Always remember the Five Ps of Success: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. There is no better time to prove that than right now, as while the holidays can be the best of times, they can also be wrought with terror if you aren't ready for them. BUT, you can sway the odds and be the champion of December with a handful of preventative measures.
1. Buy a nice case of wine.
![little things to do to win the holidays, buy a nice case of wine]()
Have you noticed lately that you have gotten wine specials sent in the mail or online? There is a reason for that, and you should take advantage of a good deal if you see it. There are so many invites, functions and last minute gifts that can catch you by surprise. Don't be that person running around the grocery store trying to find vino that isn't embarrassing yet doesn't break your wallet. Look up your favorite wine and visit their homepage to see if they have a promotion or take advantage of a local store special. Then you'll look suave and have a go-to favor in a pinch.
2. Make a list and check it twice.
![little things to do to win the holidays, make a list and check it twice]()
Take the time now, before you're hazy with eggnog, and take inventory of everyone you would give a gift to if money were no object. Think about the people who'll really appreciate holiday tips: mailmen, apartment handymen, bosses, colleagues who did you a solid, neighbors who helped you out, friends you've been neglecting, all the family members you will see at the holiday parties and so on. Now, organize and decide who just gets a card, who gets a tip and who gets a personalized gift. Set a budget and allocate amounts for your tip list and gift list. Now that you have everything sorted, you'll have a reference if you see a smoking Black Friday deal or need to start saving pronto.
3. Schedule cards online.
![little things to do to win the holidays, schedule cards online]()
Now that you know the people getting cards, it's time to get that done. You don't need to go to the store, pick out a $20 box of 8 holiday cards, think of something festive to write, find all your addresses, sign and seal envelopes, get stamps and find a post office drop-box, either. Simply go online and search for services that send personalized cards. Here you will find many options, most at about $1.50 a card. Sign, sealed, delivered. Get it all done while watching football and drinking a beer.
4. Think about things you liked this year.
![little things to do to win the holidays, think about things you liked this year]()
You might think you're great with last-minute gifts, but people can tell: "Oh, great ... a teddy bear in a Santa hat from CVS ... thank you." Take the time now to brainstorm all the awesome things you've bought or experienced this year. Did you go to an amazing restaurant or new concert venue? Have you had a service that was just above and beyond? Did you get a killer gift? The best presents are the ones you like yourself.
5. Hire help now.
![little things to do to win the holidays, hire help now]()
Do you need a cleaning service or a dog walker? How about a stylist, a trainer or even an oil change? Get that done as soon as you can. Things get booked up fast the closer you get to the holidays, so secure your must-have appointments before you are told the next appointment time is in 2016.
6. Don't slack on diet and working out.
![little things to do to win the holidays, don't slack on diet and working out]()
Soon you'll be eating and drinking enough calories for a mid-size African nation. Double up on whatever you do to look good, because you don't want to look like a puffy mess in all the holiday photos. Plus, think about all those people you only see once a year at holiday celebrations. You don't want them thinking you're going through a really bad breakup or something.
7. You should've already booked travel.
![little things to do to win the holidays, book travel]()
This is the most obvious reminder, yet you'd be surprised how many people say they are still weighing their options. This is the time of year where last minute deals do not exist. If you are traveling anywhere from now up until before the 2nd week of the New Year, book a ticket ASAP.
8. Start a holiday party calendar.
![little things to do to win the holidays, start a holiday party calendar]()
Whether it's on your phone, computer or a piece of paper, you need to keep track of all the events going on. When your family brings up that dinner you are expected to go to, log it. When your girlfriend talks about that thing with her job, write it down. Get a list going of everything you need to be prepared for. That way, you won't get caught off guard . . . and you can plan ahead even.
9. Book New Year's Eve plans.
![little things to do to win the holidays, book new year's eve plans]()
Don't wait until December. Get a jump on the reservations so that you have options. Good options. Noteworthy takes planning. Last minute = long lines or staying home with whatever champagne was left on the shelf.
10. Make a Dollar Store trip.
![little things to do to win the holidays, make a dollar store trip]()
Run now to your local 99 cent store and stock up. You may already be too late, though, because their stock goes fast. Dollar stores have the jump on cheap holiday staples. Grab decorations, ribbons, tape, wrapping paper, cards, party favors and anything needed for upcoming celebrations. You'll spend thirteen bucks and save big.
11. Update your wardrobe.
![little things to do to win the holidays, update your wardrobe]()
Look at your dress shoes, dress pants and nice shirts. Are they all appropriate for the places you need to be in the next six weeks? If the answer is no, go shopping. When it actually comes time for when you need it, you will be so thankful you don't have to go through the zombie apocalypse that is the mall in December - or worse, find there is nothing left that is good.
1. Buy a nice case of wine.
Have you noticed lately that you have gotten wine specials sent in the mail or online? There is a reason for that, and you should take advantage of a good deal if you see it. There are so many invites, functions and last minute gifts that can catch you by surprise. Don't be that person running around the grocery store trying to find vino that isn't embarrassing yet doesn't break your wallet. Look up your favorite wine and visit their homepage to see if they have a promotion or take advantage of a local store special. Then you'll look suave and have a go-to favor in a pinch.
2. Make a list and check it twice.
Take the time now, before you're hazy with eggnog, and take inventory of everyone you would give a gift to if money were no object. Think about the people who'll really appreciate holiday tips: mailmen, apartment handymen, bosses, colleagues who did you a solid, neighbors who helped you out, friends you've been neglecting, all the family members you will see at the holiday parties and so on. Now, organize and decide who just gets a card, who gets a tip and who gets a personalized gift. Set a budget and allocate amounts for your tip list and gift list. Now that you have everything sorted, you'll have a reference if you see a smoking Black Friday deal or need to start saving pronto.
3. Schedule cards online.
Now that you know the people getting cards, it's time to get that done. You don't need to go to the store, pick out a $20 box of 8 holiday cards, think of something festive to write, find all your addresses, sign and seal envelopes, get stamps and find a post office drop-box, either. Simply go online and search for services that send personalized cards. Here you will find many options, most at about $1.50 a card. Sign, sealed, delivered. Get it all done while watching football and drinking a beer.
4. Think about things you liked this year.
You might think you're great with last-minute gifts, but people can tell: "Oh, great ... a teddy bear in a Santa hat from CVS ... thank you." Take the time now to brainstorm all the awesome things you've bought or experienced this year. Did you go to an amazing restaurant or new concert venue? Have you had a service that was just above and beyond? Did you get a killer gift? The best presents are the ones you like yourself.
5. Hire help now.
Do you need a cleaning service or a dog walker? How about a stylist, a trainer or even an oil change? Get that done as soon as you can. Things get booked up fast the closer you get to the holidays, so secure your must-have appointments before you are told the next appointment time is in 2016.
6. Don't slack on diet and working out.
Soon you'll be eating and drinking enough calories for a mid-size African nation. Double up on whatever you do to look good, because you don't want to look like a puffy mess in all the holiday photos. Plus, think about all those people you only see once a year at holiday celebrations. You don't want them thinking you're going through a really bad breakup or something.
7. You should've already booked travel.
This is the most obvious reminder, yet you'd be surprised how many people say they are still weighing their options. This is the time of year where last minute deals do not exist. If you are traveling anywhere from now up until before the 2nd week of the New Year, book a ticket ASAP.
8. Start a holiday party calendar.
Whether it's on your phone, computer or a piece of paper, you need to keep track of all the events going on. When your family brings up that dinner you are expected to go to, log it. When your girlfriend talks about that thing with her job, write it down. Get a list going of everything you need to be prepared for. That way, you won't get caught off guard . . . and you can plan ahead even.
9. Book New Year's Eve plans.
Don't wait until December. Get a jump on the reservations so that you have options. Good options. Noteworthy takes planning. Last minute = long lines or staying home with whatever champagne was left on the shelf.
10. Make a Dollar Store trip.
Run now to your local 99 cent store and stock up. You may already be too late, though, because their stock goes fast. Dollar stores have the jump on cheap holiday staples. Grab decorations, ribbons, tape, wrapping paper, cards, party favors and anything needed for upcoming celebrations. You'll spend thirteen bucks and save big.
11. Update your wardrobe.
Look at your dress shoes, dress pants and nice shirts. Are they all appropriate for the places you need to be in the next six weeks? If the answer is no, go shopping. When it actually comes time for when you need it, you will be so thankful you don't have to go through the zombie apocalypse that is the mall in December - or worse, find there is nothing left that is good.