It’s weird, but the older we get, the earlier we start Christmas planning. We always look at our kids with such love and envy when they get dizzy with excitement around December 1st. But here we are, planning for Christmas as early as November 1st!
And even that’s understating things. There are some people out there who start Christmas planning before Halloween, and some who start buying their first gifts as soon as the malls stock them in early September.
In fact – and this is going to sound a little crazy – there are likely people right now who are already preparing for Christmas 2024.
That’s too far, right? It seems almost outside of the question that we would start planning for a holiday that is twelve months away, and just a few weeks after last Christmas finished. But, when you think about it, preparing for Christmas in January does make a lot of sense. And here’s why.
The Slooooow Month
We’ve all been there. Rushing around the Christmas markets looking for wrapping paper, frantically searching online for those last-minute gifts. It’s a struggle at any time of the year, let alone toward the tail end when work and social commitments are hitting their peak.
January has long been one of the slowest months in the calendar year. It’s just after Christmas, so everyone is a little sluggish and full – for the full 31 days if you’ve done Christmas properly! There are fewer social commitments, and work is typically a little more relaxed after the Christmas rush.
So why wouldn’t you take advantage? January gives you plenty of time to get things done while the last Christmas is still fresh in your head, ensuring that you’re ready to go when all the craziness starts in twelve months! You’ll be able to find the perfect Christmas snow globes, the perfect pair of socks – the perfect gift – with plenty of time to spare.
The Christmas Bargains
This is the real kicker. If time isn’t really the issue when you’re Christmas planning at the end of the year, then money certainly will be. It is for everyone these days, especially in the midst of this cost-of-living crisis.
In January, however, stores are trying to shift as much of their Christmas products as possible. This can uncover some great bargains and sales that will only exist during this month, which gives you a great opportunity to stock up and find all the best Christmas goodies while they’re at their lowest price.
Avoiding Stress
This also takes a little of the stress out of buying gifts for family. During November and December, we’re like secret agents trying to divert attention away from our phones, going out on secret missions to buy gifts, and desperately trying to intercept deliveries before they’re spotted.
In January, however, everyone’s guard is down. You can get all of the family gifts for a lower price, tuck them away somewhere safe, and if anyone sees them, the chances are they’ll forget by the time Christmas comes!
Of course, many people prefer to put Christmas behind them in January and get on with their lives, but if you want to be savvy about your Christmas planning, it could be the perfect time to do it. At least then you get to watch and laugh while everyone loses their heads in twelve months!