If you’ve read my blog before you’ll know that I like my lists and trying to be an organised mum. What with working 30+ hours a week on top of the school run and ferrying Little H to all her clubs, I don’t have much time for anything else.
If you’re in the same boat, you might find my busy mum’s Christmas planning checklist useful. I’ve tried to list everything you need to get done before the big day.
Put your Christmas Decorations Up
If you haven’t already, get that tree up! It will make you feel so much more Christmassy and makes the winter evenings seem so cosy. We did our Christmas tree a couple of weeks ago, and I’ve been feeling festive ever since. I’ve also bought some lights for outside as spotted some for half price in Tescos, just need to work out how to actually put them up now!
Buy Gifts
An obvious one, but worth finishing ASAP so you’re not doing any last minute panic buying. Write a list of everyone you need to buy for and jot down any ideas you have for gifts. If you have lots of kids to buy for try to take advantage of 2 for 1 offers.
Shop online to find the best deals, and to save time traipsing around the shops. I’ve recently discovered Amazon Prime which covers all your deliveries for £7.99 a month, plus you can get parcels delivered to an Amazon locker which is very handy if you’re out of the house all day. You can get a 30 day free trial of Amazon Prime here.
Buy and write cards
Buy your cards early so you can write in batches if you’re short on time. If you need the kids to write or make cards you’d better get them started early too as it’s not a quick job. Don’t forget to buy stamps too! This year the last Christmas posting dates are Thursday 21st December for first class post and Wednesday 20th December for 2nd class post.
Plan your menu and Order your food
I highly recommend thinking about Christmas dinner early – order your food in advance and book a slot for home delivery. There’s no fighting the crowds for the last packet of sprouts in the supermarket or queuing at the checkout for half an hour. I also try to buy a bit each week to spread some of the cost, a bottle of wine here or tube of Pringles there isn’t quite so scary as seeing the whole bill in one go.
Start Wrapping
If you hate wrapping gifts maybe try doing a bit a night, especially good if you have nosy kids who will go looking for presents! Stick on Netflix, open the wine, and wrap a few gifts at a time. Alternatively, if you really hate wrapping you can always find someone local who will be happy to do it for you for a price.
Buy or Make Teacher Gifts
Don’t be the only mum who forgot to buy a gift for the teachers! If you don’t have the budget to buy gifts you could get the kids to make their own. We went for homemade Christmas tree chocolates which were easy to make, cheap and I think look quite nice!
Plan your Christmas Table
Worth thinking about in advance in case you need to buy or make anything. Make sure you have enough plates and cutlery (we were somehow one fork short one year!), and any decorations and napkins that you might need. Pinterest is a great source of inspiration if you’re not sure how to decorate your table.
Buy your secret Santa gift
If you’re doing Secret Santa at work, don’t leave your gift until the last minute. From personal experience I can honestly say that this is the most stressful present of the year! Good shops if you have a tight budget are Tiger, Home Bargains and of course Poundland.
Sort your Christmas outfit
Treat yourself and get your outfit for Christmas day sorted. Bonus points if you can also wear it to your work Christmas party!
Enjoy Christmas!
Hopefully, if you’ve planned everything and got yourself sorted in advance then you can enjoy Christmas day and relax.
if you’re already stressing about how much there is to do, you might want to have a read of my post Ways to cope with last-minute Christmas stress.
Let me know if I’ve forgotten anything on my list!
Alicia Potts
The last one is def my fave! lol