Getting organised for Christmas

The mental load for mums at Christmas is really overwhelming. Buying everyone presents, booking events, organising dinner, food shopping, sending cards.... the list goes on. There's so much to juggle, that even the most organised of mums can become overloaded. So below, I've put together my top tips for getting organised for Christmas, to help you take the mental load off.

Getting organised for Christmas is often all on mum

This may sound slightly stereotypical... and I am sure there are dads who take on the mental load of organising Christmas, too. But in the majority of households, it is up to mum to get everything ready, and to create the magic.

So don't worry if you feel overwhelmed with it all... it is overwhelming.

We are mid-way through December as I write this, and I've already been able to tick a huge chunk of Christmas off my to-do list, as it's definitely not a case of getting everything done the week before.

Make your budget

Before you do anything, it's worth knowing your budget for this time of year (including food, events, shopping, decorations - anything that helps make the festive season magical).

If you're like me, you may have a Christmas sinking fund that you contribute to throughout the year (and if you don't, I strongly recommend you set one up for next year - you'd be amazed at how saving even £20 a month towards Christmas will help!)

Sit down, go through your finances, and allocate a reasonable (affordable!) amount you can spend on this time of year - and then do all you can to stick to it. Things crop up at this time of year that you may not have been expecting (such as last-minute event invitations, or your Christmas lights needing to be replaced), so try and also build a buffer into your budget for such eventualities.

Create an organised command centre

We have a monthly magnetic calendar on our fridge which I rub out and fill in each month. Sorry November... but I tend to jump straight to December so I can visually see our entire Christmas plans.

I only have a two-year-old, so I am yet to experience the busy school Christmas schedules as a parent. However, from a teacher's point of view, I know just how much there is for parents to remember during December. There are dress-up days, nativities, movie days, Christmas fayres, Christmas parties... the list goes on. By adding all these things to your command centre it means everyone is really clear about what is happening in the lead-up to Christmas.

I'm lucky enough not to have parents-in-law, but I have heard funny stories of people's partners randomly organising days to see the in-laws, not knowing you have had panto tickets booked for months! This way, your partner can see what is happening and when... and you won't double book family plans!

Get those keepsakes and cards done early

I like to send loved ones a Christmas card from my son. I actually make these super early. As the icon Pam Shipman would say, "then they have longer to enjoy the cards!" Nothing is stopping you from getting those crafts out in November and getting the cards done early.

Get your Xmas mail organised early

It's not unheard of for there to be postal strikes over Christmas, so make sure you buy those stamps early and get thigns set out with plenty of time to spare - just incase! If you have family across the country or world, make sure you send the gifts in November as things can be super disrupted across the festive month.

Write to Santa

If you're planning on having your littles write to Santa and get a reply, make sure you check the deadline to avoid disappointment.

In 2023, the last day to write to Santa (via the Post Office) was the 30th November, so check here to find out when it might be for the upcoming year.

Get your Xmas shopping done early

I buy throughout the year. In fact, my 2024 Xmas shopping started right after Christmas 2023, as that's when you get the best deals. If you are yet to start your shopping then don't panic. I follow a simple spreadsheet that I keep on my notes to keep track of who and what I need to buy.

I love to buy pre-loved and second hand... it is a real hobby of mine finding bargains. There really is no shame in it at all! I use this spreadsheet so I can keep track of how much I am spending on people so I don't double-buy or go over budget! Especially as I pick things up throughout the year, I am really guilty of forgetting what I have bought people.

Have a declutter afternoon

To help make space for your new gifts ahead of time, consider having a decluttering afternoon to clear out unused items from around your home.

Set up three piles - one for items to be binned, one for items to be donated to charity, and one for selling items online - I personally love selling on Vinted, and have made £100s through decluttering unwanted items.

Book your tickets

2021 was my first proper Christmas as a parent. 2020 was spent in lockdown, so Christmas events were pretty much cancelled, but in 2021 when the 1st December hit, you can imagine my disappointment when everything was already booked up.

I hadn't got the memo that you have to book these things really early!

There are a million different events you can book, which can get very expensive, so pick a few you want to do, rather than trying to do them all.

Events to consider booking

• Panto
• Ice skating
• Light display
• Santa's grotto
• Winter Wonderland
• Meals out
• Breakfast with Santa
• Christmas craft events
• Christmas markets
• Christmas disco

Order your food shop

If you're the one hosting this year, make sure you order your food shop way ahead of time to avoid missing out on your preferred timeslot.

And if you aren't hosting, consider ordering a food shop for the days between Christmas and New Years, so you don't need to venture out if you don't want to.

Remember you don't have to do it all

One thing I realised during Lockdown 2.0 was how Christmas is more than just the day. For me, Christmas is the entire build-up. But remember, you don't have to do it all. As mums, we can only spin so many plates before they clatter all over us.

There is no such thing as 'the perfect Christmas' - despite what you may see on social media - so remove the pressure from yourself, and enjoy the season for what it's truly about: spending time with loved ones.