Halloween has been and gone, the days are growing shorter and there is a chill in the air. Christmas is just weeks away, and while some might groan that that’s ages, it will be upon us in no time. I thought I might put together a list of some things that can be done in November, a bit of a non event of a month, to help lighten the load when things turn hectic in December. I’ve also thrown in a few things that will just help to get you into the festive spirit too. If I think of any others I will add them in as they come to me.
In no particular order:
If you plan to entertain over Christmas, on the big day itself or around it, send out some invitations nice and early to give people plenty of notice. Invitations come thick and fast in December and people book up early so it’s good to give plenty of advance notice for parties etc. You can send out pretty cards or a simple text or email. Be sure to request an RSVP with a specified date so that you can plan grocery shopping etc around numbers.
Make a list of the people who you need to buy presents for. If you know what you want to buy write this beside the name with the name of the shop/website it’s from. This will make it easier to plan shopping trips. Also, make any online purchases early enough to allow for delivery before Christmas.
Make appointments for December, hairdresser, beautician, barber etc. Everywhere will be busy in December so book early to avoid disappointment.
Likewise make restaurant reservations for December.
Do a clear out of any unwanted/outgrown clothes, toys, books. Donate any in good condition to a charity shop, they will need stock for the Christmas period. Not only will you be helping out a charity you will also make room for presents received.
Buy yourself a little treat, you deserve it for being so organised.
Watch the Christmas lights being switched on in your town.
Do a big store cupboard shop to lighten the load closer to Christmas.
Defrost and clear out the freezer.
Make some meals to freeze to save you having to cook Christmas week. Hearty soups, cottage pie, stew, spaghetti Bolognese etc are good options as they freeze well and don’t take too much effort. They are also easy to double so you can make enough to eat and enough to freeze for later.
Play some Christmas music.
Bake the Christmas cake, pudding and make some mince meat. These all benefit from time to mature so are best made in advance.
Buy and write your Christmas cards so they are ready to post in December. While you are doing that, if you haven’t already, do up a spreadsheet with the names and addresses of everyone on your Christmas card list. It will save you having to do up a list each year, and go through your address book for everyone’s details.
Watch a Christmas movie.
Check all of your Christmas lights and replace any that aren’t working. If you put up outdoor lights why not put them up now before the weather turns too cold, you don’t have to switch them on yet. Or you could just leave them up all year, but sure no one would do that, right? *cough*
Watch a Christmas movie.
Buy an advent calendar ready for December 1st.
Make some decorations with the kids.
Treat yourself to a nice lunch. Alone. December is busy and we have so many people to meet a little quiet time might be nice before the madness.
Buy some presents.
Great list. Particularly watch the lights be switched on in your town, or in our case wait for the wibbly wobbly tree to appear in the square!
Think I’ll make mince meat this weekend get myself in the spirit!
I would like to raise an issue with this list.
The comment, “Buy Yourself a Treat, you deserve it for being so organised” is only on the list once.
It should be there at least 4 times to ensure maximum organisation continues right up to the day itself. Just a point!
I especially love the “Buy yourself a little treat, you deserve it for being so organised” part, might get another treat today. Great post as always MRS LMUTB
These are adorable! I’m thinking I might use these for party favors for my daughters bird theme party! Thanks!