Already feeling stressed at the prospect of Christmas? It’s not hard to see why. Supermarkets are already stocking Christmas accessories and food, the Christmas ads are already starting on TV and some people are even eyeing up their next synthetic Christmas tree. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of the festive season, start your preparations early to avoid the onslaught of stress a few days before the big day.
Read on for some tips on how to prepare and all the details you might want to sort out early. Not only will it save you time and money, but it will also save your sanity!
Work out a budget and stick to it
One of the biggest worries during Christmas is money. It can work out very expensive hosting the extended family and shelling out for gifts for everyone. Instead, work out a budget in advance and take into account everything that you might need. Remember to include all the food for the days surrounding Christmas, decorations, gifts, outings, treats, accessories, Christmas cards and anything else you think you might need along the way.
Manage your commitments early
The festive season is awash with fun stuff to do. Avoid feeling overwhelmed with social commitments by filling your calendar early. That includes work Christmas parties, school events, family reunions, friend reunions and outings. If you’re going to the capital for some Christmas fun or planning to go abroad, book your train tickets to London King Cross in advance to avoid high prices.
With your calendar already set weeks in advance, you won’t run the risk of overbooking yourself and save yourself peace of mind.
Create your gift list
Nothing gets the heart racing quite like the Christmas Eve gift dash. Start thinking about your Christmas gifts early (hint: it’s never too early), buy them and even go one step further by wrapping and storing them away until the big day. By planning your gifts ahead, you are also ensuring that you buy something meaningful rather than something rushed and impersonal.
If you’re really struggling, there’s no shame in asking! As for the kids, just ask them to write a letter to Santa Claus with their gift requests to instil some magic into their early Christmases.
Decide who’s coming
Deciding who’s coming determines a lot of your Christmas prep. You’ll be able to plan a budget accordingly, think about gifts and send out invites with plenty of time to spare. It also avoids a lots of family drama too! If you have loved ones living abroad, make them feel included by organising a video call or checking out the Royal Mail delivery times to make sure they receive your gift in time.