To say that the current age is one of uncertainty would be a huge understatement.
With a global pandemic still raging and supply chain issues keeping ships in the ports and trucks off the road, no one really knows how the upcoming holiday season will play out.
With the current issues besetting the world, it is as if the fictitious Grinch has come to life and come early. If you want to have a happy holiday, you may need to make a few adjustments, but if you act fast, you can still have a wonderful time with the people you love the most. Here are some tips for saving Christmas in an age of uncertainty.
Start Shopping Early
Shopping early for the holidays has always been an intelligent practice, but it is essential this year. With supply chains breaking down and millions of products still stuck on ships, you need to act fast if you want those presents to be waiting under the tree on Christmas morning.
If you have not already done so, now is the time to gather the wish lists of your kids, relatives, and anyone else you will be shopping for. If the kids ask why you need their lists so early, just tell them that Santa and his elves are working overtime and need some extra time - given the last couple of years, they are sure to understand.
Monitor Shipping Dates
If you are heading online to fill those Christmas wish lists, you will want to monitor shipping dates and check the shipping status frequently. Just because an item was in stock when you ordered is no guarantee that it will reach you in time for the big holiday, so double-check so you will not be disappointed.
Watch Out for Porch Pirates
You will also want to store those Christmas gifts securely once they arrive, so know when they will be coming and watch out for the delivery folks. Porch pirates are likely to be especially active this holiday season, so grab those boxes as soon as they show up.
If you are not lucky enough to be working from home, you can ask a neighbor to keep an eye out and store your boxes until you get home. You can return the favor by house sitting when they go away on vacation or by delivering a big batch of fresh-baked Christmas cookies.
Give Gift Cards and Monetary
Gifts
Many products may be hard to come by this holiday season, especially electronics always at the top of those Christmas wish lists. If those must-have holiday gifts are still sitting at the dock when Christmas morning arrives, you can always substitute gift cards or, in a pinch, cold hard cash.
The store shelves may be emptying fast, but the banks are still fully stocked. If you want to remove the uncertainty from holiday giving, you cannot go wrong with monetary gifts or cash equivalents like gift cards.
Enjoy a Zoom Holiday with
Far-Flung Relatives
You probably got pretty good at Zoom meetings during the pandemic, so why not put those online meeting skills to work in a fun way? If your relatives are all over the country and travel is still uncertain, a Zoom holiday morning could be the next best thinning to being there.
Once everyone is gathered in their virtual living rooms, they can watch the kids open their presents in their respective homes. Everyone can enjoy a wonderful Christmas morning, and you can all sign off with some unforgettable holiday memories.
Put Together a Family
Holiday Cookbook
Food is a massive part of the holiday celebration, but this year, many family members may not make it to Christmas dinner. If your holiday table will be a bit smaller this year, why not put together a homemade cookbook and send it out in time for the big feast?
Just ask every member of your holiday clan to submit their favorite recipe, type them up, add some photographs and print it all out. You can bind the cookbook yourself using supplies you buy online or outsource that work to create a truly professional result. Either way, you will have made a one-of-a-kind gift the whole family is sure to love.
Even in an age of uncertainty, one thing is indisputably true - this
will be a holiday season like no other. The uncertainties of the moment are
almost sure to throw a monkey wrench into your holiday planning, but you
do not have to let the supply chain Grinch or the fear of a global pandemic
ruin your celebration. The tips listed above can help you not only survive the
uncertainty but turn it to your benefit.