How to Doom-Proof your Holiday Season:

1.Book travel ahead of time to get the best deals. 

With much uncertainty this year around holiday travel, you might get lucky and snatch up a good deal at the last minute due to cancellations. Expedia advises:

• Avoid traveling on December 23
• If you’re planning a post-Christmas trip, avoid departing on December 28
• Traveling between December 13 and 17 could save you more than 10 percent.
• Traveling on Christmas Day can also allow you to take advantage of cheaper fares if you can swing it.

Your options may be limited, but don’t lose hope! There are still plenty of ways to get away this holiday season if you’re open to driving or Amtrak.

 2. Invite friends and family for dinner to relax and recharge.

If getting away just isn’t in the cards for you this year, bring the holiday cheer to your place. Plan a potluck and invite everyone to bring their favorite dish, or do an international theme and see how many dishes you can bring to the table from different countries. Gather around a crackling fire, or roll out your best china and silver for a black-tie dinner. Get creative and enjoy that you’re NOT heading over the hills and through the woods this year.

 3. Don’t wait until the last minute to shop for holiday dinner ingredients.

The earlier you can shop and gather what you need, the better. Even with food prices on the rise, most people refuse to forego the traditions at Christmas time. To avoid being left to improvise with a tofurky or spam, shop ahead for anything non-perishable or freezable. Even better, hire a local caterer to cook for you, and if you’re really in the mood to treat yourself, have them serve and clean up afterward! They’ll appreciate the business, and you’ll enjoy a stress-free dinner.

 4. Make a list of all the people you need to shop for.

You probably won’t forget your mom or your sister, but who else has been on your mind lately? Your hairdresser, virtual assistant, petsitter, mail carrier, your child’s teacher, or tutor? There’s nothing worse than remembering at the last minute that you forgot someone. We love this handy little app, Christmas Gift List Tracker, which allows you to budget and track everyone on your list.

 5. Save time and waiting in long lines by shopping online.

The pandemic silver lining is that you can shop for pretty much EVERY and ANYthing online now, including food baskets, jewelry, clothing, cooking or music classes, and gifts for your furry friends. Short on time or just want to avoid the crowds? You were made to shop online! Many businesses offer FREE shipping incentives, or a gift with purchase, through the holidays too, for an extra bonus.

6. Save money and plan to shop the deals on Black Friday weekend.

Black Friday shopping has already started this year, so there are plenty of deals to be had. Additionally, did you know that the Saturday after Thanksgiving is officially Small Business Saturday? If you missed Small Business Saturday, don't fret.   Small businesses are ready to serve you all year long!

Show your support for small handmade businesses that may have struggled to survive the last few years. They appreciate and celebrate every purchase, no matter how small. In fact, they depend on YOU to make the holidays a success. So show them some LOVE!

 PLUS, as an added incentive to shop small, you won’t have to worry about widespread shortages and shipping delays. That’s a win-win in our book! 

7.Check out the CSJ helpful shopping hints for thoughtful, meaningful gifting.

Wondering what she’ll love? Trying to determine her jewelry personality? You don’t need to guess because we’ve done the work for you in What’s her jewelry personality? from last month’s blog post. And if you’re still not sure? We’re here to help! Contact us to chat or set up a Zoom styling appointment. Most of all, DO NOT STRESS! We’ve got your back!

 8.Wrap gifts using recyclable bags or wrapping paper.

There are SO many creative ways to be kind to our planet while still making your gifts look beautiful on the outside. Consider re-using a gift bag you received or decorating the brown kraft paper that came in your last Amazon shipment. Purchase cloth grocery bags or beautiful dish towels and use those as you would wrapping paper. You’ll feel good knowing you did your part, and your loved one will get something a little extra special.

 9. Make a note of UPS/USPS shipping deadlines and plan for delays.

There’s almost nothing worse than staying ahead of schedule, finishing all the shopping, wrapping, and packing, only to find out you’ve missed a shipping cutoff and your gift will arrive late. Make a note of the shipping cutoff dates for all of the popular carriers so you can make an informed decision. We’re hearing that customers should plan for longer than usual lead times.

Last day shipping day for CSJready to ship jewelry is December 14th!

 10.Relax! Build a fire, light some candles, and kick back with my favorite spiked hot chocolate.

High fives! When you’ve crossed that last to-do off your list, and you’re ready to relax and reward yourself! Rent a movie, pick up your favorite Thai food or brick oven pizza, and put your feet up. You deserve it!

Here's a little delicious warm adult drink to celebrate the holidays: