Christmas is such a magical, joyful time but it does not happen by chance. It takes hard work and preparation. Planning for such celebrations can be frantic, time consuming and the cause of many headaches. By following these top tips, you will learn how to manage your time and budget so your Christmas can be as smooth as clockwork. So here is to planning the best Christmas ever.
Time - This can be one of the most overlooked factors at Christmas. By planning well in advance, you can save a lot of heartache. Use your normal shopping trips to pick up pieces in readiness for the day. You can benefit from cheaper prices and special offers early in the season. Stock up on non-perishable goods such as tins of biscuits and boxes of chocolates as these can make ideal gifts for friends, distant relatives and neighbours. Write out your cards early as this task alone can take a few hours (start in October). On the other hand, think 'climate change' and prepare an e-card for distribution. You might have in the back of your mind 'what if John breaks up with Jane' but I have only had to change one card in ten years. Statistically couples break up after New Year. Do not forget to check the latest posting times if you are posting abroad.
Organisation - I know some people hate writing lists but they are imperative at this time of year because there is so much to do. Often it feels like preparing for your first daughter's wedding where you want everything to be perfect. By writing down what you need to do, you will have a much better chance of achieving the Christmas you want. Make out a 'time planner' for Christmas Day. This is quite easy, just decide on when you want to eat and work backwards. If you have spare time prepare vegetables the night before and put in the fridge overnight.
Budget - Work out your budget plan for food, presents, and stick to it. Often we spend far more than we need to and then regret it on Christmas Day. There is no need to buy the biggest turkey unless you are feeding ten people or more. Also, do not be pressurised into buying presents you can ill afford. Do not get carried away whilst shopping but stick to your prepared list. Try not to use your credit card as Christmas is about spending quality time with loved one's not presents..
Shop early - Make use of the many ordering services now available e.g. your local supermarket, Amazon, Boots, Debenhams and Argos will now deliver. Support your local stores by ordering your turkey and other meats from your local butcher. Do not be in the position where there are only chickens left on the shelf! Often butchers stop taking orders up to 2 weeks in advance of the big day. Scrambling around the supermarket trying to buy up the last tatty vegetables is also not a recipe for a great Christmas. Consider using a local organic vegetable box service. Buy necessitates such as Christmas paper, cards, sellotape as soon as they arrive in the shops. The same goes for baubles and Christmas decorations; once they are sold out, it is unlikely the shop will be buying in fresh supply.
Must have presents - We all know not only 'the key toy of the season' can sell out by the end of November. So it is highly important to pre-order vital gifts you need and you know your family will love. You also benefit from avoiding long till queues, driving round for that elusive car parking space, not being able to see what is on the shelves and lack of product choice. The 'must have' toy always sells out and parents pay premium prices because their little darling is expecting Santa to bring it for them, as they have been such a good boy/girl. Amazon have a great feature called 'wish lists' so do check with people whether they have one, this is a great time saving idea. Be a savvy shopper and you can make sure everyone is happy. One thing to note, do have the items delivered to your work address if you are unable to sign for your parcels.
Relatives - Christmas is a lovely time to re-connect with family members but the stress of Christmas can often lead to arguments. If you find yourself getting a little heated just take yourself off someone quietly for five minutes. Use breathing exercises to Rescue Remedy to calm you down. Always have in the back of your mind 'it is Christmas' and allow for the odd derogatory comment from Great Aunt Maud and just smile.
Decorations - If you enjoy a fresh Christmas tree - do buy this early, as often the scraggly misshapen trees are the only ones left at the gardening centres. I just leave mine somewhere safe in the garden and bring it in a week before Christmas. Remember the tree is living and will need water on a daily basis to avoid needle drop.
Food - we all tend to stuff our trolleys with everything on the shelves. You will need less food that you think. Only buy food and drink you know people like not what you think you ought to have in the pantry. You do not need to buy every nut and raisin in season, and most people hate figs! Always look at the 'use by date' on packaging. Remember, food should still be edible past 26th December (Boxing Day).
You - As you will be doing most of the work, it is important not to neglect yourself, often this is a physical and mentally challenging time so pencil in time out for you. Try not to exhaust yourself trying for perfection; it is futile. Why not treat yourself to a new hair do, a massage or just a light lunch and a giggle with friends.
Give - think about giving to those less fortunate than yourself, offering to help with the homeless, providing a can of food for a dog (Supermarkets put out trolleys and collect pet food leading up the Christmas) ~ after all this is the spirit of Christmas.
With the help of these top tips and preparation, you can have a joyful and happy Christmas. When Christmas Day arrives you should have time, spare cash and some energy left to enjoy what should be a relaxing time to connect with family and friends. Christmas does not need to perfect, it just needs to be fun and relaxing.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas.
| Price : $63.72 | Post Date : Dec 26, 2011 03:35:14
