I am personally giving one person a $25 Walmart Gift Card!
To enter this giveaway you will need to leave ONE comment under THIS post ONLY. (facebook comments WILL NOT count!)
1. Give us a tip ( or tips ) on how to prepare for the holidays.
I think everyone will enjoy reading these comments :)
This giveaway will end on Tuesday November 1st @ 11pm Please leave your name :)
I prepare for the holidays by making lists, and buying the food items that won't expire in advance.
ReplyDeleteWrite Christmas Cards in October or early November and mail Thanksgiving weekend so recipients will have more time to read the cards. Or send Thanksgiving cards/pictures instead of Christmas cards, as we are thankful for each one on our list!
ReplyDeleteI start shopping early, like the days after the previous Christmas to find the great, marked down deals. Make a list of who you are buying for and try to stick to that list. Use coupons use coupons use coupons.
ReplyDeleteYAY THE GOAL WAS REACHED AWESOME!!
ReplyDeleteMaking gift lists, making food preperations, making plans to spend with family and friends, and all the while keeping the real meaning of why we are celebrating in mind!
ReplyDeleteI make a list throughout the year and try to find coupons for those items
ReplyDeleteI shop all year long, especially after holidays or seasons and hit the clearance aisles. Just keep a list of what you bought and for whom so you don't buy too much.
ReplyDeleteI know this isn't really preparing, but we do all of our gift shopping in one day. It is kind of crazy and sometimes long, but we know we got everyone! (And I don't stash a gift away and forget I bought it and buy something else!) Jayme
ReplyDeleteMake lists! As soon as possible. I usually start at the beginning of October. I make a list of what I want to get for gifts, what I already have, places we're going for the season and when if I already know that. If I don't already know I can write it in later. Food I'm going to take places. The earlier you start and have it all laid out the less overwhelming it is when it's all going on.
ReplyDeletetropicaljello1988(at)yahoo(dot)com
If you have any coupons that will give you overage plan to use them on black friday so you can score even bigger deals when everything is on sale and always browse through the clearance....I found my daughter the game she wanted for Christmas there and it was only $5 instead of $19.95 at other stores
ReplyDeleteI always have good intentions with early Christmas shopping since our birthdays are in November and December but it never happens, so I try to find the best deals for the things I want online. Forholiday menus, I shop the circulars for the cheapest prices and always comp them at Walmart. As for preparing for family visiting...I don't think I'll ever get the hang of that!
ReplyDeleteDon't wait until the last minute. Try Amazon for some great deals. They usually have good deals on toys.
ReplyDeleteStart early, be flexible and shop often for great deals. you never know where you will find the great score. Homemade also works. My adult children always like new toothbrushes, under wear and such. Stuff they probably need but put off because of buying for their kids.
ReplyDeleteHappy shopping.
One money saving tip that our family has recently came up with for the holidays as our ever increasing family keeps getting bigger is to put everyone's names in a hat, and to anonymously draw names. The recipient doesn't get to find out who got them a gift until Christmas morning. On top of getting a gift, the anticipation of finding out who got you a gift is really fun as well. This saves money from having to buy absolutely everyone in the family a gift. It also allows you to buy one person a great gift I stead of a bunch of little not so great gifts. The small children are exempt from the drawing, because we all still get them a bunch of stuff. :)
ReplyDeleteMake a list... check it twice... find out who has been naughty or nice?!? :-) NAH.... I really just try to focus on the TRUE meaning of THANKSgiving... and CHRISTmas. It's about giving THANKS... and CHRIST!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI shop all year long so I can keep the price down ! I also make alot of lists !!
ReplyDeleteStart shopping way early i start in march every yr it sometimes helps srouse26@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteBlack Friday! Love it! I will get all of my Christmas shopping done that day or try my hardest.
ReplyDeleteWhat I do to prepare for Thanksgiving is first I write down a list of who will be coming for dinner, then base my shopping list on that. Some of my friends are vegan so it really helps to have a list for them too. Last year, something I did right after Christmas, when everything went on clearance, I went and bought tons of decorations for this year and most of the items were only a quarter. It was great.
ReplyDeleteI start by remembering the reason for the season. I am making gifts for other this year. We will be preparing a menu soon and deciding on where we will be getting together this year. Glad you reached 6000 yea!!!
ReplyDeleteI start with preparing my heart and mind for all the craziness. That way when I need to refocus I have the attitude that I need for a truly blessed holiday.
ReplyDeleteRemembering Jesus is the Reason for the Season. That's all that matters.
ReplyDeleteI try to remember the reason for the season and give to others in anyway possible!
ReplyDeleteUse coupons and shop smart, that way you don't break the bank! Also I like to shop AFTER Christmas for next year. Always get CHEAP Xmas items, and save them for the following Christmas. Always love the clearance gift sets and stuff!!
ReplyDeleteJulia Hodges
well i always hit the day after thanksgiving sales and online sales...if you have an i-phone get shopsavvy app for free then scan an item you want in one store and it will tell where it is cheaper somewhere else or if you are getting the best deal
ReplyDeletewrap presents when you buy them that way you dont have alot at one time to wrap
ReplyDeleteJennifer Winchester
jenniferwinchester@ymail.com
Get your Christmas cards started in November. You will have more time to make a personable note in each one and get them addressed before the craziness of December.
ReplyDeleteBe patient! Its not a time to be in a hurry and have an attitude! I have met lots of very nice people out during the Holiday shopping season by holding a door, allowing them to have my place in line or just standing patiently to get thru the doors at 4am on Black Friday. Greed and negative attitudes have no business being out during this joyful time.
ReplyDeleteStart Christmas shopping early. Sears & Kmart are doing layaways on everything & Walmart is doing layaway for toys, jewelry, & electronics. It's a great way to hide things from the kids!! Get the family & friends together for a "make & bake" so you aren't stuck doing everything at the last minute!!
ReplyDeleteI am giving a mixture of homemade presents and almost free gifts. I am a couponer so i was able to get a lot of items i know my extended family use. So this year i am giving those along with some jelly's and pickles i made. So i know they will like and use the items i give them.
ReplyDeleteI always try to buy and bake as much stuff in advance as I can.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely start your holiday shopping early. Pay attention to online and in-store sales and promotion. Also, have your holiday meals planned, get dry ingredients ready.
ReplyDeleteremembering why we celebrate Christmas in the first place, because of Jesus our risen Lord!
ReplyDeleteoops left out my name Shelly in the above post!
ReplyDeleteI began shopping at the beginning of the year and hit every clearance rack i saw. I have 12 kids to buy for (nieces and nephews included). I also discovered the magic of www.LTDCommodities.com They have cute stuff and reasonably priced. I am finished Christmas shopping and have spent a total of $67 for ALL KIDS!!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win a walmart gc, happy shopping everyone, and be nice, treat others with respect, and try not to clear shelves.
ReplyDeleteJudy
My family and I makes lists to prepare what to by their familes and even for each other. We make our wish list by looking through the sale papers and marking the items we want the most. Now we are using coupons more so that even helps as well with the food and some gifts. This always gets us in the Christmas cheer.
ReplyDeleteI'm an avid Black Friday fan!!! I try to get as much of it done that one day as possible. My husband is great about it and stays up with me for over 24 hours to get it all done. This is my first Christmas season couponing and have been stashing back all the candy items I've bought with coupons. Can't wait to see the kids delve into thier stockings this year!
ReplyDeleteSince Halloween is almost here, wait until Sunday to carve your pumpkin, then put in icebox after Trick or Treating on Monday nite. Sometime during the week, cook the pumpkin, puree and store in freezer in 2 cup portions. Then on cold December weekend, cook up pumpkin bread to give out to family and friends, cheap and good gifts everyone will love to eat.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte Mantia
charmantia@hotmail.com
My tip is start shopping early as possible. In July you may see that game or toy someone would love and it is on sale for 75% off. Purchase it and put it away for Christmas. Keep a list of who you need to buy for on the door where you store the gifts and mark it off with a little note what you bought. By the time the holidays get around you have saved a ton of money and not running around for gifts. ~Cheryl Barnett Saves~
ReplyDeleteSome ways to save around the holidays are to use some of the food items from your stock pile, and pick up Christmas presents starting now. Save big purchases for BLACK FRIDAY (My favorite day!) Do your research on your big purchase though, because what is the point of spending on a couple hundred bucks on a big screen TV that is not even half as great as the one fifty dollars more?
ReplyDeleteMy family has also drawn names to buy Christmas presents for. This is especially helpful for larger families!
Happy holidays and couponing =)
We save a little bit of money aside each month all year long for the holidays. That way when holiday shopping starts it dosen't break the bank. Plus when I see a great sale on a gift I don't have to worry about not having the extra money in the budget that week to buy it....I pay for it out of our Christmas stash!
ReplyDeleteI think the other important thing to remember at the holidays is to slow down and actually enjoy the beauty and magic of the season. You lose the chance to make wonderful family memories if you spend every second stressed out that everything isn't perfect!
I'm using my coupons to get freebies and food as cheap as I can cause we always feed lots of people this time of year, and give away lots of goodies too. :)
ReplyDeleteThis year I'm taking a trip to visit my family in RI. I first thank God for my right mind and a mind to continue to serve Him. I plan on spending this Thanksgiving holiday by giving thanks 1st to God. See I lost my job, then 16 days later my baby, then sometime later my dad was sick in the hospital. We never know why God allow things, but I do know that God never left me. I could have lost my mind and gave up, but I didn't. With the love of my Father above, my husband, and Pastor, God brought me through. Thanksgiving is not all about the cooking but giving thanks for God, friends and family. I plan on this Holiday season to spend more time with family, walk in God's will, say I love you more to the people I love and most of all give back to other that maybe going through hard times. A encouraging word to those that have lost love ones. Tell someone that someone above loves them. On top of that, I will share my knowledge with others on how they can have a wondering dinner for less by using coupons. Teach them that they don't have to spend a lot of money, but teach them to save money. Use that money for raining days, or use that money for a special gift!
ReplyDeleteYes this holiday is a special one. This year has been pretty interesting, but it has only made me stronger. It is my hope that whoever reads this post will be blessed. If you are going through I pray that my testimony of victory will help you get yours!
I make a menu for the food I need and shop a little here and there all year to prepare for presents.....and after reading the annointed ladys post, I think she should win this, bless you for your testimony, I have lost 2 babys this year and both my grandparents and know that without Jesus I could not have made it ;)
ReplyDeleteChristie Tubb
Christie014@hotmail.com
I try to start early at least getting little things when I find them on clearance or great sales. I have two teenagers so any deals do help. I use my coupons for things that could help with holiday dinners or stocking stuffers. I also try to find the gift packs that are good christmas presents if I have a coupon to match it. You can come out with awesome deals that way. :)
ReplyDeleteI do most of my shopping on black Friday. Then our whole family gets together that evening for my daughters birthday party. We draw names for anybody over 18 and start planning cookie baking days and other fun CHRISTmas parties. The best part is CHRISTmas eve when my grandfather starts it all off with the reading of the real CHRISTmas story...(he never can finish thru his tears and my oldest cousin takes over.)
ReplyDeleteI don't celebrate the holidays, however, I do not deprive my son from the holiday. We do not exchange gifts at Christmas, but rather have a big meal and spend the day together with the rest of the family. We make a point of spending time instead of making the holiday season about how much stuff you can get.
ReplyDeleteI like to write post cards and decorate on Thanksgiving weekend and I start shopping so it's not so expensive in August and you can get some really great back to school clearance to use for gifts. I also LOVE to coupon to buy gifts!! i can buy more that way :)
ReplyDeleteI try to do my shopping well ahead of time so that I can concentrate on the spending time with family and not so much on the hustle and bustle
ReplyDeleteI prepare for the holidays by making list and preparing as much in advance as possible.
ReplyDeletemake a list of what u need so u dont buy to much. start early so u are not overwhelmed at the last min...
ReplyDeleteBuy early for those wanted presents as if you wait too late, they may be "out of stock". Keep in mind that Walmart will be matching pricing on presents bought from Nov. 1 thru Dec 25 (except black friday)...so keep your receipts and watch for those deals.
ReplyDeleteStart in the summer when things go on clearance. You aren't spending all your money at once and the gifts won't be duplicates since they will be gone by December.
ReplyDeleteAmy Smith
Amysmith282@gmail.com
Not shopping the day after Thanksgiving=less stress!
ReplyDeleteDon't wait till the last minute to do all of your shopping. It's best to shop for things early and often to keep from the craziness that is the mall come November. Also online shopping sometimes has the best deals around and you can get what you need without even leaving the house.
ReplyDeleteJeff S.
Jeffhorizonscreenprinting@gmail.com
I don't do Holiday cooking, but I start my shopping months in advance. It helps so I'm not trying to hurry and find gifts for everyone the last few weeks before Christmas. It also allows me to see what I still need to buy for people, and I can look for great deals on black Friday!
ReplyDeleteI try to always shop for my holiday items after the actual holiday. You get items for so much cheaper that way!
ReplyDeleteTo prepare for the holidays, I try get ahead on the things that will not ruin by christmas. I will prepare any food that can be frozen like cookie dough in advance. I also, try to do Christmas cards in early November so that I can mail them out by Thanksgiving/ early December.
ReplyDeleteWe keep Christ in Christmas as much as possible. Instead of many random gifts, our children get three. Jesus received frankincense, gold and myrrh so three is enough for our children. Also instead of many gifts, we plan many days of family activities. Movie nights, cookie making day and Ugly Christmas sweater parties are my favorites.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing is to bake cut out sugar cookies Bake them early in December then freeze them until you are ready to decorate them.
ReplyDeleteI start preparing the day after chirstmas getting items like future stocking stuffers and bath sets as well as decorations....i do alot of shopping black friday and cyber monday and smaller kids could careless if the more expensive gifts or used so all i can say to that is EBAY EBAY EBAY! Snagged a leapster for $25 bucks that was like new as well as 3 games for $6.50 each thats a savings of over $80 woo hoo makes me happy;)
ReplyDeleteDawn Lunsford
dawnlunsford78@yahoo.com
I make a to do list in an excel spreadsheet with everything I need to do and buy before each holiday, including food, decorations, gifts, etc. This spreadsheet on the computer makes it so much easier to update and print out a new one each day. I would be lost without my list. It assists me greatly in making the holidays less stressful!
ReplyDeleteI start combing the thrift stores for Christmas tins ( for homemade cookies and candy ) and also for pretty glass jars and containers ( for homemade bath salts ) to give as gifts. I make up several batches of each; that way when I need a fast gift or an unexpected hostess gift, etc. I am ready to go! Woman's World magazine has TONS of recipes for fast, easy cookies and candy this time of year, and for the bath salts, you just mix epsom salts with the perfume essence of your choice, or even vanilla extract. Cheap, easy, and they all make your house smell GREAT!
ReplyDeleteStart your Christmas cards now! Get them all ready to go, stamped and waiting on you; rather than rushing to get them done (and getting upset when they aren't done!) at the last minute!
ReplyDeleteFor the past few years, I haven't had the funds to do as much for Christmas as I would have liked to. This year, I am planning ahead and buying gifts early. I am, of course, using as many deals, coupons, and rebates as I can find. I am hoping to have all of my shopping done by Mid-November. I keep everything organized by making lists and trying to organize my home to make everything as convenient as possible.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 6,000!
I love to shop early. I usually start in August so by the time December rolls around I am close to done, then I have more time to focus on the more important things. Like family & traditions! We love the Christmas season! Angie dodson_78@yahoo.com Congrats!!
ReplyDeleteI do a couple of things to get ready for the holidays.... 1. starting in November I take my Christmas cards that I bought last year the day after Christmas sales and I start signing and addressing the envelopes and 2. as a family starting in November when we get paid every 2 weeks we take $50.00 out of every check and go to the store and buy food and take it to a local food shelter.
ReplyDeleteLive everyone else, start early and shop throughout the year
ReplyDeleteGet Ready for Black Friday everyone!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have a box that I put items in when I find a good deal, especially after the holidays, and then I check it from time to time and see who I can give the gifts to. It comes in handy around Christmas when there are parties, etc. to go to that you need to bring a gift.
ReplyDeleteMy preparation for the holidays always comes on December 26, where I can get wrapping paper and decorations for around 90% off! I then spend the next year making handmade gifts for my family. I do enjoy shopping around for good deals after Thanksgiving and looking at all the beautiful decorations everyone puts up around Christmas. Most of all, remembering that the birth of our Savior is the real celebration keeps me from getting overwhelmed.
ReplyDeleteShop early. I'm usually done Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving. Anything I may get on Black Friday is a bonus.
ReplyDeleteI try to start buying for Christmas after the persons birthday the year before. Rhonda Ward
ReplyDeleteI try to plan a month or two in advance. Even if I don't buy everything then, I take the time to try to decide what I think people would like based on what I know about them. If I can't figure anything out, I will get them a gift card to a store I know they enjoy. I have also been on nomorerack, 1saleaday, Shadora, Totsy, RueLaLa, and lots of other deal sites trying to plan ahead and find something for people on my list. RueLaLa is really great because my fiance's brother is into designer fashion and won't wear cheap clothes and he always wants clothes for Christmas, so I am able to look at the nicer brands and get stuff for a fraction of the cost. I also take time to breathe and think about God and how this is a celebration of birth, and I know that people will appreciate anything we can give. :)
ReplyDeleteBlack Friday shopping. I get almost all my gifts that day & at a great price
ReplyDeleteKelli Allen
Allen.Kelli@yahoo.com
I start planning for Black Friday shopping early: bfads.net has already begun posting Black Friday ads and continue to add more as the retailers are permitting release.
ReplyDeleteAnn Click
This is great. My tip for preparing for the Holidays is to decorate early, remember why you celebrate, and when you feel yourself getting stressed, take a deep breath and put in your favorite Christmas movie then laugh till you cry or cry till you laugh. Christy christyw1812@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI guess it would be like everyone else and just make a list of things you need and shop as early as possible
ReplyDeletesorry, here is my email address:
ReplyDeletecharmedone79@hotmail.com
Start preparing as early as the summer and by making list. Preparing as much in advance as possible helps to take the edge off.
ReplyDeletelyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com
lists and double check my lists twice! Plus, if I know that my coupons will not expire until after the holidays, I will save those coupons and use them toward the things on my lists. I like to plan at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance for Christmas cards as well as my grocery lists.
ReplyDeletejeni_fini@yahoo.com
jenny finney
I shop for clearance and sale items all year long and I keep a list of what all is in my gift closet and who I think would like that gift. I have 16 nieces and nephews to buy for, so this helps me out a lot. am.laws@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI do alot of clearance shopping...I also enter contests and use the prizes as gifts
ReplyDeletethanks for the giveaway
aunteegem@yahoo.com
Something we do to help us out during the holidays is throughout the year we save money from each paycheck and use that to buy Christmas with. We also use layaway. That's about as prepared as I can get for the holidays lol.
ReplyDeleteApril Griggs - aandrgriggs@hotmail.com
I like giving Christmas bags filled with things from my stock that the person I'm giving it to my use.
ReplyDeleteDelegate!! You can't do it all and people love to help (especially if they'll be at your house).
ReplyDeleteI try to look early and buy things when they are on clearance or can get a good deal on them. I also look at black Friday ads.
ReplyDeletemy son and I make Christmas decorations and cards with construction paper. So I cut out small geometric shapes in various colors throughout the year from scrap construction paper from other projects and bag them up. We use them to decorate and give away, but it also give me the opportunity to teach my son shapes, colors, and counting. Not to mention getting to spend the time together!
ReplyDeleteSara Hendricks
sarahendricks86@yahoo.com
I usually start the year before by buying my wrappin paper on clearance for the next year. I also look for clearance items that will make a great new look for the next year. I like to be prepared wayyy ahead in the event that money would be tight. I also start looking for stocking stuffers early.
ReplyDeleteI have saved up all my Amazon.com giftcards from Swagbucks and have started my Christmas shopping already!
ReplyDeleteA list and a calendar. Those two are my must haves for the holidays. My list so I know what I have to buy. My calendar so I know where I have to be, whether it be a store shopping for deals or a family/friend get together. And I write on the calendar what dish I am to bring that particular get together.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!!
I use a free website to organize me for the holidays with free printable calendars and gift ideas. www.organizedchristmas.com. It has amazing gift ideas to make and to keep me on schedule so that the holidays aren't as hectic!
ReplyDeleteJaime Ross
jaime911@msn.com
I start shopping for Christmas presents in June for my kids so I'm not broke come December. And I start planning bug holiday get together 2 months ahead of time & start buying the nonperishable items a couple months beforehand as well.
ReplyDeleteMelissa Medlin-medlinkids3@live.com
I prepare by really checking out what my kids do and don't play with anymore. If it's in good condition still I ask them if it's ok if the toys/clothes/books go to a new home and prepare the toys to sell on ebay and craigslist and use the proceeds towards our Christmas budget. And then I make a list of what our family's needs are first then our wants. And then I watch amazon and couponing sites for the good deals! You guys really do make it too easy sometimes to score great items for the holidays! Not that I'm complaining....;)
ReplyDeleteI try to buy a little at a time so when the holiday is hear I do not feel over whelmed It does not always work out because some week you just get by. I always have a to do list and see what can be crossed off and done
ReplyDeleteChristine aparentsgift@yahoo.com
Wrap gifts as you buy them, so you don't have a bunch to do at one time..Bake cookies ahead of time with any free time that you have and freeze them, that way they are done if your crunched for time later. And I always start buying the day after Christmas for the following year, it's easy to do for my kids and I pick up misc. items I think I might can use for other people..You can get some good deals at half the cost if not cheaper!! :-) Hope everybodies Holiday season is a Blessed one!!
ReplyDeleteI like to make lists and make sure I start shopping sooner ever year for dinner items that will not spoil before i need them for thanksgiving and christmas dinners!!!
ReplyDeleteallansmama21@hotmail.com
prepare as much as you can ahead of time. make a list of what goes into the oven and when. this will make it easier then trying to remember the day of.
ReplyDeleteA way to prepare for the holidays gift wise is a FREE application on any smartphone. The app is called Red Laser. What it does is on your phone you take a picture of any barcode on any product you are wanting. It will pull up what store near you has it cheapest, any coupons, and if it is a food product it also brings up the nutrition facts. Very interesting and very helpful all around !! Otherwise I look at Amy Woodall's blog and find the best deals :) HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
ReplyDeleteSwagbucks and other sites that give gift cards! Even having really no money this year for christmas, working on earning gift cards has been a blessing for us. Start early in the year wait for good deals and buy when they are on sale and hold onto to christmas! I actually started doing swagbucks because of your blog, and it has meant I know that my kids will have some things for christmas this year. Also making, baking and freecycle/craigslist to get/give other items cheap or free. Thank you for your blog, it has helped tremendously! :)
ReplyDeleteGet what can be bought ahead of time at good prices and make lists.
ReplyDelete