Planning For Christmas

Whilst in some ways I secretly admire those who whizz around the shops on Christmas Eve and make it all look effortless; I can't work like that. These days leaving it to the last minute is also rather an expensive way to do Christmas.

So I'm sat with a cup of coffee about to start planning ours. Actually I've had half an eye on the subject for weeks and have started to make things towards it like the Christmas cake. I've bought a few fabric and craft things already and have some ideas for presents. Gently spreading the cost and work load over a few months is calmer and less hard work on the old money.

I write card lists - using previous years list as a guide but also my address book too to make sure I don't forget anyone. I still send cards - Royal Mail strikes permitting- whatever some eco-folk may say. Sometimes there are distant friendships where a card is the perfect way to just say you've been thought of at Christmas - I like sending cards. I then check whether I have spare cards from last year or whether I need to buy/make more this year. I have made all of them some years but its not necessarily the cheapest option by the time you've bought the blank cards and envelopes. These days I tend to get some from Oxfam where I work and make some special cards for close family and friends only. That way I still get the pleasure out of making some; which I genuinely enjoy. So far this year I've already got the bits and pieces needed to make them.

Then the present lists - years ago when I was married to the father of my kids we set a rule within the family that we'd only buy for the kids. This still holds true and if you have a lot of siblings with children its well worth considering; before present buying gets out of hand and pocket. So after the children, there is just our parents and each other pretty much. I start writing down ideas as I think of them ( or see them) but am not above asking for lists from people for more specific ideas. I'd rather get them exactly what they wanted. That's much less wasteful

Separately I also start to plan the hampers. If you're a newish reader then I'll explain we give a hamper of homemade or homegrown goodies to our close family. Its part of sharing our harvest from the year. One per household. I'll cover what I make for them in a separate post.

Finally I have an early start thinking about entertaining and food. If there is something I can get make or put in the freezer so much the better!

I absolutely love Christmas but whatever your take on it; I guarantee early planning of it will help