December is an overwhelming month, and it always takes us by surprise. So, it’s time to build your December tick list that’ll help you arrive at Christmas more organised than ever before. Let us help you create that Christmas to-do list that’ll see you sailing smoothly through the month and staying on that good list!
It’s all about taking care of the essentials for the big day, so you still have the headspace for the everyday bits and bobs like work, keeping on top of the house, and dealing with the family. After all, when hosting, present buying, budgeting, decorating, and whatever else December entails get in the way, it’s easy to let life slip by. But not this year! This year, we’re helping you build that to-do list so you can sail through the season.
1: Build a Budget
Okay, so this is the boring bit but the necessary bit. You can’t get through your December tick list without prepping your wallet for the season. Budgeting doesn’t have to be something scary, it’s there to help. With all the events, presents, and décor to do, there are a lot of outgoings at this time of year.
First, when budgeting for presents plan out who you need to buy for, and assign a maximum spend for each. This will stop you from buying those extra bits and bobs that are necessary and do add up.
For attending festive events, a great tip is to restrict yourself to cash. If you’re headed to a Christmas market, take out cash and leave your card behind. That way you have a definite limit that you’ll be unable to go over… even when that 3rd mulled wine is calling out to you.
2: Get Ready for Gifting
Now you’ve got your finances in order, you can get onto the all-important gifting. Online shopping is the easiest way to secure all your Christmas presents, without the stress. Gone are the days when you had to queue up for the latest gimmick or battle through crowds just to find your idea has already sold out. Hop online, and a quick search will bring up hundreds of ideas that you can snap up right there and then.
Maybe that’s going on Lovall to snap up the newest Winter Flares for your sister or the Soft Touch Lounge Set for mum, or even a Recycled Tote for your daughter. Whatever is on their list, it’s best to shop it online to ease the pressure.
3. What to Wear
Okay, top of the agenda (almost)… what are you going to wear this Christmas? For us, this is the best tick box on your December list, because, at the end of the day, it’s all about looking and feeling amazing.
December is about relaxing. The cold weather has arrived and the dark nights are here, so snuggling into the cosiest looks is a must. So, get planning all your Christmas outfits in advance, from the Coated Jeans for your festive nights out, to the ALL SZN sets for your coffee dates with friends, to your Winter Leggings for the cold winter walks you’ve got planned.
To stick to budget, and plan all the outfits you’ll need for this crazy month, start by making a wish list. This will help to stick to the items you really need and help plan your looks for every occasion, so nothing gets forgotten.
4. Take Time for You
This might seem a strange concept to plan into your tick list, but trust us, it’s worth it! December is one of those months when you agree to every plan under the sun, and time disappears before you know it. And whilst you’re trying to enjoy the festivities, often everything is so busy that you lose any time for yourself. So, plan in those moments of relaxation and don’t allow the month to overwhelm you.
In amongst treating everyone else, make sure to treat yourself to the relaxation essentials like a cosy pair of Pyjamas, some bubble bath and smellies, and get yourself a good book or line up a good series to get stuck into. These are the plans that’ll free up your headspace to take on the rest of the December chaos.
5. Get a Handle on Hosting
Undoubtedly, there’ll be a point when you’re the host this season. Everyone is! So, get yourself ready for it. Plan the occasions you are hosting in advance and try to avoid those last-minute moments of weakness, when you can’t say no to Aunty Jean who’s invited herself and 10 kids round to yours. Booking people in and knowing the numbers will ease the stress.
The next tip is to get on top of the house. Start cleaning and organising your home early on, and then it’s easier to maintain for the whole month. That’ll cover you for every guest visit, without having to start from scratch every time. Plus, it’s a good idea to stock up on essentials like extra linens, candles, and snacks, to accommodate all the visitors.
