Monthly Christmas Prep: September

When I mention products, I haven’t been sponsored or paid for these links. They are products that I love and would use myself.

Growing up, my Mum would start Christmas shopping in the summer. This was so that she was ready when the festive season properly arrived. Chris’s Aunt has beaten this and shop in the January sales for the following Christmas. While getting into the festive spirit and starting my planning for Christmas, I thought I would share some suggestions. I know Christmas in September is a bit crazy but I like to be organised and make sure I have things planned and ready to go. The idea of having to go shopping on Christmas Eve just stresses me out a little bit!

1. Check addresses. Do you need to send cards or presents in the mail? Make sure your address book is up to date. Check the last post dates. Remember – although First Class and Second Class can be sent in the last week before Christmas, International post needs to go out earlier than that. Do you need to get international packages in the mail before December starts?

2. Purchase or make your Christmas planner. I love these ones by Anna Brim (aka Mrs Brimbles) but also love this TN insert by AnniePlansPrintables on Etsy.

3. Write a list of gift recipients. While writing your list of recipients, in the next column add gift ideas. If you’re creative and making gifts, start a shopping list of materials – even if it’s just a “shop your stash” list in the first instance. If you can support a small or local business then do it! Take a look at Folksy or Etsy for ideas if needed (Don’t worry you can click one of the filters on the left to show sellers in your own country rather than ship internationally). If you’re buying clothes or things that are size dependent – do you have the right sizes? I’ve been known to tell my Dad that if he’s buying clothes for Mum, check with me first for what size is needed!

4. If you’re buying clothes or things that are size dependent – do you have the right sizes? I’ve been known to tell my Dad that if he’s buying clothes for Mum, check with me first for what size is needed!

5. Write a budget for your gifts. Do you need to save up for ones? Can you spread the purchasing across the next four months rather than a crazy rush at the end.

6. Are you wanting to complete December Daily or another form of memory keeping? Maybe consider purchasing a memory keeping kit like this one from MrsBrimbles now rather than trying to at the last minute.

Each month leading up to Christmas there will be another list of tasks to get on with. Some will be little and some will be bigger but they are totally manageable in bite-sized chunks so that you’re not stressed out by the end! You can find all the posts here.