{"id":23270,"date":"2023-07-25T06:00:13","date_gmt":"2023-07-25T10:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/?p=23270"},"modified":"2023-07-25T08:13:33","modified_gmt":"2023-07-25T12:13:33","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-christmas-in-july-5-easy-things-to-do-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/home\/how-to-prepare-for-christmas-in-july-5-easy-things-to-do-now\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prepare for Christmas in July: 5 Easy Things to Do Now!"},"content":{"rendered":"[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title comments=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font_size=”52px” meta_font_size=”22px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”SEO Intro from META DESCRIPTION” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

We are halfway to my favorite season! You can take some of the stress to prepare for Christmas off later by doing these 5 easy things now! \u00a0Whether you want to think about Christmas now or not, you may find that \u00a0these 5 ways to prepare for Christmas in July can make a huge difference when\u00a0November and December roll around!<\/i><\/h4>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro Text” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

If my math is correct (I’m in summer mode, so be kind if I’m off, please!), there are 153 days left until Christmas! \u00a0That probably makes you soooo excited or makes you cringe<\/strong> and say, “Stop! \u00a0It’s too soon to talk about Christmas!” \u00a0Either way, doing these 5 things to prepare for Christmas…right now in July…can take off some of the inevitable stress that hits along with the season.<\/p>\n

To be honest, sometimes I get some of these done but I have never gotten them ALL done in July. \u00a0However, they are good goals and it at least gets me headed in the right direction! \u00a0If you’re not really ready to think about Christmas, no worries.<\/p>\n

Pro Tip: \u00a0Pick one or two of these and feel proud of yourself for getting ahead of the rush!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Family-room-scaled.jpeg” title_text=”Family room” admin_label=”IMG family room” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”BLOG HOP – ADD LINK FROM PERSON BEFORE ME” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Before we dive into Christmas prep in July, let me take a second to welcome those of you who are hopping over from my friend, Renae at Peacock Ridge Farm<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.\u00a0 Thanks for visiting today!<\/strong> \u00a0<\/p>\n

With the crazy heat we are having, there’s nothing like having some fun and dreaming about Christmas, right?! \u00a0Plus, there’s just so much great inspiration on this tour today!<\/p>\n

At the end of my post, make sure to visit all of the blogs who are sharing. \u00a0There are such fun, pretty, and inspiring ideas for you today!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Table of Contents DRAFT” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”BLOG TITLE” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

How to Prepare for Christmas in July: 5 Easy Things to Do Now!<\/strong><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Candles-scaled.jpeg” title_text=”Candles” admin_label=”IMG candles” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”1. update address book” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

How to Prepare for Christmas in July #1: Update your address book<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Honestly, this isn’t something I look forward to and I usually put it off. \u00a0However, if you have some spare time waiting in an airport or sitting in the parking lot waiting for the kids at camp, it could be a great time to scroll through your address book.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Take note of people you know have moved. \u00a0Immediately send them a text or message to kindly request their new address.<\/li>\n
  2. Add in new friends, family, acquaintances that you’ve made through the year. \u00a0If you don’t already have their address, send requests for those also.<\/li>\n
  3. Make changes in your address book ASAP upon receiving their responses<\/strong>. \u00a0If you have several, it may be helpful to make a checklist in your notes to quickly refer back to later!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Having this done ahead of time can make getting your cards done so much more easily. \u00a0Plus, you can be more efficient because you won’t end up with a stack of cards needing addresses sitting out waiting for responses.<\/p>\n

    Can you tell I have experience with this?! \u00a0Haha!<\/p>\n

    It might seem a little out of the box, but these are the kinds of things that just save an extra headache.<\/strong> \u00a0If I can get them done now, when I have more time and less stress in my schedule, it makes the busier seasons a tad easier. \u00a0That’s a win all the way around in my book!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Greenery-scaled.jpeg” title_text=”Greenery” admin_label=”IMG greenery” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”2. choose a vacation photo and get a card made and saved” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    How to Prepare for Christmas in July #2: Choose a vacation photo and make a card!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    If you haven’t taken your vacation yet, no worries! \u00a0Just make a mental note to try and get a snapshot you love while on vacation. \u00a0These make the best Christmas card pictures!<\/strong><\/p>\n

    One thing that takes me a lot of time is creating our Christmas card each year. \u00a0I try to get them made early and have it out of the way. \u00a0I love sending them, though, so it’s worth the work to me to get them ready.<\/p>\n

    One way to save yourself some time later is to go ahead and make your card and save it in your favorite card design app or website.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    We’ve been using Minted for our Christmas cards for several years. \u00a0I always wait until a sale to order, but you can have it sitting there, ready to go, when a sale or coupon code rolls around!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Christmas-card–scaled.jpeg” title_text=”Christmas card” admin_label=”IMG christmas card” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”3. make a list of people to buy gifts for; keep it in your phone and update whenever you find a gift” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    How to Prepare for Christmas in July #3: Make a list of gift recipients.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    You probably already know most of the people you need to buy for. \u00a0For me, it’s usually about the same family and friends.<\/strong> \u00a0Closer to time, I can add in teachers, school-related gifting, and other services.<\/p>\n

    Do I stress or worry about any gifts in July? \u00a0Absolutely not.<\/p>\n

    However, if I have a list written down, it’s easy to jot down gifts when I find them<\/strong>. \u00a0I shop the end caps for clearance, special sales, and keep an eye out for bargains throughout the year. \u00a0If I don’t keep a running list, though, there is no way I’ll end up remembering what I’ve already found!<\/p>\n

    Also, if someone mentions an idea to me for a gift, I can write that down also rather than trying to remember. \u00a0My brain can get rather overloaded, so keeping notes like this is an easy way to keep information close at hand but not cluttering up my mind!<\/p>\n

    Pro Tip:<\/strong> It is easier to stay on budget and have focused shopping when I have a list of the gift recipients written down. \u00a0I use the notes app on my phone for convenience.<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Music-room-scaled.jpeg” title_text=”Music room” admin_label=”IMG music room” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”4. set a budget; start saving for the season if you haven’t already ” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    How to Prepare for Christmas in July #4: Set a budget and start saving (if you haven’t already).<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    We love using an envelope system for our budget and consistently put money into a special savings for Christmas. \u00a0It is SO much more enjoyable to give and even receive gifts when you know they are paid for and you won’t be playing major catch up on December 26th.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Having the list of gift recipients already written down makes it a lot easier to figure up approximately how much money we can spend per person or family and know how much we need to save throughout the year.<\/p>\n

    Writing the budget down is also really helpful to actually STAY on budget too. \u00a0I love purchasing gifts and giving them. \u00a0However, if I’m not keeping track, I can end up overspending. \u00a0In the long run, that’s not what the season is about at all and it adds undue stress.<\/p>\n

    I’m sure this isn’t difficult for some people, but I’ve learned enough about myself to know that I need to keep track. \u00a0Setting that budget BEFORE the season hits is really helpful!<\/strong><\/p>\n

    If you haven’t already, start setting aside extra monies each month to help even out your budget during November and December. \u00a0We’ve been doing this for years now and find it incredibly helpful. \u00a0Plus, we have a lot more fun gift giving too!<\/p>\n

    Pro Tip:<\/strong> \u00a0Having money set aside throughout the year for purchasing Christmas gifts also allows you to take advantage of sales and bargains without straining your monthly budget.<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Presents-by-tree-scaled.jpeg” title_text=”Presents by tree” admin_label=”IMG gifts by tree” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”5. go ahead and order things that sell out quickly” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    How to Prepare for Christmas in July #5: Go ahead and place orders on items that sell out quickly.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    It happens to me every single year. \u00a0When I’m decorating for Christmas and realize I need more garland or more bells or more ribbon, I make a mental note that I’m going to DEFINITELY order earlier the next year. \u00a0However, when July rolls around, I’m just not really in the mood to purchase Christmas Garlands.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Who can relate?<\/em><\/p>\n

    However, I’ve never once…not one single time…ordered those things early and regretted it! \u00a0Supply and demand issues aren’t as easy to navigate as it seems like they should be sometimes, right? \u00a0So go ahead and get your Christmas decor orders placed NOW.<\/strong> \u00a0Right in the middle of the blazing hot month of July!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Ornament-garland-on-centerpiece-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Ornament garland on centerpiece” admin_label=”IMG ornament garland” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”5. favorites to order now” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Here’s my favorites that I recommend ordering early:<\/em><\/h3>\n