Yes, Christmas in July

**imforpeace** · 07-17-2007, 09:59 AM

I'm starting to get ready for Christmas already. I have been gathering supplies on clearance, in thrift stores, with coupons and at the dollar store to begin making gifts. My family thinks I'm crazy, but I think by starting now instead of say November or December I will actually have time to enjoy the holiday season. I'm usually the one rushing around to find the items I need to make something and then frantically putting everything together.

I'm making my Christmas cards and serving platters to put homemade goodies on and give as a gift. {30 cards, 15 platters}

Am I starting too early? Or possibly finally getting my act together?

**Mom23boys** · 07-17-2007, 10:54 AM

I don't think you are starting to early at all! I think what you are doing is smart because when the season finally arrives you can relax and enjoy it!!

**FrugalMomof3** · 07-17-2007, 10:55 AM

I am right there with ya! I already have gifts for the 4 step-DD's, and some odds and ends gifts like for my mom and step-dad that I purchased at yard sales all brand new in the packages, money is tight now so the kids wont be getting much this year but it's the thought that counts.

I could make some things too, like pot holders, drink placemats, curtains, wooden signs, etc...

**pkellyc** · 07-17-2007, 12:34 PM

No, not too early. With all those platters to make it sounds like you will be busy enough.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 07-17-2007, 02:01 PM

I usually start hunting in May... Makes it so much easier and cheaper! And then you don't end up frantically working all through December!

**coltsmama** · 07-17-2007, 02:31 PM

Sounds like great plan! why wait to be stressed and pay 3 times as much.

**kittykatstrong** · 07-17-2007, 03:48 PM

I just took some christmas books

out of the lib. so its not to early for me. I am on a budget this year so I wanted to get a head start. I think you can can give a frugal gift you just have to give it more thought.

Katy

**Jskell911** · 07-17-2007, 06:19 PM

I too start planning around now.

**bumplett** · 07-17-2007, 06:24 PM

there's no such thing as too early

**momof2inpa** · 07-17-2007, 06:26 PM

I usually somewhat start at the after Christmas sales (picking up discounts on craft things, paper and presents!). I tried not to go to as many sales as I have done in the prior years since I was trying to save money towards our high electric bill! This time of year I can't help but think of Christmas- it is a great time to start working on any presents we are going to make, pick up toys that are marked down in order to make room for the new Christmas toys and so on (plus this is one of the last few months that I know my hubby will be able to bring in extra cash that I can put towards Christmas!)!

**frooz** · 07-17-2007, 06:34 PM

I'm getting motivated to start now too, thanks!

**Libby** · 07-17-2007, 06:44 PM

In the years past, I have tried to get a head start but somehow I always lose the one large box of gifts that I had prepurchased or the little side/add on gifts to go with the main gifts. I usually find that box in Jan/Feb AFTER the holiday. Each year I just keep getting more frugal. One small gift per necessary person the rest just get a card and if Im in the mood, some festival chocolate and candy or homemade cookies.

Im sooo gearing up to be low key this year. The only thing I have done is started or maintained my card list, though that isnt frugal I still prefer to send out real cards since most arent getting a gift. Im weaning off the gift giving altogether so a card will speak more in volumes from me when received.

Its never too early to plan and budget!

**lisettelovebug** · 07-17-2007, 07:33 PM

I have been getting ready too. This afternoon I wrote a list of who I needed to get for and what I already have. I have a bunch of candles and a messload of those bath and body sets - all gotten on clearance after Christmas. SO .. I've gotten a few other things on clearance too. I ordered a few things from LTD.. many times I get something that can be split up to go to several people. This year for the women I am doing a container/basket (depends what I can find cheap) with bath stuff(including free samples I've gotten) and candles. I ordered my mom a pair of slippers that have inserts that you can put in micro to keep feetsy warm - she will love them!!! I won't have my other shopping done til at least August because we can't afford it until we make sure DH will not be on strike. But I know who I need to buy for and have a list of what I will buy. I will have this all done hopefully by the end of August.
Baby is due in November and I will NOT feel like nor have the time to Xmas shop. If I get the rest of the family done, then DH can buy for the kids... oh wait... that's not a good idea!! You should see him!!! With him it's all about how many gifts the kids get. Plus, he likes quality stuff. I told him last year we could buy the kids alot of stuff - stuff that tree full - by buying at the dollar store.. lol. I'm trying to teach them that it's not about the presents.. especially my 9 year old!! So I'll have ALL the shopping done before I have this baby.
Lisette

**Katybird** · 07-17-2007, 07:58 PM

Kudos to you for getting a jump start on the holidays. I think it is never to early to get a start on it.

**auntie2many** · 07-17-2007, 08:33 PM

Last year I started Christmas shopping around June and had everything mailed out by mid November. I am on track to do the same this year. I start budgeting a little each month from June to November for gifts and then I like to have them mailed before the holiday rush.

Dh's family draws names at Thanksgiving dinner. I wish that it was sooner. I hate that I am ahead of things and crowds then comes the name drawing in the middle of the busy season and here I am out in the crowds again shopping.

By the way, no I do not think that July is too early to plan Christmas.

auntie