Christmas is just around the corner! Just kidding. It’s five months away. But honestly, this time of year is the best for Christmas shopping. There are lots of sales, lots of ideas, and the holiday pressure hasn’t crept up yet. So, let’s talk about all the reasons why I start Christmas shopping in July.
Summer Sales
It feels like there are a million sales in the summertime! Bath and Body Works, Amazon, and Old Navy have some big sales during the warmer months. If you’ve already missed these, don’t worry! Here is a list of upcoming summer sales:
- Best Buy Anniversary Sale – August 5th-14th
- Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – July 17th-August 6th
- Bath and Body Works still has a few items for sale on their website!
- Barnes and Noble is having a BOGO 50% sale
Keep in mind that there will also be Labor Day and Black Friday sales, so keep your eyes peeled!
Intentionality
When I’m walking down the aisles of TJ Maxx or Target and I see something that reminds me of a friend or family member, I give myself permission to buy it and set it aside. This DEFINITELY takes a lot of discipline! (Especially if you love giving gifts like me and you get really excited.) However, this allows me to give gifts to those I love with intentionality. I’m not rushing out to get something at the last minute out of obligation and hoping it works. There are some things that I choose to buy later, but ultimately, starting my shopping earlier in the year makes my gift-giving thoughtful.
On another note, if you’re on a budget but you love gift-giving, starting earlier will make thrifting for gifts a much easier possibility. It takes time to find the perfect treasure while thrifting, so get started now. I love receiving thoughtful, thrifted gifts because I know that that person went through a lot of effort to find me something that reminded them of me!
» » » » » » » » RECOMMENDED RESOURCE: Guide to Thrift Stores in Albuquerque « « « « « « «
Less Stress
It’s no secret that the Holidays bring stress. December tends to be a crazy time for everyone, especially moms. Getting a majority of my holiday shopping done early means that I can enjoy the month of December. I can focus on what really matters–my family and friends! I can shop leisurely and walk around the beautifully decorated malls and not feel like I’m going to lose my mind.
My mother-in-law always says, “If you want to enjoy December, you need to start preparing for Christmas in October!” She does all of her Christmas crafts in October, and I think she’s on to something.
Ultimately we all have different traditions and plans around the holidays. I am always on the lookout to make the holiday season more fun and less stressful. If you want to travel for the holidays, want to make your gift-giving more budget-friendly, or if you just want to relax this holiday season, I highly recommend starting now!
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ABQ Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
