Okay – I’ll admit it. I’m TERRIBLE at getting organised for Christmas.
This was brought to my attention yesterday when having coffee with my Mum. She started talking about all the presents she’s already bought for my cousins, their kids, me, Nick… and the fact she’s gotten all her cards written. I just sat there in awe… and feeling just a mite of fear – ’cause I’ve got NOTHING done!
Since growing up, I’ve never really been drawn into the ‘magic of Christmas’. I mean, I love spending the time with my family, and I really love the whole new-year time – a time of introspection for me, always.
But I always fall behind when it comes to getting presents, cards, and all the other associated ‘Christmassy’ stuff done.
I also sometimes struggle to get everything organised properly in my business – because the Christmas rush often hits and it all goes crazy (a good crazy, but crazy nonetheless)!
I’m admitting my Christmas-related-issues here because, well… I suspect I’m not the only person who feels this way. And I also suspect that there are a lot of you out there who are WAY more awesome at this than I am.
So – today, it’s over to you. If you’re an awesome Christmas-organiser (you know, you probably start buying gifts for next Christmas on Boxing Day, right?) I want to know your secrets!
How do you get it all done?
WHAT do you get done?
What does Christmas look like in your home (and in your business)?
Please share in the comments 🙂 And don’t be shy, I need some advice here, people!
Image from Citrus and Orange.ÂÂ
Unfortunately, I’m a bit like you Jess and I have no idea how people are so prepared for Xmas! Somehow though, I do manage to get things sorted in time. I’m just not sure how!ÂÂ
Welcome, fellow Christmas-disorganisationalist! ;D
If you “have-to” buy presents, get them throughout the year when the huge sales are on so that when xmas comes around you dont have to do a mad rush (might be a bit late for you this year though)! If buying stuff for kiddies, ask them what they want, but be creative in how you ask them, so you dont have to spend a fortune..for friends, i ask them what they want, takes the hassle of second guessing!ÂÂ
Yes, we’ve given up guessing in our family! We usually just ask each other what we want – though there are usually some surprises in there, too 🙂
I usually buy gift or make gifts throughout the year. I often use my prototype pattern stuff for gifts as well. I am a weekly menu planner already so the menu is taken care of in advance. As for decorations and stuff I have fallen behind in buying new ones as my 10+ year old ones are getting a bit ratty.
See, this ‘doing things throughout the year’ thing is what I need to improve on!
Step 1. Write a list of recipients you need gifts for
Step 2. use Lasoo or Google to price compare (unbelievable, I know, but not everyone wants handmade stuff for Christmas!
Step 3. write out list of shops and where each gift is available (or if you’re a spreadsheet nerd like me, create a table in excel and populate it with tick boxes)
Step 4. do it NOW. Save yourself the parking nightmare that is Christmas shopping and avoiding stressing yourself out wondering whether online purchased gifts will arrive on time.
Step 5. Have a “wrapping” night where you lay out all your supplies and gift wrap every single one of those buggers (don’t forget to add gift tags so you don’t forget what’s for who).
Ohh, I like the idea of a ‘wrapping night’, Magdalena!
I write a LOT o f lists. haha!
Also, if I’m making things for people (like I am this year) then I actually just choose like 4 different gifts, and then make variations of them. You can either split them up, so that no one knows they got the same gift as someone else, or just partner people up, and get them the same (ex: might make both mum and dad bath salts, or each of Luke and my mums bath salts etc).
I also LOVE Christmas cooking, so around the start of November I just write a list of all the things I want to make, and what ingredients I’ll need, and then just add them to my shop every week.
I find it DEFINITELY helps if you put some Christmas music on, and at least have one or two decorations somewhere you can easily see when you’re making your lists et. That way you stay focussed on what you’re doing, and get inspired!
If I’m actually buying things for people (as opposed to making them), then I try to get them done first, so I don’t have to go near the shops! Either buy them online, or go to the real shops. They won’t run out this quickly, and you’re not doing a mad rush at the midnight shop on Christmas Eve!
But yes, can’t ‘harp on’ enough about getting in the ‘christmas spirit’. Put up some decorations early! Once Christmas is over, it’s over, so I try to draw it out for as long as possible before hand!
I love the ‘make variations’ idea! Actually, you’ve just reminded me of a job I need to do making some keepsakes for my family… better get onto that!
If you see something cool and affordable on the internets while you’re browsing around… don’t just pin it, think through your list-of-people-to-be-gifted and see if it would work for one of them! I start to kick into this habit naturally in November and by December 1st I’ve usually got at least half the shopping done. I also pick up bits and pieces through the year for the kids in the family when I see something neat so my stocking stuffers/supplementary gifts are cool and considered ones rather than afterthoughts.
The men are always the hardest in my family though – I tell them if they don’t write lists they’re all getting Bunnings gift cards 😛
Haha, nice one, Jenna! Why are men always so hard to buy for?
I’m also a big list-maker at Christmas time. I for one, LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas! & I really get the MAGIC of it. I even cry listening to Christmas music….I know I’m crazy. As for getting it done…
-I make lots of lists & I make schedules. Lists for buying gifts, lists for cleaning the house really good (we have about 20 people over every Christmas). Schedules for baking (ya- I do a TON of baking!) & you guessed it- Schedules for decorating. WHY do I need lists for decorating??? Because my house looks like Christmas blew up in it because I decorate so much. Soooo it takes me about a week to finish it. I do one room a day. (Like I said- I LOVE Christmas!)
So, because I do all of that organizing ahead of time, it helps me to get it out of the way so that starting about a week before Christmas it’s all about the magic 🙂 I can relax, play with the kids, do puzzles…(does anyone else love doing jigsaw puzzles?) Listen to music, play music, read books, watch Christmas movies. OK- seriously- I’m getting excited just typing all of this. YAYYYYY!!!!