Now schools are back, it’s a case of half-term, Halloween, Bonfire Night then Christmas will soon be upon us and it’s time to start planning for the big day. While the festive season is meant to be full of joy, with cheery music and plenty of tasty treats, it can become the most stressful, anxiety-inducing event of the year if you don’t get organised in time.
There are so many things to think about in the lead up to Christmas, particularly if you have a family or are hosting a large number of people over the holidays. From deciding on a menu and choosing your decorations, to sending out Christmas cards and getting a tree, it’s hard to know where to begin! Here are some things that should be at the top of your Christmas checklist this year.
Decide on your initial Christmas plan
Take some time to sit down and work out what you need to do to prepare for the big day. Consider how many people you’ll need to feed, who you want to buy gifts for, whether you need to buy any new decorations and whether you need to buy a Christmas tree.
Dig out your seasonal decorations and do a quick inventory to see what may need to be replaced. It’s easy to pack everything up in January and forget that a box of baubles got smashed or the fairy lights had stopped working. As we all know, putting the decorations up is key to getting the whole family into the Christmas spirit.
Set a budget
Once you have an idea of what you need to buy or organise, you should work out approximately how much you’re expecting to spend on each area and draw up a budget. Christmas can be an expensive occasion, so try to save a chunk of money each month to put towards your budget.
Putting away a little bit at a time will make your saving more manageable, and you won’t have a last-minute panic or have to dip into your savings account. Remember, setting the budget is one thing, but it’s no use if you don’t stick to it, so make sure you keep to the plan when making any purchases.
Choose your Christmas gifts and cards
It can take time to think of the perfect gift, so keep a list throughout the year and if you think of an idea make a note so you don’t forget. Keep your Christmas shopping as organised as possible by planning what to get each person before you go to the shops. This will save both time and stress when it comes to buying your gifts.
Order your Christmas cards early, so that you’ve got plenty of options to choose from and they can be delivered well before you need to send them out. Card Factory UK have a wide range of cards to choose from. Whether you want a personalised sentimental card or something with a touch of humour, there’s a design to suit all your friends and family.
