Preparing for Christmas... About This Page:

[chezp]

OK for those of who are doing fairly well with your Christmas shopping, at what point do you start wrapping? I am contemplating starting mine imminently to get it out of the way.

And what about Christmas cards - when do you start writing them?

I refused to do either before November, as it just felt wrong, but maybe now is just about OK...

[BritDisFan]

I don't usually start wrapping presents until at least the 1st December, this is when we put our tree up and I love wrapping in front of the tree! I usually write our Christmas Cards around that time too.

[home4us123]

I usually don't end up wrapping anything until a couple of weeks before Christmas. I really should start now though Seems like I can't find the time that late in December and I am always rushed.

I will start writing out my Christmas cards soon

[Julian]

We PLAN to wrap most things as we buy them, then hide them in "the designated secure Christmas stash place" which is in my study in our converted attic!

That is the PLAN, we have, however, been known to frantically try wrapping things which mysteriously appear (or are "remembered" and "found"!) on Christmas Eve!!!

Ten days before Christmas is my preferred "limit"!!!

With regards to Christmas cards, I'm really sad! I have a "dynamic list" which I update as the year goes on. I write most of my cards in the last week of November, and post them (as appropriate) at the end of November (as we usually take our Annual Holiday during the first two weeks of December, so we're away).

I also carry a few "ready written" cards with me at work etc just in case someone who isn't on my list gives me a card!

[JoanW]

I started after Labor Day taking inventory of what I have bought since January. I wrap them, and if they need to be shipped or delivered, I separate them from the rest. I also spreadsheet my gifts so I know what I'm spending to avoid going overboard, which also includes what I did in the previous years. It also helps me to remember that I already got that person a gift, and what I still need to do, and keeps me on track.

My gifts to my sister and her DH were delivered to her in October when we all met in NY for a wedding. They just put them in the trunk and drove home with them, and thus I avoided shipping costs.

The ones for extended family we will see on Christmas Eve are already wrapped and bagged, waiting. The ones for us are safely hidden and wrapped. I have a few gift challenged family members who I have not figured out what to do for them. But that is my only challenge so far. And by spreading it out over 11 months, I don't charge anything and come January I don't have any surprise bills waiting.

[Gin7274]

I haven't even thought about Christmas shopping yet, but as far as wrapping gifts when I do, I'll wrap about a week before Christmas.

[Griffin]

Christmas cards, we start doing the first week of Dec. Present wrapping is done around the 2nd week of Dec.

[simbarel]

I usually don't start until WAY too late, and now with a toddler....I may need to make arrangements for him not to be there.

[Disney_Scarlett]

I won't start wrapping until a couple of weeks before Christmas. I have a tradition to wrap while watching Love Actually and sipping something warm and alcoholic.

As far as cards, I try to get them out a couple of weeks before as well.

[dejavu]

That's funny- I'm wrapping right now! I also wrap and hide in the designated spot and usually am done with all shopping before Thanksgiving. I have been known to write my cards in the summer too. Whatever works for you!

[Colexis Mom]

I wrap them as soon as I get them (and I haven't started yet). I have however written out the envelopes for my Christmas cards already!

[jenjen1127]

OMG I haven't even started yet.

[loobyoxlip]

Funny you should ask, I am going to do some today while the kids are in school. Kylor already found one of Jalen's presents, so I'm only doing it now b/c I don't trust them not to snoop!!

[lazanya]

I like to start on the Christmas cards before Thanksgiving and presents wrapping usually a couple weeks before Christmas.

[krisk11]

I'd actually have to have bought something in order to wrap. My neice & nephews usually get gift cards so no wrapping is necessary and dd still hasn't decided what she wants. We do our Christmas cards while we watch the parade on Thanksgiving.