Use these tips to get your organising off to a flying start!
EARLY PREPARATION
AROUND THE HOUSE -
Sort out your house in November – get rid of anything broken, too small etc... and then you will be ready for presents and guests when the holidays come
PRESENTS AND SHOPPING-
Make 2 lists, one for present for everyone (including you!) and one for food items – start buying early to save the rush, and to spread the costs. Buy tinned food, packets etc... early so that you only need to worry about fresh food when the shops are getting really busy
Write a present list and a budget - so you know what you will need - and keep this with you at all times so you can cross off things as you get them
Buy a couple of generic but lovely gifts and add them to your present pile – that way you won’t be caught out by unexpected friends presents or family you weren’t expecting (have one female and one male so that you are prepared!)
Think about doing a lot of your christmas shopping online - this way you will avoid the busy shops, and also you will save money as you will only buy what you really need
To make shopping as easy as possible, why not have a theme on presents this year - books, DVDs, CDs etc.... all make great presents for example.
When posting presents, try and think of the weight when you buy them as this can really make a difference to the costs involved
Present wrapping makes all the difference - have a style thats all your own to make them feel special - I love brown paper with stunning ribbons and homemade luggage tags - and this is quite cost effective too!
CARDS -
Write a few cards each day so you don't have overwhelm at the last minute - think about printing address labels then just update yearly
Don't miss the final posting dates - for 2011 they are as follows:-
Buy stamps in bulk - and save a bit of money by getting organised and sending them second class
FINANCES -
Ideally you will have saved a little each month of the year then you won't get hit so hard this month - if not, try and do this next year!
Why not set a budget for presents with everyone this year - especialy good in large families - £15 is a great limit as this can buy books, DVDs, CDs etc.... and it can make for some really well thought out presents - Christmas doesn't have to be just about commercialism.
PLANNING -
Use November as your main Christmas organising month - then when December comes (along with parties, childrens school plays, and a larger social life) you will be able to enjoy it to the full.
Create family traditions that are all your own - Why have turkey if beef suits you better, why have main meal on Christmas day if Christmas eve makes more sense - THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!
Ensure you know when events are so you don't miss them, or double book! - Christmas lighst switch on, christmas parties, carol services, school events, christmas fairs etc.....
Plan everything well in advance, and if you can, get non perishables way in advance and freeze some foods beforehand to make the costs and hassles a lot less when the time draws nearer
Order the Turkey and/or other meat WELL in advance
Try and ensure you make the most of the festive period, and also make time for friends, family and yourselves - the balance will be all important so you don't get too frazzled!
If you are having guests, plan where they will sleep, whats needed etc... well in advance - and give them enough notice if they need to bring anything i.e. boots for a boxing day walk, crackers, food etc....
Get children involved - making decorations, baking etc....
Stock up on essentials such as loo roll, batteries, light bulbs etc....
Why not have a mince pie and mulled wine evening in early december to catch up with friends and family you may not see over the holidays? Its an easy party to have and everyone will be in the fstive mood!
Create a CD of your favourite tunes (they don't have to be christmas cliches if you don't want!) ready for playing on the day
THE BIG DAY!
If you are hosting, why not spread the load by getting guests to be in charge of different parts of the day - I even have my 3 year old ready to set the table - something that she loves doing!
Keep food simple apart from the main meal - if you time it right you should only really have to cater for breakfast and dinner as well! and theres always leftovers for snacks in the evening - Turkey sandwiches are great!
Don't get stressed - what will be will be! - If the turkey isn't cooked then simply wait - Christmas is about having fun and getting everyone together - noone will mind!
When opening presents (especially if you have chilrdne) write down as you open them who has bought what - makes writing thank you's so much easier!!
Have some games/films etc... on hand for quiet times of the day - or simply to relax at the end of the day
ENJOY YOURSELF!!!!
AFTER THE HOLIDAYS
Have thank you cards ready so that you can get them written as soon as possible after Christmas – while you are not at work will make it easier
Be really organised and buy your wrapping paper and cards for next year in the January sales, then simply pack away with the decorations. You will save loads of money this way.
Take down decorations on or before the 6th January - and pack them well ready for next year
After Christmas is always a grey time of year as theres nothing to look forward to - why not book a holiday or a weekend away in January to give you something to plan for.
Make the best of the sales - but only buy what you really need - its only a bargain if you were going to buy it at full price anyway
Get your diary sorted for the new year - transfer birthdays and events into it, and addresses if required.
Make your resolutions! - although try and make just one as you are more likely to keep to it if you focus on one thing
GET YOUR CHRISTMAS ORGANISED TODAY!
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