Christmas is around the corner!

I get a little fired up when I see Halloween stuff out in August and Christmas decor in the stores immediately after Halloween. But... now is the time to start thinking about the holidays. I have NEVER been done with my shopping before December 22. I rarely even start my gift buying until after Thanksgiving, but that doesn't mean I'm not getting ready. September (Yes - it is September already!) is the month I start my preparations.

So Halloween: We invite friends and neighbors over on Halloween for Taco Soup, trick-or-treating and the annual haunted house through the garage. I used to try and buy the candy for trick-or-treat ahead of time, but it all ended up on my thighs and then I had to re-buy for the big night. (And don't tell me to just buy stuff I don't like, I won't do it. I have strict guidelines about the candy we hand out. Go chocolate or go home baby!) Anyway, the taco soup: I start purchasing all the non-perishable stuff that goes in there. Cans of tomatoes, sauce, salsa, corn, beans, etc., as well as bowls, spoons and cases of soda when I see a good deal. Then when the day gets here my already-long-shopping list is not as bad as it could be.

Christmas: I get completely overwhelmed with all the shopping that takes place in December. Not to mention the parties, wrapping, and general craziness. Even if I find a way to stay on budget (haha!) I get so sick of running to the store and/or mall and completely over swiping that dang credit card. Obviously I'm no super shopper but here's how I manage: I buy a larger quantity of any household items than I need - in September! If toothpaste is on my list, I pick up 4 tubes, and that goes for all cleaning supplies and toiletries. If I happen to swing by the post office I grab enough stamps for my Christmas cards and stash them away. (You will have to manage without the cute Christmas ones, but I pick my battles.)

I think if I had to make a trip to Wal-Mart on December 15 because somebody is out of deodorant I might freak out. So I'll try to save my sanity while I'm making a trip this month. So far, I've stocked up on toilet paper and that's about it. I guess it's a good thing that it's only September 4th and I've got at least 15 more Target trips this month to get everything else!