With only 44 sleeps until the big day it’s time to get organised. We all love Christmas but there’s no denying that, if you leave things to the last minute, it can also be a pretty stressful time of year. To help ensure you have a calm and enjoyable festive season we’ve compiled this guide to a stress-free Christmas!
4 Weeks to Christmas
- Make your list, check it twice. Santa isn’t the only one with an important list at Christmas. By ensuring you know exactly what you need to do in the lead up to the big day you’ll be far less likely to forget anything or leave something to the last minute.
- Put up your Christmas tree! This is the time to start getting in the Christmas spirit, so put up the tree, start your advent calendar and decorate your house – and get the whole family involved!
- Send out your Christmas cards. This is something many of us leave too late, so give yourself a head start. If you want to you can send online messages or simply call – but whatever you decide organisation is key!
- If you’re planning on making your own Christmas cake or pudding, it’s best to start them as early as possible so they have plenty of time to soak up all the flavours.
3 Weeks to Christmas
- Order any special holiday food now – like turkey or ham – to avoid being disappointed on Christmas day. Holiday staples will run out quickly at your local supermarket!
- While you’re thinking of Christmas dinner, decide what you’ll be drinking and stock up on that too. Whether it be alcohol, juice or your own special concoction, make sure you have the ingredients on-hand well before the party season starts.
- Wrap as you go. Have a store of paper, ribbon and tape and wrap each present as you buy it. This is especially god if you have nosey children hoping to find your present stash!
2 Weeks to Christmas
- Start stocking up on your smaller food stuffs. Ingredients for nibbles, salads or desserts can start to be bought now to avoid the mad rush in the lead up to Christmas day. Same goes for last minute presents. The shops will only get busier from here on!
- Check out your local lights! Christmas is getting closer and there will be decorations all over the place. Take yourself and your family on an evening stroll to enjoy the Christmas lights display!
1 Week to Christmas
- Do your final shop, picking up anything fresh and perishable, anything you’ve run out of already, and backups, like extra batteries, toilet paper or drink mixers.
- Prepare salads and nibbles wherever possible in the day or two before Christmas, so you have time to relax and enjoy the big day.
- If you want to bake cookies this is also the week to do it. A day or two before you want to serve them is ideal.
- Enjoy! This is the season to be jolly, after all!