You’ve decided this is the year you’ll celebrate Christmas well prepared and in a home that is clean and organised. The only problem is right now you’re living in domestic chaos and don’t know where to start.
If preparing for Christmas fills you with dread, read on for some simple tips.
Where to begin?
Start by preparing a Christmas plan of everything you need to do. This will include making decisions on where and with whom you will spend Christmas, things you need to do in the home in preparation, your Christmas theme, food planning and your gift list.
Try and group similar tasks together and schedule what you need to do.
The idea behind making a plan is you are blocking out time to get specific tasks done. This creates focus and energy and gets a lot more done in a lot less time.
Planning the home for Christmas
If you’re planning to stay at home this Christmas and are having guests to stay consider the following:
* Schedule some time to clear out any old toys to make room for the new ones. Declutter your kitchen cupboards and defrost the freezer to make space for the Christmas food.
* Focus on preparing the rooms that people will occupy when they come to stay such as the living and dining areas, the bathroom and guest bedroom. Remember that your guests are there to see you and won’t expect your house to be perfect! Things to consider are sleeping arrangements and additional seating, crockery and cutlery.
* Take down your Christmas decorations and check for any breakages. Decide on your Christmas theme and make a note if you need to buy any additional items.
* This is also a good time to declutter the loft and make space for any items that may need to be stored away temporarily when you have guests to stay. Before you start packing away your decorations, the key is to label everything so you know where items are.
Make a gift list
This will include family, friends and those small gifts you need for school and work.
Decide how much you want to spend for each gift then jump online and get researching! Compare prices, make an action plan and decide on which gifts you’re going to buy. It’s also useful to keep a list of ideas that other people can buy for your partner or children, should they ask.
Also, buy a small number of back-up gifts that are quirky-yet-personal, in case you get within 24 hours of Christmas and there are gaps under your tree.
Make a greetings list
Creating a master contact list for Christmas will make those cards and greetings quicker to do and can easily be updated. Then you won’t forget anyone! This can include Christmas cards, phone calls and emails.
Food and drink
Don’t leave your food and drink plans until the last minute. Start menu planning well in advance and place orders for food and drink early. It’s also a good time to look out for original ideas on how to use leftovers and keep guests well fed.
Look your best
With all the planning it’s easy to forget about yourself. Don’t forget to plan what you’re going to wear on Christmas Day and schedule in any hair and beauty appointments as it can get very busy in the run up to the holidays.
Need a helping hand?
Even with careful planning there is always a lot to do. If you need a helping hand tidying your home or gift buying in preparation for Christmas please email Tracy on tracy@blissfullyorganised.co.uk.
To find out more about Tracy, visit www.blissfullyorganised.co.uk or Facebook.com/blissfullyorganised.
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