Want avoid a festive season freakout this Christmas? We’re here to help! Follow along for the next six weeks as we countdown to December 25 with easy-to-tick-off tasks. From stockpiling pressies to getting your home in the holiday spirit, we’ve got it Chrissy prep covered. What are you waiting for? Press play on the Bublé and let’s get started!
Week 1: Make your gift list…
Santa’s already started making a list and checking it twice – and so should you! Your first task in our ‘get set for Christmas’ challenge is to figure out exactly who you need to buy for and what you can afford to spend. Set up a note in your phone, get an app to plan your pressies, or, if you’re more of a pen-and-paper gal, we’ve created a downloadable gift list that will help to plan what to buy, without breaking the budget.
Decide who’s getting gifts.
Start by making a list of the people closest to you (think family, friends, significant others) and work your way out from there to include other potential gift-getters (we’re looking at you, teachers, neighbours, babysitters and office Kris Kringles). It’s a good idea to think about…
- Hostess gifts – it’s party season and a good guest never shows up empty handed!
- Charitable pressies for any toy or gift drives you might like to contribute to.
- Kris Kringle gifts for your colleagues, family or group of friends.
- Teacher gifts (don’t forget, you’ll need to get these sorted before the end of term, which is as early as December 13 in some Aussie states!)
- Emergency back-up gifts for anyone who gives you something totally unexpected.
- Thank you gifts – whether it’s for your personal trainer, your babysitter, your boss or the guy who delivers your newspaper, it can be nice to show your appreciation.
Make a (realistic) budget.
Next, think about what these gifts are going to cost. When it comes to setting your budget, think big picture: How much can you afford to spend in total this Christmas? Then pencil in a rough figure next to each person’s name on your list. It’s wise to leave a little wiggle room in your budget for any unexpected gifts – and don’t forget all your other holiday expenses. Holiday parties, festive decor and travel around the end of the year can all add up!
The best bit about prepping for Christmas eight weeks out is you can spread out the cost of your silly season splurges over multiple pay packets. But don’t overcommit. Be realistic about what you can afford – maybe it’s something small, like a bottle of wine in a personalised wine bag, or ready-to-grow herbs. Remember, it’s the thought that counts!
PS. Some gift ideas to get you started…
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