christmas Archives - Our Bill Pickle

Five tips for a stress-free holiday

October 15, 2020

The idea of a stress-free holiday may sound impossible. Here are 5 things you can do to encourage a stress-free holiday season this year.

For some, the idea of a stress-free holiday may sound impossible.

It can be a very busy — and expensive — time of year, a time with lots to do and what can often feel like not nearly enough time to get it all done. Even if you love it (like I do), it can be easy to get overwhelmed.

I’m always looking for ways to reduce the amount of overwhelm associated with the holiday season.

And while I’m certainly not an expert on the matter, I have learned a few things that have helped tamp down the stress level and create more space for enjoyment.

10 stocking stuffer ideas that won’t break the bank

October 13, 2020

Looking for cheap stocking stuffer ideas?

Stocking are one of those things that can easily slip the mind during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

They can also get pricey, depending on how many you’re filling.

But they don’t have to be. Here are some of my favourite stocking stuffer ideas that work for just about anyone and won’t break the bank.

Five tips for building a realistic holiday budget

October 8, 2020

Learning how to set a realistic holiday budget takes time and practice. Here are five of my favourite tips and tricks from over the years.

Learning how to set a realistic holiday budget takes time and practice. Or it did for me, at least.

As much as I would love to say I’ve always been on point with every element of my holiday budget, my January credit card statements say otherwise.

But over time, I’ve learned and improved. And little by little, I’ve refined my holiday budgeting skills to what they are today: better, but still a work-in-progress.

Looking to improve your holiday budget this year? Here are some of my favourite tips for creating a more realistic holiday budget.

Three times planning ahead helped me give great gifts

June 9, 2020

I love Christmas gift planning.

OK, OK. I love planning in general. What can I say? Creating lists, putting things in order, checking boxes…it all appeals to my organized, Type-A heart.

When it comes to Christmas gift planning, I am that person who starts the process in the summer. Most years, I start brainstorming as early as July, with a goal of having as much done before December as I can.

Some people think it’s extreme. I get it. But I really do believe planning ahead has helped me bring some pretty cool gift ideas into fruition.

Today, I thought it might be cool to talk about a few examples.

Three easy things to do at the end of the holiday season

December 5, 2019

Three easy things to do when the holiday season is over

Writing about the holiday season being over in the thick of December’s hustle and bustle may seem strange, but hear me out.

In a few short weeks, it will be time to get back to reality — to put away the ornaments, take down the tree and, if you’re in Atlantic Canada, try to mentally prepare for the rest of the winter.

It can be a bit of a bummer. But it can also provide a great opportunity to get reorganized and reoriented for the year ahead.

Looking for some easy first steps to take? Here are some of my favourite things you can do when the holiday season is over to help you get ready for the year to come.