I’m the one that’s excited counts down to Christmas once it hits about June 25th, I’ve been heard to announce, “Its only 6 months left til Christmas now!” Then each month after that on 24th or 25th, I mention how close it’s getting and I’m so happy about it.
I’ve found that a little planning ahead can relieve holiday stress, so I enjoy the season once it’s here.
First- We, like everyone else, love our Christmas Pj’s. However, I wanted them to be able to wear them longer during the pre Christmas excitement, so I began giving them to my kids Halloween Night. Because of this, I shop these early October so they arrive on time. I know to some that’s way too early, you can of course do Nov. 1 instead 😉
Links to Make shopping quicker
It’s easy to find cute jammies when they’re little, Cater’s, Target, etc. Teens are a different story. Especially for my boys. I’ll find cute bottoms and then pair it with a fun holiday graphic tee. If you wanna save some time..
Older teens and Men: For the Mandlorian fan, For the basic but still in the spirit, For the festive. For the Matching Fam, For the Clark Griswolds, For the Grinch Fam. Short sleeves For the Warm Blooded, For the Star Wars fanatic, For the Cozy man, For the Marvel Man. For the Plaid Man, and lastly, For the Pajama Snob. Hopefully these help you find a good match.
Some graphic tees (Men & Youth) to match your bottoms: Star Wars, Santa and Friends Dab, Super Mario, Mickey, I’m the Gift, Darth & Trooper , Naughty or Nice, Chewie, Cousin Eddie
Younger teen and tween boys: I’ll usually find a fleece plaid pant or jogger and a Christmas graphic tee or solid waffle knit top from Target. Buffalo Plaid jogger, Lego+Grogu (baby Yoda in my mind;)
Order Advent Calendars!
We absolutely love to count down to Christmas. So much, that I dedicated a whole post here.
Come November 1, the Halloween comes down and Christmas goes up
I have lots of decor, nativities and many Christmas trees I choose to put up and decorate. I like to start early, do a little each day for a few days and then enjoy it until Dec 26th ish. I also have a big snow village which is a whole process on it’s own, but we love it so much when it’s up. I have no decorating stress come December, and I’ve already been enjoying it for weeks!
Christmas Pillowcases
My cute Grandma Betty started this tradition for me and my brothers when we were little. These were included one year in our fabulous package she was so good at sending since she lived so far away. She didn’t even need amazon! These cute, festive, Christmas pillowcases always got us in the Christmas spirit and added a fun decoration to our room. It really increased the “Vision of Sugarplums dancing in our heads”, that’s for sure. My mom continued the tradition for her grandkids, and I like to give them as gifts early in the season and when we do Secret Santa or the 12 Days of Christmas for someone. I did a whole post here, and you can snag some for your family in my etsy shop!
Doing Secret Santa or 12 Days of Christmas?
Another great tradition to get in that Christmas spirit. It has it’s own post here as well. October or early November is the perfect time to plan out who, what, when, where, how?
To simplify things, and save time for you, I made printable tags for this too! I also included ideas for gifts to give each day.
Grab you Printable Tags in my Etsy Shop here
Outdoor Lights and Decor
This happens somewhat simultaneously with the indoor decor. My hubby is in charge of the outside, I do the inside and the kids help wherever. We always strive to light it up Thanksgiving night, or maybe the night before.
I’ve noticed that when I start thinking and planning for these things when September/October roll around, I’m more prepared and relaxed when the holidays are here.
Maybe the stores aren’t so crazy for putting up Christmas stuff in July 😛
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