It’s still September, which may sound like a world away from Santa’s arrival – but as we all know, it’s scientifically proven that the 95 days between now and 25 December go double as fast as every other day in the year! (Or at least it sure feels that way).
So, it’s time to pull out your diary and mark these deadlines to help you achieve your cruisiest Christmas yet!
Now! (3 months to go)
- Make a family plan. Whose house will you be spending Christmas day at this year? Who is cooking what? Will you be having a Kris Kringle? When will you be seeing the in-laws and extended family?
- Buy tickets. If you will be travelling somewhere for Christmas, it’s a good idea to book your plane, train or bus tickets as soon as possible to get the cheapest fare!
Mid-October (2 months to go)
- Buy wrapping paper, boxes and cards. Keep these under your bed and ready to go! If you’ve collected presents throughout the year, you can even start wrapping them now.
- Update your Christmas card list. In addition to friends, family and teachers, think about who has been significant in your families lives this year. Did you meet anyone memorable on a holiday? Have any friends moved interstate or overseas?
- Add activities on a calendar. Parties, school plays, fundraisers – the lead up to Christmas is always a busy time in the social calendar. Make sure you have all your events in one place, so that you don’t overcommit yourself!
- Start cooking things you can freeze. Baked goods are great for preparing ahead of time as they can be frozen if uniced and well wrapped. Stocks and gravies, stuffing, vegetables and pastry are also great to prepare stick in the freezer now!
- Purchase perishable food items. It’s a good idea to stock up on sauces, canned items and alcohol that you’ll be using at Christmas, not only for peace of mind, but also to ease the strain off the grocery bill in December. Grab some extra batteries too for children’s toys.
- Make a budget. Plan for every unexpected surprise! See our tips here. (Link to previous TCC article about budgeting?)
Early November (6 weeks to go)
- Make a master gift list. Write down everyone’s names, an idea of what you think they’d like, and a budget. Collect wish lists from your kids.
- Get serious about Christmas shopping. You’ve probably collected bits and pieces over the past few months, but now it’s time to get serious, especially if you have to mail any gifts. Keep an eye on the sales, and see if anything fits with your master gift list!
- Make plans for any overnight guests. Will any visitors be spending the night? If any sheets or towels need replacing, now is the time!
Late November (1 month to go)
- Decide on a decorative theme. Stocktake all your Christmas decorations, ensuring fairy lights are in working order and checking if any ornaments have broken.
- Check service wear. Make sure you have adequate glassware, crockery and platters for any Christmas events you may be hosting.
- Do your online shopping! Online shopping is convenient and often very reasonable, but requires time for delivery. Check your master gift list and check if anything can be purchased online and delivered to your door.
- Wrap and label gifts as you buy them. We all know little eyes are particularly curious, so this will make sure Christmas gifts stay a surprise – and will prevent you being covered in sticky tape at 3am on Christmas morning!
- Start addressing Christmas cards. Aim to have all cards (and gifts if applicable) in the mail by the first week of December. This is a huge burden off the to-do list, and will ensure everything is received before Christmas!
First week of December (3 weeks to go)
- Christmas tree time! Whether you’re going for a live tree or artificial, now is the perfect time to set it up. Now it’s really Christmas time!
- Decorate! Don’t just deck the halls – spread the festive cheer from the front door to the backyard. We have plenty of holiday decorating ideas on our website to help get you inspired!
- Lock of your holiday menus. Whether you’re hosting Christmas or bringing a dish, get your recipes in order and start your master grocery list.
- Order turkey, ham and seafood.
Third of December (1 week to go)
- Clean the house.
- Clear out the fridge! You’ll be needing space for all that delicious Christmas food, so toss any leftovers to make room.
Three days to go
- Shop for fresh ingredients – including fruits, veggies and fresh flowers!
- Set the table. Whip out the fancy service wear! Decide what you’ll be serving on which platter, and place a post-it note on them.
- Start cooking! Pull out anything you may need from the freezer, and start prepping those mains.
- Ensure camera batteries are charged so that you can capture those wonderful Christmas memories.
Christmas Eve
- Relax! All your preparation and organisation means that you can start drinking mimosas a day early. Share this time with your family and friends.