Housekeeping: Countdown to Christmas – 9 Ways to Get Ahead in November
Cut down on stress in the busy month of December by doing a little festive prep now
Is it too early to mention Christmas? If you secretly (or even openly!) like to get ahead of the festive season, it pays to begin preparing now. While I’m sure you’ll want to be enjoying the end of autumn in all its glory, sorting out a few elements that combine to make a magical Christmas now is worthwhile and can save untold stress come December. Here are a few things to consider.
Collate addresses
By gathering addresses of your friends and family, you’ll avoid frantic emails and texts as you try to beat the last posting date. To be even more organised, try building a simple spreadsheet of names and addresses.
If you prefer to keep things more traditional, stash addresses on cards or in a book and keep it handy, ready for card writing. Using this will make the Christmas card mail-out more fun than frantic.
By gathering addresses of your friends and family, you’ll avoid frantic emails and texts as you try to beat the last posting date. To be even more organised, try building a simple spreadsheet of names and addresses.
If you prefer to keep things more traditional, stash addresses on cards or in a book and keep it handy, ready for card writing. Using this will make the Christmas card mail-out more fun than frantic.
Buy gifts as you see them
I used to think my mum was a little odd for gathering Christmas gifts throughout the year, then stashing them in secret places (from under the stairs to under beds) around the house. I see now that not only does it mean you have less to do in December, it also spreads the cost, avoiding that hideous bank balance dip.
Discover 10 clever uses for the space under your stairs
I used to think my mum was a little odd for gathering Christmas gifts throughout the year, then stashing them in secret places (from under the stairs to under beds) around the house. I see now that not only does it mean you have less to do in December, it also spreads the cost, avoiding that hideous bank balance dip.
Discover 10 clever uses for the space under your stairs
Wrap as you go
If you’re even more organised, you could wrap and label as you go to save yourself from that inevitable Christmas Eve marathon of Sellotape and scissors.
If you’re even more organised, you could wrap and label as you go to save yourself from that inevitable Christmas Eve marathon of Sellotape and scissors.
Stock up on important pantry items
In much the same way as stocking up on gifts earlier in the year spreads the effort and the cost, so it’s worth gathering pantry items. Stock up on the non-perishable basics and avoid the Christmas rush.
See more stylish pantries
In much the same way as stocking up on gifts earlier in the year spreads the effort and the cost, so it’s worth gathering pantry items. Stock up on the non-perishable basics and avoid the Christmas rush.
See more stylish pantries
Shop around early
If you like to indulge in a little champagne or spirits on – and around – Christmas Day, take advantage of supermarket offers as and when they come up throughout the coming months. Just beware, though – if you store goodies in plain sight, they may disappear before Christmas!
If you like to indulge in a little champagne or spirits on – and around – Christmas Day, take advantage of supermarket offers as and when they come up throughout the coming months. Just beware, though – if you store goodies in plain sight, they may disappear before Christmas!
Make sure everything is clean
This is a slightly less fun and festive job, but important nonetheless: make sure bigger household tasks are done in advance. Does your freezer need defrosting? How clean is your oven? Is your spare bed linen ready to go? Chip away at these jobs now and you’ll leave more time for hanging Christmas decorations and going to parties.
Find out more ways to keep your laundry room shipshape
This is a slightly less fun and festive job, but important nonetheless: make sure bigger household tasks are done in advance. Does your freezer need defrosting? How clean is your oven? Is your spare bed linen ready to go? Chip away at these jobs now and you’ll leave more time for hanging Christmas decorations and going to parties.
Find out more ways to keep your laundry room shipshape
Sit back and enjoy the sense of achievement
If the major stuff is done, then it’s just a case of maintaining your weekly cleaning schedule and, hopefully, putting your feet up!
TELL US…
Do you like to get ahead for Christmas? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
If the major stuff is done, then it’s just a case of maintaining your weekly cleaning schedule and, hopefully, putting your feet up!
TELL US…
Do you like to get ahead for Christmas? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Confirming logistics, even now, can reduce any last-minute December panics. Will you be celebrating at home, visiting family or travelling abroad? Make sure everyone you want to see is free and booked in. If you’ll be travelling in December, consider booking your tickets now as it will likely save you money. Also make sure days off work are applied for and confirmed.