Don’t sleep on these top tips for having a stress-free Christmas by getting organised in October
Is it too early to say the C word? It might be, but we guarantee taking some simple steps in October will ensure your December is filled with the magic of the season and not just endless to-do lists.
Declutter
Is it mandatory for all parents to think: “Where on earth is this all going to go?” on Christmas morning? If you don’t want to feel the crushing panic, that you are soon to start the new year with more toys than Smyths, then now is the time to get organising. Start off by getting rid of any toys that are broken before sorting through the ones the kids have outgrown and donating them. Consider your method of storage and see if it can be improved. Ikea has some great options for storing toys and something as simple as organising them into categories and storing those categories together can bring some order to the chaos.
Scope out the charity shops
In the year of 2024, with the cost-of-living crisis and sustainability being the hot topic it is, pre-loved gifting is a no brainer. When donating your kids’ old toys, check out the charity shops to see if you can grab any bargains for Christmas. Younger children won’t be able to tell the difference between what is new and what is pre-loved and it also adds to the authenticity that Santa hand-crafted them himself if they don’t come in a box! The only downside is that it can sometimes take a while to strike gold when shopping second-hand so starting in October should ensure you find plenty of treasures for Christmas.
Make a list
He’s making a list, he’s checking twice… Sit down with the family and work out who you want to buy for this year. Think about who you gifted last year and if any circumstances have changed in the intervening months. One of the reasons we put off this task until December is because it is daunting seeing it all laid out but agreeing a budget and actually putting some money aside will minimise panic buying and alleviate the financial pressure closer to the big day.
Suggest Secret Santa
If you have a large group of friends or a never-ending extended family now is the time to float the idea of Secret Santa. Alternatively, if you want to get out of the present obligation altogether, suggest putting the money that you would have spent on presents into an activity or a day out to celebrate the season.
Join a Christmas Club
Selected toy shops across Northern Ireland offer a Christmas Club service whereby parents can reserve toys, and pay off the balance in instalments before collecting their goods closer to Christmas Eve. Not only is this a great option for families with limited hiding places but it also allows you to spread the cost meaning that by the time Christmas rolls round, the toys will feel free. Girl math at its finest! Some butchers also offer this service too.
Start buying non-perishables now
If you can trust yourself (and your family), start adding a few treat items to your weekly shop now. Make sure to look out for use-by dates but foods such as crisps, dried stuffing, and gravy granules should have high stock levels right now and might not be as plentiful in the week before Christmas. You’ll also find that certain items will be on special offer in the coming weeks meaning you save money as well as spread the cost.
Book a Santa experience
When our generation were kids, a visit to see Santa was done as part of the weekly shop but now many Santa experiences open their books in the summer and are sold out way before December even hits. Northern Ireland has some fantastic Christmas experiences so make sure you book now to avoid disappointment.
Start Christmas crafting
There’s nothing better than having home-made decorations to hang on the tree from the kids but December can often pass by in a whirlwind of nativity plays, carol concerts, and last-minute shopping, meaning some of the wholesome family moments we envisaged end up taking a back seat. To avoid the mum-guilt in December start some of the more intricate craft projects or decorate cards now.
Bake a Christmas cake
October is the perfect time to make your Christmas cake as the fruit needs time to soak up the flavour and mature. The ideal time for maturing varies according to bakers but it is generally accepted that at least six weeks is needed. Some recipes also require you to feed the cake on a regular basis with an alcohol of your choice, usually brandy, so by making it early you factor in extra time for this.
