12 Easy Tips to Get Organized for the Holidays #11

12 Easy Tips to Get Organized for the Holidays #11 – Divide up your shopping list.

Everyone has heard of divide and conquer, right?  We’re going to change that a bit, and call it Divide to Conquer.  The concept is simple: make yourself responsible to purchase a certain number of gifts each week between now and the middle of December.  Remember, the more you buy now, the less you will have to fight the crowds for later.  Retail stores have announced that they are giving their “black Friday” sales all season, so there is no reason to wait to start shopping.  Keep in mind that spreading out the gift buying process  also decreases the financial impact of shopping as it is spread out over time.

Do the same for your grocery shopping.  If you are hosting Thanksgiving, it is probably a good idea to get going on your grocery shopping!  If you are hosting both holidays and have any of the same dishes that will be served at both, pick up the ingredients now, as long as they’ll stay good until then.  Again, getting started before everyone else avoids the crowds, ensures you have plenty of time to make sure you get the items you want, and saves your sanity as you can enjoy the days before the holidays without having to rush to be prepared.