Preparing for Christmas

For me once half term has finished it is all systems go for Christmas. I do my initial preparation back in the January sales by getting wrapping paper and bows, serviettes etc. in the sale, that way I don’t feel guilty about splurging on paper that feels luxurious.

Then, I start with the organisation, who do we have to buy gifts for and what is the budget, planning menus, looking at what events have we got in the calendar - checking the children’s calendars for concerts, parties and ‘gatherings’, when will we see family, friends, etc, it can all mount up but I find taking an afternoon to get everything into the calendar helps. We are at the stage now where our children don’t always welcome our presence nor come with us, but as we live quite rurally they still need to be dropped off and collected - often from different ends of the school catchment area so having a plan of who is where and when all in one place helps. It also means when they come with a last minute “can I just…” I can give them an answer straight away.

I also think about do we need any hostess gifts, or things for raffles and fundraisers? I enjoy getting my box of goodies out, checking what we have and starting to think about what we need to get. Its no secret that I like a list as much as I like knowing what I have coming up and I operate what my husband calls a two diary system.

First I have a calendar which has appointments, birthdays, matches all written down. Its kept on the dining table and anyone can add to it so long as its not for the current week - the only catch is you have to pay attention to what’s already there - if you can see a clash then you need to talk to me about it so we can find a solution and prioritise.

Second I have my planner and on Sunday evening I look at my week ahead. I add in all my appointments, work meetings etc from the calendar, check my children’s activities, who is picking up and dropping off, add in when my husband is working away. I then look at the weather and schedule my workouts (otherwise they are the first thing to get pushed to the side). I look at upcoming birthdays - who do I need to get a gift for in the coming weeks - especially if it is something that will need to post? I also try to menu plan, knowing what we are going to eat makes it far easier when you walk through the door and everyone is tired and hungry.

If you would like me to work with you on coming up with a weekly planning strategy for your family please get in touch using the link below.