Know the book and movie ‘Skipping Christmas? Each year as Christmas approaches I feel like wouldn’t it be awesome to skip Christmas. However, it is not Christmas I really want to skip it is the hustle and bustle that comes from Christmas when you are not ready for it.
This year, I thought I’d be more organised. You know have Christmas planned, know exactly what gifts I want to buy for the family. Even know what I’m cooking and how the family and I are spending our Christmas holidays. Yet, this year instead of being organised, I feel a little late with the preparation and planning as I’m just getting my Christmas lists ready.
One of the reasons I feel like I’m not ready for Christmas is it doesn’t feel like Christmas is coming. Even though I’ve lived in Australia for a long time, I still feel that the cold weather and snow represent Christmas. Not sun, beach and prawns of the bbq.
Another reason I’m no way near ready for Christmas is I haven’t started my Christmas preparations yet. I know that when Christmas arrives I’ll be ready. Ready to relax and enjoy time with the family, friends and me. The ‘me-time’ is important. I’ll be completing these Christmas lists this week as to prepare for an awesome Christmas and New Year.
5 Christmas Planning lists to be organised for the festive season.
Keeping Christmas lists are a great way to get organised for the festive season. A few Christmas planning lists you may want to keep are;
- Present lists
- Christmas card list
- Menu Plan
- Groceries list
- Functions and events list to attend
I personally like to keep my lists on the Wunderlist app. It is a great app to use which I can add to throughout the year as I think of things. Things like presents, menus and day trips. Though, this year it looks a little empty as I embrace less is more and the value of relationships.
Remember the present.
Children today receive many presents and as Christmas draws near they begin to say what they would like from Santa or from mum and dad and other relatives.
Fortunately, my children are older and although they have a Christmas list, it is no way as extensive as it used to be. Older children understand the meaning of presence.
It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree that matters. It’s who’s around it.
Charlie Brown.
Around the Christmas tree on Christmas day will be a few presents. Throughout the year I add to the Xmas present list ideas that I have from listening to my family talk. They always get a few surprises.
What makes the Christmas gift special is the thought behind the packing of the present. One year my husband and I gave a little mini Christmas tree to our daughter who was going overseas. The mini Christmas tree had lots of vouchers on. You can see it here in special gift ideas for family overseas.
The easy way to send Christmas cards.
Many years ago the lounge room would be full with Christmas cards strung across the room. The Christmas cards became part of decorating for Christmas. As many of our friends and family live overseas our Christmas cards have become digital.
What I love about digital Christmas and birthday cards is how you can personalise them.
Even though the ordering of the Christmas cards have gone digital the card is printed and delivered the good old fashioned way. You have to love ‘moonpig’.
Moonpig makes ordering the card easy and the delivery is quick. All you need to know is who you are sending cards too and have a list of names ready for when you scroll through the many card options.
When it comes to writing the Christmas card list, I have a few lists.
- Personalised card list to be ordered from moonpig
- Special cards that I send overseas, normally a special Australian card. Cards that show the uniqueness of Australia like these ones.
- Names for cards purchased locally. The cards I purchase always give back to a charity.
The menus for the special days.
My Christmas planning lists always include menus. What’s to eat is a common question my family ask me. Every Sunday I write the menu for the week.
In November I’m already thinking about and writing up the Christmas menu. The sooner you know what the menu is the sooner you can buy some of the items.
The advantages of knowing what the Christmas menu is are;
- Buying some produce early as to split the cost across a few grocery bills.
- Knowing what to delegate to family or friends who are bringing a plate to the party.
- Some cooking can take place ahead of time freeing time up on the day to be with your friends and family.
- You can check you have all the recipes you need to cook the dishes you would like to eat.
The menus at Christmas can be simple or fancy, depending on what you prefer.
I stopped cooking a traditional English Christmas lunch years ago. Australia is too hot and my family don’t really like roast dinners. In fact, we changed our menu to be a Christmas brunch something everyone enjoys. A Christmas brunch also meant I was spending more time with the family and less time in the kitchen.
Cooking well doesn’t mean cooking fancy.
Julia Child.
The Christmas grocery list.
Once you know what your cooking for your meals, write out the Christmas grocery list. The sooner you have your list written the sooner you can start purchasing non-pershisables.
I like to keep my list for shopping in the Wunderlist app, this way I can tick it off once an item is purchased.
When you buy an item early it is essential not to use it before Christmas.
Tip: Clear space in the pantry or use large sealable storage box and place the items in the box on purchasing. Also, keep a list of the groceries you need and your menu plan taped to the inside of the lid of the box or the door of the pantry.
If you have children, remember to add extra batteries to the shopping list. The last thing you want at Christmas is for your child to receive a toy that needs batteries and you have none.
Managing the calendar.
Christmas is always a busy time of year. There are always a lot more events or functions to attend as well as family dinners and outings with friends.
Although you may get invited to many events it is Ok to say no and be selective. Your health comes first and attending too many events can be stressful. One of the best things you can do over the holiday break is to take time out and have a rest. This is especially important if you are balancing work and socialising over the festive season.
As you get invited to a dinner, event or function write it in your calendar and on the family calendar. If it is a family event or an event for you and your partner, discuss it first to ensure everyone is free to attend. This time of year it is so easy to double book yourselves or run from one function to another. Overcommitment often leads to stress and exhaustion. Remember to look after number one, you. Plan for a fun and relaxing holiday.
Whether you plan using an app, in your journal or with printable Christmas planning lists like the lists mentioned above, being prepared can help reduce Christmas stress.
Download the Christmas planning lists.
Have an awesome holiday season.
Angie blogs about setting goals and mastering habits as well as productivity and living abroad. She started blogging while learning the skills to start an online business. Her goal to work online came about due to wanting to see overseas family and travel around Australia. Her mission is to help others succeed with their goals. Angie often shares tips and tricks while walking the beaches or near the lake on the Central Coast NSW Australia.
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