Lynda Moore says the key to a happy end-of-year holiday season is to start early with a plan you stick to

You know it’s starting to get to the how many days to Christmas countdown when daylight saving starts.  Your hairdresser reminds you that you need to book you hair appointments through to Christmas (even though its still September), or you’ll look like a shaggy dog while carving the turkey.  And you head to the mall and the Christmas baubles are out, the shortbread and other yummy food that only seems to appear at Christmas is on show in colourful packaging covered in snow!

Due to a few renovations we are doing on Mum’s house, we have a seemingly constant stream of tradespeople coming in to do various jobs, and they are all saying the same thing. “Thank goodness you got in early; we’re expecting a Christmas rush mid-November and we won’t be able to cope, there’s no way we can get a bathroom renovation/landscape plan done before Christmas”.  It happens every year, they say.

Despite the fact that Christmas Day and the summer holidays happen the same time every year, and we get plenty of reminders, we seem to scramble to get ready and leave everything to the last minute not just the planning, but our finances as well.

Let’s do it differently this year.

Start planning now.

Getting ready for the holidays doesn’t have to be all stress and budgets and waking up on the first day of your break totally exhausted. We're all about blending practicality with a sprinkle of sparkle, making holiday prep as joyful as the season itself. So, let’s dive into a relaxed, festive approach that'll have you decking the halls with ease and excitement.

Start your Christmas planning by reminiscing about last year’s highlights - what worked, what didn’t, and what made everyone smile. With those fond memories in mind, you can sketch out a plan nice and early. Think of it as a relaxed, reflective process with a refreshing iced tea (or festive cocktail) in hand as the days get longer and the summer rolls in.

Then, as you slap on the sunblock, get a head start on the Christmas finances. Set your budget in October or November, once you've got a clear picture of your own finances.

The economic climate is tough right now, so be mindful that friends and family may not be in the same financial position as last year. Have an honest conversation with them about how you want to celebrate together. Maybe you agree to keep gifts modest this year, or even better, opt for a fun Secret Santa instead of buying for everyone.

Once you have the gift plan sorted, start treasure hunting - find that one-of-a-kind gift when you least expect it. And Black Friday sales are a prime opportunity to check some Christmas shopping off your list. Just be sure to stick to your budget and price check those deals before hitting “buy now.” The last thing you want is to overspend when it’s easy to get swept up in the sale frenzy.

Another way to avoid financial strain during the holidays is to rethink how you do Christmas dinner. Instead of letting the host take on all the costs, why not go potluck style? Each person can bring a dish from a festive menu, and everyone shares the responsibility (and delicious food). That way, no one is left footing a huge bill while everyone enjoys the holiday feast.

And don’t forget, once you’ve budgeted for presents and food, set aside a little extra for your January holiday plans. You’ll thank yourself when the New Year rolls around, and you’ve already got your next adventure sorted.

Maybe you want to do something different this year and donate some of your Christmas food to a food bank or help out at a shelter and share your Christmas Day helping others.

Whatever you decide to do, by getting most of your planning done by the end of November, December is your time to relax and enjoy the fun stuff. Whether it’s putting up festive decor, baking holiday treats, or just soaking up the Christmas spirit, you’ll be ready to truly enjoy the season without scrambling at the last minute. This method helps you handle the essentials without dulling the festive glow. It’s all about preparing smartly, so you can savour the holiday magic.

This holiday season let’s plan smarter, not harder. Embrace a strategy that’s as efficient as it is enjoyable and make this Christmas one where the lead-up is as delightful as the day itself.

Here’s to a stress-free, fun-filled December - and to celebrating with loved ones in a way that suits everyone’s style and budget. Cheers!

*Lynda Moore is a Money Mentalist coach and New Zealand’s only certified New Money Story® mentor. Lynda helps you understand why you do the things you do with your money, when we all know we should spend less than we earn. You can contact her here.