Christmas countdown checklist: what you should do in November
While some people (ahem, Grinches) may think it’s too early to start thinking about Christmas, getting organised is the best way to ensure less stress this holiday season. If you find yourself always scrambling to get everything done in the week before Xmas, why not get a head start this year and start the planning now? It will mean more cheer and celebration and much less last-minute panicking. To help you keep track of the seemingly endless tasks, here is our checklist for the month of November. How many have you done?
Prepare the calendar
You’ll soon be receiving a flood of Christmas party invitations so make sure you mark them in your calendar. Pencil in all the holiday events you want to attend as well – you might need to purchase tickets in advance.
Update your card list
Who do you need to send cards to this year? Has it changed from previous years? Updating your list will tell you how many cards you will need, as well as ensuring you have the correct contact details.
Book restaurants or function rooms
If you are hosting a family dinner or organising your work or volunteer group’s party, book now. All the cheap and good options fill up fast in December.
Get the Christmas photo taken
If you want a professional photo with the whole extended family, book your photographer now.
Make your gift list
You don’t have to know what you are getting everybody just yet but writing down a list of all the people you need to buy presents will ensure you don’t miss anybody. If you have ideas of what you want to buy, it will make shopping much easier.
Make a budget
How much are you going to be spending on gifts this year? How much do you want to spend on entertaining? How much do you want to spend on decorations?
Shop for cards and wrapping paper
Many stores have their Christmas goods out by November so why not take it as an opportunity to get all those necessities like cards and wrapping paper.
Do your online shopping now
If you are purchasing any gifts, cards or decorations online, make sure you do it early. You want to ensure you have allowed enough leeway for postage and handling. Remember mail services are flooded during December so get in early and do it all in November.
Check your decorations
It’s often the case when it comes time to decorate the house the boxes are unpacked only to discover the lights are broken or the ornaments cracked. Check now so if you need to buy anything, it can be replaced early.
Start all your DIY gifts
Making your own gifts always takes longer than you think it will. Start early so you don’t end up finishing it on Christmas Eve.
Plan your menu and go shopping
Some foodstuffs you can buy early such as baking supplies and non-perishable items.
Bake things you can freeze
Cookies, puddings, bars and breads can all keep in the freezer if well wrapped. It will save you time December and it’s always nice to have plenty of Christmas treat on hand.
Mail out your international and interstate cards
Don’t forget your international and interstate family and friends. Send out the cards at the end of November so it arrives on time.
Order your meats
At the end of November fill in your order for your big meats at your butcher. You want to make sure you have the choicest of cuts.