It’s Christmas (Planning) Time!

You may not want to hear this, but we are only short weeks away from tinsel, decorations in shopping centres, and that most festive of times, Christmas.

Christmas can be, to borrow a very fine quote, the best of times, and the worst of times.

To ensure that your 2014 Christmas falls into the ‘best of times’ category, start making plans.

Who is hosting?

Assumption is the mother of all misunderstandings. Families nowadays are large, complicated, blended affairs – give everyone plenty of time to have their say and complete their family jigsaw for Christmas day.

Offer more than one option, but make it clear from the outset that majority rules – if most of your group vote for a lunchtime gathering, then so be it. The larger the group, the harder it is to please everybody. However, with enough warning, there is the opportunity to make it work.

Who is bringing what?

Very shortly, the pre-Christmas specials will be available, in food, drink and gift ideas. Savvy retailers offer brat deals a wee while out, then reduce the savings closer to the big day. If you decide on a menu in the next few weeks, you can order the turkey, or seek out the best priced lamb roast and bubbly in plenty of time.

Divide dishes according to everyone’s strengths. If Aunty Anna is a whiz at trifle, let her go for it and leave the salad to someone who loves to make those. For a successful group meal, it really is best to decide on a menu and ask people to bring a specific dish, to avoid double ups and gaps.

Devise your shopping list and hop to it!

The best way to avoid a budget blowout at Chirstmas is to shop gradually – make an inventory of what you would like to buy and check off one or two gifts per week – not only will you reduce the pressure to shop all at once, your bank account will thank you for it.

Start asking people if there is anything practical or specific they are hoping to receive at Christmas – it helps with mental blocks and prevents panic or impulse buying.

Keep an eye out for bargains

Food and drinks are not the only things discounted in the couple of months. Keep an eye out on the sale websites for Christmas trees, decorations, linen and the like. Subscribe to email lists that advertise pop up sales, which often only run for a couple of days. There are some wonderful things to be found, which won’t be in every mall.

Wrap as you go

Many a tired mother, father or grandparent has spent the wee small hours of Christmas morning finishing wrapping presents, and it becomes a chore, not a joy. If you adopt a ‘wrap as you buy’ approach, the job is broken up into bite sized pieces.

Make a start on the finishing touches

Cranberry sauce, home made chutney and preserves or hand made gifts are alway welcome, but take time. If you are planning on making some of your own gifts, get started shortly, to reduce the time pressure.

Plan to include everyone

If you have a friend or neighbour who may have to spend Christmas alone, set an extra place at your table in advance. For those who may be alone, knowing they have been invited  not as an afterthought is priceless. 

With relatives who are unable to travel or are in care, ensure they will be visited and loved on Christmas day. If you can’t be there in person, put together a care parcel to entertain them throughout the day – include a photo album, something to read, something to eat and an easy activity.

Book ahead

Pets need to be cared for if you are going away. Holiday homes, rental cars and other transport needs to be booked – check that you have all your bookings locked in now to avoid disappointment. This includes booking with your hairdresser, self tanner, nail salon and car servicer – they book up quickly!

Christmas is supposed to be a really wonderful time to spend with friends and family. Think and act now, so you can sit back and enjoy later.