While the “official” countdown to Christmas begins on December 1st, most of us start thinking and preparing for Christmas a bit earlier (why else would high street restaurants and shops start promoting their Christmas ranges while we all keep slapping on the sun cream!).
So we’ve put together this simple Christmas countdown that will help you get organized, avoid stress, and most importantly, enjoy the countdown to Christmas!
Countdown — 1 to 2 months to Christmas
Want to avoid the worst of the Christmas crowds? And avoid the disappointment of finding out that the only toy they want this year is already sold out?
Well, now is your chance to get organized and enjoy stress-free Christmas shopping. I would recommend trying an old-fashioned list (after all, Santa Claus himself has been using one for years!).
The following tips may help:
- On a piece of paper, have a column for the people you need to buy gifts for, a column for gift ideas, and a column for the budget for each gift.
- On a separate sheet of paper, do a little brainstorming, thinking carefully about each person you want to buy a Christmas present for: think about their hobbies, favorite color, favorite bands, movies, ideas you’ve picked up while talking. to them and so on
It may seem like an obvious exercise, but it’s one that works very well (or at least works for me!). It kick-starts the thought process, and before you know it, you’ll be seeing potential gifts for friends and family everywhere!
Once you have the ideas, the next thing is easy. All you need to do is shop for the gifts, wrap and label them, checking off the names of friends and relatives on your list as the Christmas gifts pile up in your closet!
You may also want to wrap up some backup gifts – always good to have on hand if someone comes unexpectedly with a gift for you!
Countdown: 4 weeks to Christmas
- Plan your wardrobe for the Christmas party: what are you going to wear and when, and buy the clothes you may need.
- Start your Christmas card list and shop all your Christmas cards and stamps
- Book any gift delivery online, which will be sent directly to the recipient, such as Christmas balloons, teddy bears and chocolates.
Countdown — 3 weeks to Christmas
- Now is the time to get seriously organized, especially if you’re throwing a Christmas party. This week:
- Send your Christmas cards and gifts
- Put up your Christmas tree and decorate your house
- Plan your food and drink shopping list: Now you need to know how many guests you’re expecting for your Christmas brunch or whatever other celebration you’re hosting so you can plan accordingly.
- Empty out your fridge and cupboards so you can start shopping for and stocking up on your holiday goodies; start now shopping for your non-perishable items.
Countdown: 2 weeks to Christmas
- Review the things you normally forget until it’s too late; For example, do you have enough knives, forks, and plates for all of your guests?
- Buy any last minute gifts – make sure all gifts are wrapped and labelled.
Countdown – 1 week to Christmas
- Buy last minute drinks and perishable food
- Write a time plan for preparing and cooking Christmas lunch so that you are relaxed on that day.
- Make sure your camcorder and camera are working properly and are full of batteries and film or tape.
Countdown: 1 day to Christmas
- Check that you have everything; now is the time for last minute shopping if you have forgotten something.
- Enjoy a drink on Christmas Eve to celebrate the start of the most festive season of all!
Christmas day
Relax and stay calm if you are cooking dinner, accept any help offered or ask family and friends for help as needed. It’s time to have fun!
It only remains to say Merry Christmas to all!