If you are anything like me, the holiday season can be a bit of a blur. With endless to-do lists, end of year work deadlines, family comittments (not to mention the need to plan a four course banquet to rival a Masterchef season finale) it can be easy to forget what is really important. Here are five easy tips to help you survive the silly season:
1 / It's never too early to start your preparations
Some suggest doing your shopping at the previous year's boxing day sales but not too many of us are that organised. It's true that the sooner you start preparing, the easier things will be closer to the day. If you plan on having a handmade Christmas you should well be underway by now. If not, now would be a good time to start.
2 / Write your list and check it twice!
Start off with writing a list of everyone you want to send a card to or buy a present for. Is there anyone you have left off? If you are on a budget, jot down how much you are going to spend on each person and any gift ideas you have for that person. Don't forget to check off your list as you complete it!
3 / Online shopping is your friend!
What's not to love about avoiding the crazy Christmas shopping crowds? Make things easier on yourself this year by buying online and have everything shipped straight to your door.
If you are after a one of a kind Christmas gift head to Etsy or the New Zealand based handmade marketplace Felt. Otherwise, most retailers have an online presence these days, so support small local businesses by checking out what your favourite local boutique has to offer online.
Save on shipping costs by buying in bulk from the same retailer, or head to retailers who offer free shipping such as Asos or Book Depository. The best part is you avoid the drama of trying to find a carpark on Christmas Eve when everyone else is stressed because they weren't as organised as you!
4 / Don't forget what is important to you
Think about what is important to you this holiday season. Is it buying the latest on trend toy for a little one you know or spending time with your loved ones?
If you have an agreement to not buy presents this year, is there something else worthwhile you can do instead? Perhaps you could offer your babysitting skills, bake a cake, or make a mix tape for your friend's Christmas road trip?
Remember that acts of kindness shouldn't be reserved solely for the holiday season, but it is important to take time out to look out for those you care about at this stressful time of year.
5 / Too many cooks in the kitchen can be a wonderfully good thing
If you are organising the family Christmas dinner it helps to know how much you can take on. Make sure you plan your menu ahead of time, sort out what you need and prepare as much of it ahead of time as possible. Is there anything that can be made the weekend before and frozen?
If you have friends or neighbours who are also catering for their families, have a chat to them and see if you could each make a bulk version of a dish that you can swap with each other. Then you would each have two different dishes for half the work!
Lastly, make sure you don't spend all your time in the kitchen by sorting out who will be helping with dishes before the actual day. And don't forget to do what you can, spend time with those you love and celebrate!
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