Christmas 2024 Planning

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Welcome back to My Jamaican Vignettes. It is November and that means Christmas 2024 planning is well underway in my house. I saw on Pinterest in mid October a layout for Christmas planning that started in October so by now according that planning guide you should be settling on your guest lists, Christmas dinner menu and complete gift shopping.

Does that sound overwhelming? Yes it might be and with only November’s pay cheque left to handle the holiday expenses you might be feeling the crunch.

The holidays are special to most Jamaicans and we love the decorations, food, music and general good cheer that Christmas provides but if you are late to the holiday planning game, let me share what my plans are maybe you can be inspired.

Christmas 2024 Planning

There are few categories of expenses related to the holidays that you must consider, Christmas gifts, travel, Christmas dinner and decor and also giving. I think those are the top areas that most of us will have to contend with annually.

Gifts

In mid-October, while in bed one night scrolling through Pinterest, I got inspired to create my Christmas 2024 gift list, who I plan to buy presents for as well as general ideas of what I wanted to buy and how much I planned to spend on those gifts.

I am glad I did this semi-early but I think for 2025 I will slowly set aside a little each month for gift giving (birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and the holidays).

Travel

I won’t be leaving Jamaica this year. But I hope to go to see my family in St Mary at some point so I need to consider gas money for the journey, any snacks and a wine or rum for the hosts for any holiday dinners.

Christmas Dinner

I planned my holiday meal weeks ago, and I also did a preliminary budget for the dinner. Think of the side dishes, desserts, drinks and meat you want to have. Also don’t overlook what Christmas morning breakfast might be in your planning.

Holiday Decor

I feel bad confessing this but I have never decorated my home for the holidays until this year. That meant that my holiday spending included getting a Christmas tree, a wreath, lights, ornaments, and a tree topper. I completed my Christmas decoration shopping in October and I am so looking forward to decorating my apartment in mid-November.

Last Thoughts

I hope you have enough saved to plan a cheer-filled Christmas for you and your family. But please don’t go into debt in 2025 trying to impress people for the holidays. Your good spirits, warmth, presence and love is enough.

Be well.