Gift List | Day 2 of 60 | Holiday Prep Thanksgiving & Christmas

The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Gift Giving

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, gift-giving! Creating a Christmas list can help you stay organized and ensure you don’t go over budget. Let’s explore how to make your list, stick to your budget, and understand gift etiquette in various settings.

Making Your Christmas List

Start by writing down everyone you want to buy gifts for. This can include family, friends, coworkers, and even service providers like mail carriers and garbage collectors.

Tip: Use a spreadsheet or a simple notepad app to keep track of names and gift ideas. This way, you won’t forget anyone important!

Staying Within Budget

Setting a budget is crucial to avoid overspending during the holidays. Here are some tips to help you stick to your budget:

Set a Total Budget: Decide how much you can spend overall. This will help you prioritize your spending.
Allocate Funds: Assign a specific amount for each person on your list. This ensures you don’t overspend on one person and leave others out.
Look for Deals: Keep an eye out for sales and discounts. Websites like RetailMeNot or Honey can help you find great deals.

According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, the average American planned to spend about $998 on holiday gifts in 2022. Setting a budget can help you manage your finances better and enjoy the season without stress.

Gift Etiquette in the Workplace

When it comes to giving gifts at work, it’s important to be thoughtful and considerate. Here are some guidelines:

Know Your Company Culture: Some workplaces have strict policies against gift-giving, while others encourage it. Always check the rules first.
Keep It Professional: Choose gifts that are appropriate for the workplace. Items like coffee mugs, plants, or gift cards are usually safe bets.
Consider Group Gifts: If you want to give something more substantial, consider organizing a group gift with your coworkers.

Gift Etiquette for Neighbors and Service Providers

When it comes to neighbors and service providers, a small gesture can go a long way. Here’s how to approach it:

Neighbors: A homemade treat or a simple card can show appreciation. If you’re close, consider a small gift like a candle or a festive decoration.
Condo Building Employees: A gift card or a nice basket of goodies is a thoughtful way to thank your building staff for their hard work.
Mail Carriers and Garbage Collectors: A small gift or a card is a nice gesture. The U.S. Postal Service allows mail carriers to accept gifts worth up to $20.

Gift Etiquette for Teachers

Teachers play a significant role in our lives, and showing appreciation is always a good idea. Here are some tips:

Group Gifts: Consider pooling together with other parents for a larger gift. This can be a gift card to a local restaurant or a nice gift basket.
Personal Touch: A handwritten note from your child can mean a lot. It shows that you value their hard work and dedication.

Gift Etiquette for Friends and Family

When it comes to friends and family, the rules can be a bit more relaxed. Here’s how to navigate gift-giving:

Set a Spending Limit: If you have a large family, consider setting a spending limit for gifts. This keeps things fair and manageable.
Personalized Gifts: Think about what each person would truly appreciate. A thoughtful gift shows you care and pay attention to their interests.

Creating a Christmas list and understanding gift etiquette can make your holiday season much more enjoyable. By staying organized and mindful of your budget, you can spread joy without the stress. Happy gifting!

October 24, 2025October 23, 2025

Day One | Holiday Prep for Thanksgiving and Christmas

The holiday season is just around the corner, and it’s time to get organized! Today, we’ll focus on setting budgets and planning menus for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Step 1: Set Your Holiday Budget

Review Last Year’s Spending
Look back at your credit card and bank statements from last year. Write down what you spent on food and drinks for Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you do not have a budget set already, decide how much you want to spend on each person per day, that is your budget.

Thanksgiving Dinner: $____
Black Friday Snacks/Meals: $____
Saturday Meals: $____
Sunday Meals: $____
Total Food/Drink Expenses: $____

Create a New Budget
Based on last year’s spending, set a realistic budget for this year. Consider any changes in your guest list or menu that might affect costs. Health Storey does not believe in snacking, Can you add more food to the meals and eliminate grazing from each holiday?

Thanksgiving Budget: $____
Christmas Budget: $____
Total Holiday Budget: $____

Step 2: Plan Your Menus

Next, let’s think about what you want to serve. Here’s a simple outline to help you get started:

Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

Appetizers: Cheese platter, veggie tray, or stuffed mushrooms
Main Course: Roast turkey, Roasted and stuffed Squash
Sides: Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing / dressing
Desserts: Apple crisp with Ice cream, Cranberry pound cake,

Christmas Menu Ideas

Appetizers: Bruschetta, chicken sausage bombs
Main Course: Vegetarian fried chicken
Sides: Roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce,
Desserts: Stolen bread, Christmas cakes,

Step 3: Meal Prep with the Instant Pot

To make meal prep easier, Health Storey suggests using an Instant Pot for making rice potatoes, steamed vegetables and hard boiled eggs. Here’s how to incorporate them into your meals:

Rice or Potatoes as a Base: One cup of steamed rice or potatoes can be the foundation for various meals throughout the week.

Example Meal Ideas

Rice Bowl: Top with grilled vegetarian chicken sausage, veggies, and teriyaki sauce.
Stuffed Squash: Mix rice with ground turkey, spices and place inside of baked or grilled carnival squash.
Potato Casserole: Layer potatoes with cheese, broccoli, and ham in an oven safe dish.

Step 4: Grocery Shopping

If you only shop on weekends, consider buying a 2-pound bag of rice per person per week for about $5.00 each.

By setting a budget and planning your menus today, you’ll be well on your way to a stress-free holiday season. Remember to keep track of your spending and adjust your budget as needed. Happy prepping!

October 16, 2025

60 Days to Christmas| Preparing a Weekly Holiday Budget

Christmas Budget

Welcome to the Prep Which Starts on October 24 2025. For Day which is next week, create a Budget for your Christmas season. Here is a weekly budget we set for a single person living in the Atlanta who doesn’t have to travel over the holidays.

Budget for Christmas

8 Week Holiday Budget Breakdown (8 Weeks Before the Christmas Holiday)

Total Budget: $1,070 Weekly Budget: $133.75

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1

– Advent Calendar Gifts: $25

– Gifts: $50

– Total: $75

Week 2

– Advent Calendar Gifts: $25

– Gifts: $50

– Total: $75

Week 3

– Advent Calendar Gifts: $25

– Food and Beverages: $50

– Total: $75

Week 4

– Advent Calendar Gifts: $25

– Decorations: $50

– Total: $75

Week 5

– Advent Calendar Gifts: $25

– Holiday Cards: $25

– Gifts: $50

– Total: $100

Week 6

– Advent Calendar Gifts: $25

– Food and Beverages: $50

– Total: $75

Week 7

– Advent Calendar Gifts: $25

– Travel Expenses: $50

– Total: $75

Week 8

– Advent Calendar Gifts: $25

– Charitable Donations: $50

– Miscellaneous: $50

– Total: $125

Adjust the amounts based on your personal preferences and financial situation. Happy budgeting and we look forward to preparing for the holiday season with you starting on the 25th of October 2025.