, and the exact price. (Amazon is a great place to see is you are getting the best price.  Amazon will always price match the lowest possible price, and if the price goes down on a product that is still being advertised at a higher price  you will know that the price that it should be is on Amazon.)  Next, pick a day or two that you can get most if not all of your shopping done without feeling hurried.  Not being hurried will majorly relieve some holiday stress.  Again, don't feel guilty for cutting down your list if need be.  The most important thing is staying within your budget.

******On this free printable i have included many rows to list POTENTIAL gift giving this holiday season.  However, on my budgeting printable from my previous post which i will also include at the bottom of this post i have LIMITED the rows to help cut down your giving list.  I hope this helps this holiday season.

Be sure to check out Aubrey Eastway's take on Making Lists here.  This is a 3 week collaboration so be sure to keep checking back for more great printables, and planning info.

Have a planned day,
Createyou86

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holidaybudget.pdf
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File Type:	pdf

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christmaslistblog.pdf
File Size:	396 kb
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