by Raiscara Avalon

Created on: November 24, 2009

The best time to start thinking about next holiday season is the days after Christmas. Getting prepared now can save you a lot of time and hassle later. It will also save you money, which can be added to your Christmas budget next year. Or it can go to paying off those after Christmas bills. Stores really want to move the Christmas items to make room for the Valentine's Day and Easter items, which comes earlier and earlier every year. Hit multiple stores to ensure you get everything you need, as the inventory will change from store to store. Tuck it all where you keep your holiday items.

Start Planning

Next Christmas is going to come faster then you think, so now is the perfect time to start a holiday planner if you haven't already. It's a simple thing, can be a notebook or a binder, and in it you put what you need for next year, gift ideas for the people on your list, and ideas for the next holiday season. You can also include birthdays, anniversaries and other special days, depending on how detailed you want to be. This is the most important thing in my book. It can save a lot of hassle during the crazy part of the year.

The holiday planner is very useful for keeping track of things, so that you don't have to try to clutter up your brain with it for a full year. And when you have an idea of what to buy people written down, you will be able to catch the sales during the year, instead of finding out three days before Christmas that they are out of stock or have discontinued the item. You can also toss in those odd Oh, I would LOVE this or If you are looking to get me something for Christmas moments. Trust me, you won't remember when the time comes otherwise.

What To Stock Up On

Wrapping Paper/Gift Boxes - Get these at bargain basement prices. Don't worry about what's in style this year vs. next year, the themes are universal. You can often get several rolls for the price of one at regular retail.

Decorations - Had your eye on a particular decoration, but the initial cost was a deterrent? Buy it on sale after Christmas. Another bonus to buying your decorations after Christmas is that it will still be fresh in your mind what you need. Knowing that one of your strings of lights burnt out, you can pick them up cheap and not find out that you have a burnt out string after you put your decorations up next year. Outdoor decorations are particularly useful to pick up now, as stores often have a harder time moving them.

Holiday Dinnerware - You are already planning

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