Andy Williams was right. Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Nothing beats watching excited kids open their presents in the morning, spending quality time with your loved ones, and going back for another helping of pavlova, even though you’ve already had two!
However, getting everything ready is another story.
Between school concerts, work dos, shopping trips, and deciding what you’ll eat for lunch, “The Season of Goodwill” can actually be quite stressful.
You’ve barely enough time to do everything. And if you’re not organised, you may find yourself wrapping presents close to midnight on Christmas Eve and wondering whether you’ve bought enough potatoes.
Thankfully, being organised is something you can control. All it takes is a little thought and planning, and you’ll soon be able to enjoy the day with everyone else.
Here are a few ways you can take the pressure off.
1. Start Planning Christmas Early
Everyone knows when Christmas Day is. But for some reason, many don’t start thinking about it till well into December. By that time, your calendar is full, and your to-do list is massive!
Ideally, you should start planning for the day in early November. Specifically, write down any school events, work parties, family visits and delivery deadlines that you are committed to or need to be aware of. This will make your time easier to manage.
Next, write down what needs doing and keep your list somewhere handy. It is unlikely you will remember everything at once. So, you can add things when they occur to you, rather than trying to remember to jot them down later.
As much as possible, try to spread the jobs out. For instance, you could sort out family arrangements one weekend. Check the lights and decorations the next. Then buy a few presents after that.
It’s also worth leaving some space in December. You’ll be glad of a free afternoon to catch up on these activities if you’ve fallen behind or when something unexpected comes up.
2. Set a Christmas Budget You Can Stick To
Christmas can be expensive, and it can be hard to rein in your spending. That’s why it is a good idea to prepare financially for it well before the date. In fact, if you put $20 away each week from January 1, you’ll have over $ 1,000 at Christmas to cover what you need.
It’s also a good idea to draw up a budget for presents, food, travel, and any activities you’re planning. Another effective way to keep the spending down is to suggest a Secret Santa or agree to buy only for the children. Just make sure you have that conversation before anyone starts shopping.
3. Be Ready For Unexpected Christmas Costs
Unfortunately, you often run into an expense you haven’t budgeted for, which is why it is always good to have a contingency fund. However, sometimes this might not cover what you need to pay for. So, you can either scale back your preparations or find a way to counter your short-term cash flow issues.
If you don’t want to dampen the spirit of Christmas, borrowing options are available. One option to consider is EBP Money loans with easy process. Before you commit, though, check the fees, repayment dates, and total amount you would need to repay.
4. Make Christmas Gift Shopping Easier
Christmas shopping can be a nightmare if you are not organised. The worst thing you can do is wander around the shops aimlessly, with no clue what you’ll get your nephews and nieces, or your dear Aunt Sue.
Before you set foot in your local plaza, take time to make a list of what presents you’ll get for whom, and how much you’ll spend. Don’t be afraid to ask people to give you ideas of what to buy for them. However, if you do need some inspiration, here are some ideas you can check out.
5. Plan Christmas Dinner Without Spending All Day Cooking
Christmas dinner is the main event for many families, and it’s often the aspect that causes the most headaches. This is especially true if you’ve got guests coming over with food allergies or lifestyle preferences about what they would rather not eat.
If you are hosting Christmas, take a moment to choose a menu you feel comfortable making and confirm the likely attendees. Some elements, such as the turkey, hams, prawns, or other seafood, may need to be ordered well in advance. Make sure you do this. Otherwise, you could be disappointed.
Should someone offer to bring you food, make sure you say yes. Give them a specific suggestion that fits your menu, such as potato salad or a fruit platter, because that will be one less job for you.
6. Share the Christmas Jobs
Talking of jobs, there are plenty to do at Christmas, and just because you are hosting, the onus shouldn’t fall on you to do it all. Instead, share them with others in your household and anyone attending.
For instance, if you have a teenage child who drives, ask them to pick up the turkey and ham you ordered from the butcher. Similarly, have the kids test the lights out under a grandparent’s supervision, and ask siblings to come over early to help you make the food.
Sharing is caring, so the more people you can rope in to help you organise Christmas, the less stressful it will be for you as the host and the more enjoyable it will be for your guests.
7. Manage Family Expectations and Visits
Many people will want a piece of you at Christmas, which can take a toll if you are not organised. You’ll no doubt receive lots of invitations to get-togethers and events, and possibly requests for help. As your time is precious, try not to stretch yourself too thin. Instead, remember it’s okay to say no and focus on yourself.
If you are having people come over for Christmas, make sure you set expectations as the host. Tell them what time you will be eating and what food you’ll be having. Also, let people know your rules for the kids. If you are happy for yours to have lots of chocolate, that’s fine. You are the host.
However, if others have a problem with it, they should be aware of it beforehand and not ruin Christmas Day by trying to impose their rules or expectations on you.