100 Days Until Christmas

Hey beautiful people!

Okay, I know it might seem a bit premature to start counting down to Christmas when Fall is just days away. But as a mom of a 4-year-old and a huge Christmas enthusiast, I can’t help but get excited early. After all, as the saying goes, “the early bird gets the worm” – or in this case, the best deals and the least stress!

Gone are the days of overwhelming my kids with mountains of toys. A few Christmases ago, my husband and I decided to take a more minimalist approach. Instead of focusing on quantity, we prioritize quality by choosing one significant gift and a few smaller gifts and essentials.

Last year, for example, our two oldest got new iPads as their big gifts, along with a couple of other items. I remember a friend sharing her mom’s tradition that I absolutely loved: “Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.” This simple formula, four gifts per child, has stuck with me.

While I enjoy gift-giving, what I cherish even more are our holiday traditions and spending quality time with loved ones. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by the holiday rush, I recommend starting early. By getting the gifts out of the way, you can truly savor the magic of the season. Trust me, I’ve experienced both the stress of last-minute shopping and the peace of mind that comes from finishing early and this year, I’m going with the latter of the two.

So, without any pressure, I encourage you to start looking for potential gifts for your kids, spouse, friends, or family whenever you’re out shopping. You might be surprised by the incredible sales and savings you can find when you start early. Keep an eye out for Prime Day in October on Amazon and the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) sales, as both days often feature exclusive deals on electronics and other popular items that usually don’t go on sale. As you browse online or scroll through social media, consider opening a new tab and bookmarking or adding items to your cart of your favorite online retailers. You don’t have to buy immediately, but it will make it easier to track prices and see if anything goes on sale.

I hope this 100-day countdown serves as a reminder that the holidays will be here before you know it. By starting your gift shopping early, you can save yourself time, stress, and money, allowing you to fully enjoy the holiday season that will be here before we know it.