For many people, the holidays are their favorite time of the year. For others, they can actually be quite stressful. Much of this stress originates from the financial strains many people go through during the holidays. There are a lot of expenses to be had from buying presents to throwing holiday parties. It also can get very busy, between obligations to in-laws and family, friends, and neighbors, the holidays can quickly get too hectic. Overall, it’s a good idea to plan far ahead so the holidays can be a more jolly and stress-free time to enjoy for you and your family. Below are five tips that can help.

1. Set a Budget

Like anything else regarding finances, you also need a holiday budget. Determine the exact amount of money you want to spend on presents for each member of your family, the amount you want to spend on food, the amount you want to spend on decorations, and more.

2. Buy Christmas Presents and Decorations in August

The best way to ease your financial pain during December is to get many of the biggest purchases out of the way months earlier. This should be the case for significant Christmas presents. Stuff them deep in a closet where they will not be found. Christmas presents like a fake tree or lights can be bought in the summer or early fall as well.

3. Find Cost-Effective Alternatives

You should also consider cost-effective alternatives for decorations and presents to help alleviate some of the financial burdens. For example, you could purchase Christmas SVG designs for very little money that could then be used to design your own decorations and gifts. Arts and crafts are an excellent choice for saving some money. Crafting is good fun year-round and getting a bit ahead of the curve can help you find not be in a rush when the season hits.

4. Scope Out Sales Year-Round

Sales are the perfect time to buy presents and other Christmas goods. However, you don’t only have to buy during Black Friday or Cyber Monday. There will be plenty of sales throughout the year for popular items the loved ones on your list may want. Keep an eye out, there are innumerable twitter accounts and websites that keep track of sales and deals.

5. Consider After Christmas Sales for Next Year

Although it may not be your first instinct directly after Christmas, it is actually the perfect time to buy for next year. Many Christmas decorations and Christmas themed gifts will see drastic discounts in the days and weeks following Christmas. If you can stomach it, it’s the perfect time to stock up for next year and save some money.

Christmas can actually be a stressful time for many. The great expense of the Christmas holidays can certainly add to that stress. However, if you plan for those expenses early enough, you will be able to better relax and enjoy the Christmas season. It’s a time that should be for your family and friends. Planning ahead for holiday expenses can help it be.