It’s easy to let yourself feel stressed and overwhelmed by the upcoming Christmas holidays. Even if you’re starting your Christmas preparations in December, there is still time to be organised and prepared – so you can enjoy the Christmas holidays relaxing with your family.
Here are seven ways you can plan ahead to make the holidays run more smoothly.
- Menu Planning
If you know you’re going to be hosting the huge family get together on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve, it’s tempting to wait until the last minute. Instead, save yourself a lot of hassle and start planning your menu now. You’ll have plenty of time to scour Pinterest and magazines for new and yummy recipes. Make a list for menus, guests and gifts. The holiday lists will keep you organised and help you plan accordingly. You can order special items before the holiday rush, send out invitations early and pick the perfect gifts without the last-minute craziness.
- Sort Out Childcare
Consider hiring a babysitter to watch your children for a few short hours while you’re checking off your to-do list. Ask a babysitter to watch your children whilst you head to the shops, attend your work Christmas party or head out to an adults-only event. But remember that babysitters book up fast during the festive season. You can also trade off with other parents, having them look after your children whilst you shop or attend a party, and then watching their children when they need help.
- Prepare Your Shopping List
Many people put off shopping until the last minute, but planning in advance helps you save time, money and sanity.
- RSVP
With work, family, children’s parties and other events, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of socialising required during the holidays. Early in December when party dates, invites and other events start coming in, take time to prioritise which of these things are the most important for enjoying the holiday season. Make a list from most to least important, say “yes” to the top three and let the rest go. Cross reference this with your calendar to keep from double booking yourself.
- Make Travel Arrangements
Once you know your plans, you can start thinking about travel. If you’re going on holiday or travelling far to visit family, start organising the routes and transport you’ll be taking. Booking in advance for train tickets and flights can save you a lot of money.
- Arrange Pet Care
Like babysitters, pet sitters and kennels fill up months in advance for the holiday season. Arrange pet care, kennel or cattery spot now if you need pet care during the end-of-the-year festivities. If you’re taking your pet with you on a plane, call the airline to work out the logistics travelling with your pet.
- Keep In The Festive Spirit
This is the best time of year to be grateful for what you have. So don’t cause yourself stress by overscheduling and over-planning, and by trying to create the ideal Christmas to the point where you forget to have fun. Take a minute to stop and count your blessings as a family. Then volunteer at your church, a shelter or a charity organisation during the holidays. Or perhaps take part in Operation Christmas Child by sending a shoebox of gifts to a family less fortunate. There is nothing better to lift your spirits than giving to help others.
Remember that Christmas isn’t a competition to buy the best gifts or prepare the tastiest food. Spend the holidays with your family by planning ahead and keeping calm. If you feel like you’re struggling with multi-tasking mayhem of Christmas time, have a read of Sigrid Daniel’s tips in ‘Secrets of Multi-Tasking Mums’.
