How to de-stress Christmas
What are the best ways to get ahead on Christmas and have a more enjoyable time with your family and friends? Here are a few suggestions from my Christmas playbook, all of which involve getting a head start on planning and shopping:
Create a to-do list
To do lists are your best tool when there is so much to accomplish. Whether you use pen and paper or an app like Todoist, put down everything you need to do – and set some realistic completion deadlines.
But as you do this, reflect on past years – what tasks were the biggest headache, what problems did you have? Just one example – I purchase wrapping paper and additional decor items well before December as nice examples sell out early.
Check what you have on hand
Tucked away in cupboards you have things you may have bought, stored and forgot about. Do an inventory before you start shopping for things you already have. Check your decorative lights work so you can buy replacement globes and spare batteries.
Organise your diary
Look through your diary from last year so you are reminded of what’s likely to be coming up. Schedule time for prep and shopping too. And ideally make sure you schedule some downtime between must-attend work events and family catch ups.
Plan your menus
If you are hosting guests now is the time to figure out how you are going to manage the catering. Hopefully you have some go-to recipes but if you need new inspiration then research some recipes that are well within your wheelhouse. Doing everything is a stretch at the best of times, so be strategic and make as much as you can in advance of the event. Nobody minds if you buy some pre-made things but do make it a bit special.
If you are going to use suppliers to cater then as part of the ordering process, make sure you have the pick up date and time arranged with the vendor and a reminder set in your calendar. You do not want to be arriving 15 minutes after closing time or trying to source an alternative when stores are sold out.
Stock up the pantry
As you do the weekly shop, start buying additional non-perishable items that you know you will need. Stock up the freezer (pro-tip – milk freezes really well). Place orders now with your meat and seafood suppliers. Ideally the only things you want to shop for a day or two out from Christmas are fruit and veg, fresh bakery items and soft cheeses that are at the ideal stage of ripeness.
Gifting
You will make better choices and keep to your budget when you are not under pressure and can think clearly. Something that shows creativity, thoughtfulness or a gentle sense of humour will be appreciated and needn’t be expensive. Another suggestion for people who have it all – check if you can make donation in their name to a cause they support.
If you find gift wrapping stressful, look out for charity gift wrappers in shopping centres. Gift bags and boxes are highly presentable and don’t require finesse. I always pre-wrap gifts in tissue paper which is a touch that people often remark on.
I’m afraid I can’t help you personally with your Christmas prep but I do wish you and yours a happy and blessed time of togetherness,
