Hello everyone!
Although we love the process of getting ready for Christmas, tackling the never-ending to-do list in preparation for Christmas Day can be hugely overwhelming. But fear not; with these simple organisation tips, you can take the stress out of the planning and enjoy everything the holidays have to offer.
Start the process early
Break down the one giant job into many manageable little ones and keep a positive attitude! Don't put too much pressure on yourself!
Decide on a budget
Decide how much you can afford to spend on Christmas this year and stick to it. When buying gifts for each other, you can set a price limit to make it fun and fair.
Make a to-do list
You can never make too many lists when planning for Christmas. If you don’t tend to carry an organiser with you, use the Notes App on your phone.
Save inspiration ideas
If you find anything on Instagram or Pinterest, simply save it to a collection or board, so all your ideas are collated in one place. You can save everything from recipes, décor inspiration and gift ideas.
Get your December calendar in order
December is a busy month for everyone. If you’re planning on spending time with your friends, it’s best to organise activities ahead of the rush to avoid disappointment.
Buy and wrap your presents
Make a simple shopping list, and if you have a crammed schedule, buy online. Don't waste your money. If in doubt, buy a voucher!
Write up your Christmas card list
Once done, save it on your computer for future Christmases; alter names and addresses as and when needed.
Share food responsibilities
Delegate dishes to everyone to make it an equal effort.
Decide on how your menu will look and set a date to do the food shopping or organise your online delivery.
Make food in advance
Shop for any fresh ingredients the week before the day. Can you start chopping vegetables or making sauces? How much easier would the day be if you did this? Work out what you can freeze or make beforehand, too. Prepping all your gravy, pâté, sauces, chutneys and mulled wine in advance is a real time-saver.
Declutter your home
Start to declutter and create space for your Christmas decorations. If you have guests staying over at Christmas, you may need to clear some space in the spare room. Don't look at this as a huge job, as you'll only put it off. Try doing 20 minutes each evening instead.
Label your decorations
Use clear, labelled boxes to make your decorations a little bit more organised. You’ll be very thankful you did this the next year!
Clear and lay the table
If you can eat at the kitchen table for a couple of days, you can get the dining room table ready early and give yourself one less thing to do on the day.
Make a schedule for the day
Make a schedule for when each dish should go in and come out of the oven. It’s so easy to get distracted with present-opening and socialising. Timing is everything.
What’s your go-to tip for getting organised for Christmas?
