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Do you get into the Christmas spirit almost the minute you’ve taken down last year’s tree, already marking in the new year calendar when you’re going to put up the next one, or does it take you 11 and half months to recover from the festivities? Are your gifts wrapped with precision and bows, or are you covered with bits of tape and twine on Christmas Eve?
You’re not alone, many people feel overwhelmed by the festive period which seems to start earlier and earlier every year. Planning can significantly reduce the stress of Christmas by creating structure, setting clear expectations, and giving you more control over your time and resources.
Here’s how effective planning can help you enjoy a calmer, more joyful holiday season:
1. Sets Realistic Expectations
When you plan ahead, you’re more likely to set goals that are achievable. Whether it’s the number of gifts you’ll buy, the events you’ll attend, or how much time you'll need to spend on wrapping, planning helps you focus on what truly matters and avoid burnout from trying to do too much.
2. Helps Spread Out the Workload
Leaving things until the last minute can cause stress and anxiety. Planning allows you to:
- - Shop for gifts over time (and take advantage of sales).
- - Prepare meals or bake in advance.
- - Tackle decorating, card writing, and wrapping in manageable chunks.
Spreading tasks out prevents the holiday rush from becoming a panic.
3. Keeps Your Budget in Check
Financial stress is one of the biggest Christmas pressure points. A clear plan allows you to:
- - Set a budget for gifts, food, travel, and decorations (buy from us in 2025 and you’ll get some free paper baubles from us! #justsaying)
- - Starting early means you can get bargains in Black Friday sales or 3 for 2 offers.
- - Track your spending.
- - Track what you buy and for whom, this avoid the impulse buys of “have I got the kids enough” or desperate for anything gifts with overspending in the final days.
4. Makes Time for What Matters
Wake up on Christmas morning feeling energised! With a plan in place, you can block out time for what’s most important:
- - Quality time with loved ones
- - Attending church or community events
- - A cuppa in bed before the kids wake up – well here’s hoping!
- - Relaxing and recharging
A thoughtful schedule ensures the holiday doesn’t pass by in a blur of errands and obligations.
5. Minimises Last-Minute Emergencies
Planning helps you anticipate and prevent common problems:
- - Have a few backup cards ready for someone you’ve forgotten.
- - Double-check delivery dates and calendarise them for online orders and get a booking.
- - Plan meals so you're not running to the store on Christmas Eve.
Fewer surprises mean fewer crises.
6. Supports Delegation
When everything is in your head, it’s hard to ask for help. A written plan makes it easier to share responsibilities with your partner, children, or other family members, whether it’s cooking, wrapping, or setting up the tree.
7. Leaves Room for Enjoyment
Ironically, planning doesn’t make Christmas rigid, it gives you freedom. You won’t waste time worrying about what still needs to be done. You’ll be more present, relaxed, and able to enjoy the traditions and people you love.
Final Tip:
Start planning early, ideally in November or even October so you can enjoy an organised and stress-free Christmas. Your future self will thank you. Get your Christmas Planner today and make 2025 your best Christmas yet.
Christmas Planning Checklist
2 Months Before (Late October – Early November)
Once your Christmas Planner arrives...
- - Set your Christmas budget (gifts, food, travel, decor, etc.)
- - Make a gift list (who you're buying for + ideas)
- - Start shopping early (look for deals during Black Friday/Cyber Monday)
- - Decide on holiday plans (travel, hosting, key dates)
- - If you need to book any travel/accommodation
- - Create a Christmas calendar (parties, events, school activities)
- - Book your online shopping slot – you don’t need to add much into it now just get it booked
- - Plan your table, get the small dudes involved in designing place tags or making centre pieces or tree decorations.
- - As you buy the gifts log them in the planner and start wrapping them (if you don’t log them you’ll have to unwrap them when you’ve forgotten what is in the parcel – that may just be me – so it’s far more efficient.)
1 Month Before (Late November – Early December)
- - Begin decorating your home
- - Finalise gift shopping
- - Order online gifts early (to avoid delays) making the most of those ‘sale’ opportunities such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Shop Small Saturday
- - Plan your Festive menu in your planner
- - Write and send Christmas cards or a Christmas Gif or Email
- - Buy gift wrap, ribbons, tape, etc.
- - Schedule gatherings or parties remember it’s not cool to give a joint birthday/Christmas gift particularly if they are under 13!
- - As you buy the gifts log them in the planner and start wrapping them (if you don’t log them you’ll have to unwrap them when you’ve forgotten what is in the parcel – that may just be me – so it’s far more efficient.)
- - Begin shopping for non-perishable food items
- - Weeks Before Christmas
- - Clean the house or just brush it under the sofa and hope no one notices
- - Confirm plans with guests/family it’s too stressful if someone turns up hours or days early
- - Finalise the shopping for non-perishable food items
- - Wrap all remaining gifts
- - Prep baked goods or freezer meals
- - Make or buy teacher/neighbour/co-worker gifts
- - Plan activities for kids during break
1 Week Before Christmas
- - Update your online order or shop for fresh food ingredients
- - Set the table or prep tableware
- - Charge your camera or phone for photos
- - Check you’ve bought or have enough batteries for toys/electronics
- - Prepare guest rooms if hosting
- - Do a final tidy-up
Christmas Eve & Day
- - Do any last-minute food prep get those veggies prepared the night before.
- - Set out snacks/drinks
- - Light candles or turn on lights/music
- - RELAX and enjoy
If it’s the actual day that causes the most stress, then check out this blog by Professor Mark Griffiths from Trent University as he gives advice on how to make family festivities stress-free.
The Christmas planner is here to take the pressure off, guiding you through the season so you can set aside the stress and spend more time cherishing those you love.
