Are you ready for Christmas?
Christmas is getting close, are you ready? Have you been too busy to even think about it yet, or procrastinating because it’s too overwhelming to make a start?
Well, there’s good news, getting organised for Christmas doesn’t have to be daunting. By doing a little bit each week, rather than leaving it till the last minute, you can be well on your way to a stress-free Christmas.
In my “How to get organised this Christmas” blog series I’m going to help you break things down into small steps. From gift and food shopping to getting the house ready, let’s get it organised so you can relax and enjoy your Christmas.
Create your Christmas game plan
Unprecedented is set to be the word of the year this year. It’s been difficult to plan ahead due to so much uncertainty. Money may be tighter, and your home may be more chaotic. It’s hard to stay on top of the day-to-day tasks let alone get organised for Christmas and the school holidays.
This first “How to get organised for Christmas” post is about getting an overall plan in place that the whole family can get on-board with. When we’re done you’ll know exactly what you’re doing and when. Ready?
Step 1: Gather everything date related
Firstly, get your phone, email, the pile of date reminders stuck on the fridge, a calendar and a cup of coffee. It’s best if you can do this with the whole family, but what’s important is to make a start.
I recommend a physical calendar that you can stick up on the wall for everyone to see, but if you prefer digital that’s fine too.
Even better, use a whiteboard, or create a calendar on the wall with post-it notes. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and ideally it should allow you to easily move things around and edit information.
Here’s one I prepared earlier!
Download and print a 2020 Christmas calendar.
Right-click on image and select save image as…
Step 2: Fill in all known activities and commitments
After you’ve decided on a calendar format, now’s the time to fill in all the dates of activities and commitments you’re aware of. Don’t worry about any double-ups at the moment, just get them written down. Think about any parties, end of school activities, work functions and last day’s of school and work. If you’re not sure on dates, search your email, check online or give someone a call and find out, don’t put it off.
Step 3: Decide what family activities you want to do
Now that you have everything down that you’re aware of, next, think about things that you want to do as a family this Christmas. Santa photo’s? Christmas carols? A drive around the Christmas lights? When do you want to decorate the house if you haven’t already? Work these in around your other dates.
Before moving on, review your calendar. Is there too much going on? Is there anything you can drop out or move around? Are you double-booked? Think about what your priorities are as a family, you don’t have to accept every invitation.
Step 4: What are you doing over the 3 days of Christmas?
If you haven’t decided what you’re doing for Christmas eve, Christmas day and Boxing day, now is the time to decide. Are you having guests over or going to someone else’s house? Put in the dates you’re away or when guests are arriving and departing.
Step 5: Add in some time each week to get things done
Mark in a couple of spots for getting Christmas shopping done. The best time, if you’re planning to physically go to the shops, is weekday mornings before schools break up. However, there’s a lot you can do online if the thought of the shops brings you out in a sweat. I’ll cover more tips for Christmas shopping next time.
Lastly, I want you to add in 30 mins each week in December for planning the week ahead, preferably a time when the whole family is together. Sunday’s work best for most people.
You're done for the day
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Get in touch
If it’s all too much and you’re struggling to get organised this Christmas, get in touch, I’m here to help. As a professional organiser, I can work with you to figure out a plan that fits in with your family and lifestyle.
