I Gotta Organise. . .Christmas! 

With five weeks to go you may think you still have loads of time to go to Christmas. However, it’ll be upon us before we know it. Armed with your Christmas lists from last week, here are my top 9 things you can organise this week. . .

 

5 Weeks to Go:

1. Start your Christmas shopping

The sooner you start, the sooner you finish. You will also avoid long queues in shops and multi-story car parks. Look at your diary or calendar and figure out a morning, an evening of late night shopping or even a full day you can dedicate to getting a start on your shopping. 

Getting into the shops by the time they open first thing in the morning, is best as you have the shops to yourself. Bring a small bag with your bare essentials so you’re not weighed down. Wear a light jacket so you don’t get too warm and can carry easily if needs be. Try to get the children looked after or do it while they’re in school so you can fly around the shops on your own. 

Have a look at your Gift List that we discussed last week and make a plan of the shops you would like to target for the gifts you need. This will avoid zigzagging and wasting time. 

2. Buy your cards & stamps

I always tend to do this as one of my first Christmas tasks as it’s quick and easy to do and makes me feel like I’ve got Christmas planning underway! 

3. Buy suitable packaging if sending items abroad

Unfortunately with so many having to emigrate, there will be a lot of Christmas presents to be sent abroad. If they are large, bulky or oddly shaped they might need a very large padded envelope or a cardboard box suitable for transit. Pick these up while you’re in the post office getting your stamps! 

4. Santa Letters

Place du Molard, Geneva

If you haven’t done this already, time to sit the little ones down and get their Santa lists written! The sooner Santa gets them, the better – he and the elves have to get organised too you know, to make sure the toys are made on time for Christmas Eve!  

5. Start writing your Christmas Cards

This is especially important if you’re writing to loved ones abroad. By starting it early, you might have the time to write a longer card than usual or even a letter to those who can’t get home for Christmas. 

Also, by starting early you won’t be in a rush writing generic greetings just to get the job done! Make it an enjoyable activity. Sit down with a cup of tea, some nice music and take the time to wish those important in your life a happy Christmas. 

6. Shopping for Christmas outfits

Again, this is especially important if you have children and would like to get them a new outfit for Christmas day. Set a time aside to do this and only this. Don’t try to go gift shopping at the same time. Focus on one task at a time. 

7. Time to bake

If you like to make your desserts for the festive season, this is the week to think about doing so. Pick an afternoon to bake your Christmas cake or your Christmas pudding. And don’t forget to schedule in time beforehand to go shopping to get your supplies.

8. Book your beauty and hair appointments

Take out your diary or calendar and see what events you have coming up. Not only is there Christmas day to think of, but you may like to book in beauty and hair appointments for New Year’s Eve and if you have any Christmas parties to go to. Find days and times that suit you for a hair cut, a manicure etc and book the appointments in now before they fill up. 

9. Arrange Family and Friends Get-togethers

A great website www.doodle.com will help you organise your family and friends get-togethers. This website allows you to input potential dates and for others to tick their availability. Much easier than phone calls or emails back and forth! 

Hopefully by doing these tasks this week,
you will begin to feel more organised. 

Do let me know how you are getting on with your Christmas organising?

Next week, organising at four weeks!