Christmas Checklist – Are You Ready?
Christmas is only a few weeks away. Whilst it is an enjoyable time for many, it can also be quite hectic. Fortunately, with careful planning, you can make sure that Christmas does not run away with you. Here are The Best of Leicester’s top tips for a smooth holiday period.
Plan the Presents
We’ve all seen that comedy moment of a parent buying the first gift they see in a shop because they forgot to get one in advance. Consulting with the family about what to get other members well in advance – a good month or so – not only ensures that you won’t get the same gift for somebody, but will also help you budget for Christmas and avoid that embarrassing panic-buy.
If you have family members that live a long distance away, this is particularly important. Make sure you are aware of the changes to the post service (by the way, the last date for First Class items in the UK is December 21st) and make sure you send your items well in advance of these deadlines. Your gifts will reach your loved ones on time, and you won’t have to pay extra to have them delivered quicker.
Yes, Chef!
Christmas dinner with the family is another area which can lead to a bit of tension. When shall I put the roasts on? Who is in charge of the turkey? By figuring out who has control over which station, and getting your timings right, making a delicious Christmas meal can be more enjoyable.
Just like with the presents, it is a good idea to make sure you have all the ingredients and enough to feed the family well in advance. After all, you might not have the chance to go to the shop on Christmas Day itself!
You might also benefit from preparing some food a few weeks in advance and storing them in the freezer. That way, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the family.
Set the Scene
Families always get together at Christmas. If it’s your turn to play host, then you have the added worry of making people welcome. Take some time in the last week of November or early December to check that you have enough plates and, crucially, space for overnight guests.
It may be worth having a family meeting to discuss your plans in detail and how all the logistics will come together, ideally in the next fortnight or so if you have not already.
Have fun!
Christmas is a celebration and should be a fun time. Careful planning can help you maximise your enjoyment and minimise the chaos. But the most important thing to include in your Christmas plans is time to relax and enjoy spending time with your loved ones. After all, isn’t Christmas a time for family?
Have a great Christmas!
