Each year I stuff my Christmas decorations back into the large tubs I have to store them in. Normally I’m exhausted from having all the people over for weeks at a time and ready to move past the season and get on with the New Year. The problem is that, at the bottom of those tubs, each and every year, is my fall décor.
I’m not kidding. Every Christmas season I open those tubs back up and realize that I didn’t use all of my fun fall decorations because I didn’t know where they were. You’d think I’d learn, but…well, when I’m tired in January, the last thing I want to worry about is where the decorations are for next fall. I mean, that can be Sarah of the future’s problem, right?
This year, I’m working on being a bit more intentional when it comes to making my future life easier. If I can do something right now that will save me time and frustration later, then why wouldn’t I choose to do so.
Tip: Grab my FREE Holiday Re-Evaluation Worksheet to help you prepare for next season. Find it HERE.
Encouragement Challenge: Preparing for the Next Time
No matter how your holiday season went, it’s time to make notes as to what worked and what didn’t. Using the free worksheet (you can grab it HERE), decide what changes or adjustments you need to make for a more enjoyable 2019 holiday season.
Do you need to implement a line item in your budget so that you aren’t caught off guard when it comes time to purchase gifts? Do you need to increase the budget for Christmas, so you don’t go into debt?
How will you handle situations with family members? Was there animosity? Scheduling issues?
Will you host everyone in your own home, or request people find hotels?
What foods are you going to cook (or not cook) over the holidays? Was there something everyone loved? Did you throw away most of a certain dish?
Will you travel or stay athome? Is there a city you will not fly through?
Additional Resources:
How to Stick to Your Holiday Budget (And Still Have Fun)
How to Have a Successful Thanksgiving on a Budget
Assignment:
Now, find a place to put that list so you can find it when I remind you in the fall. My personal favorite is to scan it into DropBox or Google Drive and place it in a file marked “Holidays”. If you have a better idea, though, go ahead and make it happen!
Finally, tell us in the comments below what change you will definitely be making in the upcoming Holiday season.
