Chris often takes the mickey out of me for having lists coming out my ears – especially around Christmas but it means I can be organised and arrange the presents and make sure they get to the correct recipients – preferably on time! Here are some of my tips for an organised Christmas.
1. Write a list of who you need to shop for.
Not only does this mean that I can cross of people as I get their presents I can also jot down ideas or what to get for them or what to make.
I usually start with our family (Chris, Our Sidekick and Jaxon), then my parents, brother and his wife, then Chris’s parents and sister. Then I head further afield and group them together – first up is other relatives that we need presents for then friends and then anyone else (for example a box of chocolates for next door as a thank you for receiving parcels in our absence throughout the year)
I then add a little code next to them so – are they having a Homemade (HM) present or a store bought (SB) present?
I try and get a spare box of biscuits or chocolates just in case we have a surprise present or get invited somewhere for tea and want to take a present as a guest.
2. Start shopping now.
I don’t understand the mad Christmas Eve shopping trip. You know that Christmas is coming so why act like its a surprise? Once I’ve written my list I try to start in advance (usually around September). I know of a few people who look through the January sales for the next Christmas.
3. Write a food shopping list
Again rather than a crazy dash at the end, is there anything you can stockpile and have ready now?
We tend to have a joint rather than a full Turkey on Christmas Day so this can be bought in September/October and put in the freezer. Vegetables tend to be done last within the week before Christmas but other bits like stuffing, gravy granules etc are either already in the cupboard or can be bought and stored.
It might sound silly but make sure that the best before date is after Christmas so that the food is still edible come Christmas. Some things won’t last that long but so what you can to save the stress and be organised.
4. Decide if you’re sending Christmas cards. If yes, write a list of recipients
We received our first Christmas card this weekend from a friend at church. She said there was no harm in being early.
Similarly to the presents write a list. Mine is usually grouped either by hand delivery or post or family, friends, church etc.
5. Check postage dates
If you are sending Christmas cards or need to send presents in the mail make sure you check the Christmas delivery dates so that the presents or cards get there in time. These are the dates from the Royal Mail website. Also avoid the Post Office on that final posting day – having made that mistake before it can be very busy!
The further away it needs to go the earlier it needs to go. New Zealand and Australia for example are as early as the 3rd and 4th December. If it’s going to a BFPO, check the type of box as the last postage date differs. One type has to go by the 28th November.
6. Once you’ve written that present list try and support local or small businesses whre you can.
Although I try and make some of my presents I try to buy the materials from local places if I can for example wool I try Monster Yarns or Tudor Rose before heading for Hobbycraft.
If you’re sorting a present for a couple or a family, something like homemade cookies or flapjack wrapped up nicely, can be a yummy present but doesn’t break the bank. (Make sure they are gluten or dairy free if needed!)
7. A Pinterest idea is to wrap your presents in fabric or using bright colours or sparkly pens draw over brown parcel/kraft paper and then wrap your present – pretty wrapping without spending more on wrapping paper.
Do you have any specific tips for the holiday season?
Original image found here. Additions my own.
This is s great list Hannah!
Doing cards early means you can save on postage too and use 2nd class stamps, I also keep a drawer in my study full of jams and preserves ive made in the year. That way I can give jars of chutney or jam along with some biscuits.
That works too – funnily enough I hadn’t thought of it like that! I’ve made lemon curd but never made jam or chutney without my Mum’s assistance – it’s probably about time that I tried it but I got rid of all the jars we’d collected – maybe I need to stall going to the bottle bank of a few weeks so I can collect some more jars! Will speak to Mum about recipes for jam.
Hi, Hannah! Excellent list. I am a Christmas planner, too. I enjoyed reading about your plans in London as it’s so far away from me in Missouri/USA. These lists are excellent reminders to those who are procrastinators to get busy. Sharing.
I’m confused…..what plans in London? I live in Bedford (about an hour by train north of London). Thanks for sharing 🙂
These are great tips, these are all things I tried to do last year as my son was due to be born two weeks before Christmas – best laid plans none of it happened and we were scrambling after he was born! This year I intend to get on top of things much more, especially since I also have a 1st birthday to plan!
I usually try to be on it given how much happens at church leading up to Christmas but some years it would slack. This year with having Jaxon I’m determined to try and be on it! Working on some printables but need Chris to help me make them a reality.
Love these tips! I hate trying to scramble to get ready for Christmas so this is perfect for me to get ahead! 🙂
How’s the preparations going? Do you feel any more organised?
Great ideas, Hannah ! So much to do for the season, it is better to be organized. Thanks for the tips.
Great Tips. I never realize how early I need to start planning for xmas.
I like your list! Yes, to stay ahead you really must be shopping now!
Love these tips. It is so hard to stay organized this time of year.
Fabulous list of ideas!! I know I need to get more organized around the holiday’s!
For a disorganised soul like me – it is great to have a list like this! My christmas tips for this year are:
I saved all last years Xmas cards and cut off the front so I can use them as gift cards this year
I am trying to have a ‘reclaimed’ Christmas this year, and buying as many pressies as I can from charity and 2nd hand stores.
What great tips for an organised Christmas, I am sure lists and being organised saves money too. I love the idea of marking lists SB or HM, which would really help when shopping. Bring on an organised Christmas! Thanks for linking up to #ChristmasCountdown
I watch UK Hot deals and grab the bargains in the summer and put them away … bit early?
No good idea. Get ahead of the game.
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