Christmas is coming up and I’m extremely excited! Something about Christmas makes me feel all fuzzy and jolly. It’s a great time and yet there are people who can't stand the holiday season. It's understandable to an extent because sometimes shopping for others can be the worst thing ever: it's about picking a meaningful gift on a budget, having patience to go to the mall, dealing with rude people, etc. Here are some things to keep in mind to help prepare yourself for the holidays.

• Get your shopping done early, if you can. As crazy as it sounds, some people start shopping as early as October.
• While you’re shopping look for coupons and search websites like RetailMeNot. They always have great deals!
• Make a list and complete those things as you go.
• Book your flights earlier so prices won’t break the bank.
• Spend money wisely on gifts you know will be used or liked. If you can't find anything in stores, get crafty and make something on your own. A mug with a cute photo, a photo calendar and so on. Meaningful gifts are just as great.
• Think positively! It’s difficult to do so once the holiday season comes around: lines get longer, malls get crowded and people start fighting for parking spots, but try to have good and positive thoughts.
• If you hate those lines, try online shopping! Sometimes there are better deals and you don’t have the hassle of physically leaving your house.
• Actually spend time with your loved ones. No, I don’t mean have dinner and then stare at your phone afterwards. Actually make plans with your relatives or friends and take the time to physically be there.
• Play with your pets! It's a great stress reliever in general but sometimes we get so caught up in shopping, cooking or just are busy with everything else that we forget about our extended family! Don't be annoyed when those little or massive paws are pouncing toward you first thing in the morning. Just enjoy the sloppy kisses!

There are so many more things to keep in mind or do once the holiday season comes around, but simple things like this can go a long way! Don't miss out on the time you can sit and have a conversation with your great aunt or cousins or whoever. Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook will all be there after the holidays or just after that one hour of disconnecting from your phone. Don't waste time thinking of the perfect gift for your grandmother because in this day in age, sometimes your presence can be enough.