Six smart tips to sleigh the festive season

Lifestyle

   

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Year-end is fast approaching and while many of us are looking forward to the fun-filled days ahead, it can also bring a lot of pressure – emotionally and financially. December is a magical time of year but it’s easy to get caught up in the holiday rush if you are unprepared.  Our six festive season tips will help you stay organised, relaxed and ready for the upcoming festivities -  Let’s help you stay on track! 

Lists for holiday bliss
It sounds simple enough but write everything down! Include everything you need, from gifts andfreepik-export-20241203120641roPM groceries to greeting cards – and be as specific as possible. Next, take stock of what you have at home. If it’s on your list, cross it off. Planning ahead like this saves money and helps you avoid repeat purchases, as well as the stress of last-minute panic buying, which can quickly lead to overspending. 

Fa-la-la finances
It’s called the silly season for a reason – we tend to spend more money during this time of year. Be honest with yourself – how much can you save and what can you afford? Assign a budget to each category or person on your list and stick to it. If funds are tight, chat with your significant others about spending limits. A Secret Santa or a bring-and-braai are great ways to celebrate with big groups without breaking the bank.

Unwrap the best deals
Shop smart and start early! With your list in hand, take advantage of the upcoming sales, discounts and promotions. Grocery store apps offer some great deals this time of year and Black Friday (29 November) or Cyber Monday (2 December) are perfect opportunities to bag a few bargains. Don’t be afraid to add items to your online cart to catch price drop notifications. You can also explore online marketplaces for quality second-hand finds and use price comparison tools to ensure you’re getting the best deals – but stick to your list to stay on track! 

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Have a holly jolly plan
Are you hosting Christmas or contributing towards any celebratory events? Food plays a big role this time of year and sorting out the menu will go a long way to a stress-free holiday. Worried about costs? Now is a good time to talk to friends and family about expectations – perhaps a potluck dinner will lighten the load, sharing both the expenses and the effort. And if you find some great food deals, remember the freezer is your friend! Gravies, vegetables, uncooked mince pies and parboiled potatoes all freeze well, making meal prep a breeze!

Tidy up for tinsel time
Before the holiday chaos takes over your home, tidy up and declutter your space. Not only will it make room for your festive decorations but you might even unearth a forgotten stash of crafting christmas-tree-with-dollsupplies, perfect for DIYing some items on your shopping list. Tackle your home room by room, with small and satisfying cleaning tasks to keep up the momentum.

Deck the halls with DIY
Decorating your home is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit! Skip the pricey store-bought décor and get crafty with loved ones. Make salt dough ornaments with the kids, sew Christmas stockings from fabric scraps and old t-shirts or set up a DIY station for handmade cards and wrapping paper. Use simple items like brown paper, glitter, ribbons and even potato stamps to create fun designs.

Feeling extra inspired? Baked treats or handmade gifts add a personal, budget-friendly touch that everyone will treasure. Whatever your plans for December, the best festive moments aren’t about the gifts or the details – it’s the memories and the time spent together that make the season truly special.

For more information, email marketing@rawsonproperties.com or visit www.rawson.co.za for the latest market tips and industry news.

Rawson

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