“It’s the most wonderful time… of the year.”

Yes, I’m that person. I live for the holidays!

I find it funny that some people get down right offended with the mention of Christmas before Thanksgiving. Those are also the same people who are mad that they couldn’t find a certain toy they wanted to get for their child because… they waited until after Thanksgiving to think about Christmas. Oh, the irony!

Let’s be real honest. Christmas is stressful… and I think we can all agree it is the most stressful because of gift giving. There’s so many presents to buy. So many people buy for. What do they want? What do they not have? Am I forgetting anyone? When is the best time to buy that toy for my child before it sells out? Y’all, I could go on and on.

I realized my son’s first Christmas (three years ago) I was missing it. I was missing the joy that I use to have. I was getting so overwhelmed and stressed over everything I needed to do that I was not enjoying the Holidays period. Y’all, that was a huge disappointment for me. I really wanted Christmas to be one my favorite times as a mom like it was when I was child. I was looking forward to it, and it was awful. After that Christmas I decided to do something about it. I started making a list of people I needed to buy for in early November and brainstorming what I could get. I sent out text messages asking what they needed. Some replied that they didn’t know and it was way too early to even think about it. When I replied with some brutal honestly about how I couldn’t have another Christmas like the last, most of my relatives cut me some slack and sent me some ideas. I am not above guilting someone into telling me what they want for Christmas. I made a list, and I got shopping. Online shopping makes things SO incredibly easy to do so. This is my 4th Christmas as a mom, and I tell you what, it’s going to be down right magical. I am so excited about, and I’m happy to report that 90% of my Christmas shopping is done. How’d I do it? I’m so glad you asked because I’m sharing it all in hopes you have a wonder and stress-free holiday season.

Tip #1: Start asking people what they want in October.

This year, I started earlier than ever before. Before Halloween I had already started discussing with my family what we want. And you know what, almost every single family member happen to have something that “just broke” or “is wearing out.” I think asking before they expect to be asked makes the question easier to answer. Come Thanksgiving, everyone has been asked “what do you want for Christmas” so many times that the default answer of “I have no clue” is all anyone can say. So, start taking notice of what someone might want/need early and start asking if you can’t think of anything. Seriously, I simply text to my brother and his present was order 15 minutes later (and he’s always one of my hardest to buy for.)

Tip #2: Make a list of every person you need to buy for and then ask a family member to review your list.

Seriously, do this. For a lot of us, the holidays are the only times we see some of the people we buy for. So, it’s easy to forget to put them on your shopping list and that means you’re running to a store last-minute with nothing but picked over items left. Show this list to your mom, husband, or sister-in-law and they will remind you who you’re missing. I’ve made a pretty printable PDF to make your list building that much easier!

Tip #3

Start shopping NOW! Y’all, things are on sale! I got this toy my son has been looking at for almost a year for $15 off! Seriously, he play with it ever time we go to Target and I don’t recall it ever being on sale. (For you boy moms of a toddler who loves Paw Patrol, Amazon has the Fire Truck on sale!)

And there you have it! Go grab your list, get to shopping, and have a stress-free holiday season! Don’t forget to download and print your pretty list!

*** This post contain affiliated links.

Kayla Brint