Christmas! It’s the most magical time of the year. Twinkling lights, big family gatherings around a roaring fire. Along with all the hoopla comes the highest of expectations. As Moms we always want to make all our families dreams come true, the problem? This season of joy also brings the crazy.
Each and every year, no matter how good my intentions I always end up leaving some of those important holiday preparations to the last minute. Ridiculous. My promise to myself. This year, I will do better! This year I will not be taken down by a prize turkey I can not find, I will not have to go back to the grocery store for forgotten cranberry sauce that the Grandparents need for their Christmas dinner to be complete, and I WILL get my shopping done before all the “must have” toys are sold out in every single store! This year I will be organized!
Here are my top 5 ways to prepare for Christmas and my tips on how to avoid the crazy.
Create A Budget
You need a plan. Christmas can be a bit like a run away train – you have to make sure you are the conductor and stay in charge of that locomotive. Don’t forget the expenses beyond the gifts and stocking stuffers. Some of these items include:
- Holiday Cards
- New outfits for the family
- Gift wrap supplies
- Food
- Bar/Holiday Drinks
- Decorations
- And even extra Hydro for lights this season
Set a budget and stick to it, your future self will thank you.
Make A List
Not just one list, but a few. (Yes, I believe in the power of lists.)
- One for all the gifts you need to buy. The more specific the better. And don’t forget to add a column for money spent for each gift.
- A second for all the household items you need to accomplish up before Santa arrives. Things to add to this list should include :
- cleaning that needs to be done
- groceries you must purchase
- baking you want to finish
- any prescriptions that may need to be filled over the holiday season
- even outfits for the parties, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for you and your family.
Start shopping Now
You read that right. Now. Actually – I hope you’ve already started, so get on it. Since you have that detailed list of all the gifts you need to buy you should be all set to jump on this AMAZING BLACK FRIDAY deals that are coming. Save time and money by doing some shopping online. Do not procrastinate. Avoid those malls the week before Christmas and get it done!
Bake In Batches
Have to take cookies to Aunt Eddies? Dessert to the work potluck? Plus sweets to Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner? Pick a couple of favourite desserts that freeze well and bake it all up at once. Save your time and your sanity.
Prep The House
Clean up the house (as much as you can) ahead of time, prepare any part of the meal that you can ahead of time and set up all the pretty. Set the table, put out the candles and take a deep breath. You are ready.
Above all remember, there’s no such thing as a perfect holiday, but there are perfect moments. Breathe those glorious moments in and let the rest go. Happy shopping, happy prepping and Merry Christmas!
I just did my batch baking last night! I am very proud of myself… although I was up until 1am, but the kitchen is clean and I have lots of chocolate dipped biscotti! 🙂 yay me!
I’m totally going for the “bake in batches” tip – I have to make biscotti for a work potluck and so I thought I’ll also make extra for sharing with family and friends!
awesome tips, love list too. another list is to write down your menu if your hosting and check off when cooking and cross off when serving otherwise you forget something you made and want to serve in the fridge. done that why to mny times, especially after a couple of drinks with your guest
I love all these tips, especially your suggestion that will save the treats from the teenagers.
As for the cranberries; they are not for OLD people. If you hate gravy but your “family”’overcooks the turkey, cranberries are life. 😂 Throw 2 cup of cranberries, 1 cup of sugar, 3/4 water and 1/4 of orange juice and they will “pop” and thicken themselves in a sauce pot on medium. Left over ones are perfect frozen to add into drinks for some festive colour!
Typos. Sorry.
1) I meant treats in the freezer keep them away from teenagers.
2) my cranberry recipe should read 4 cups of cranberries!