Get Things Done, Planning for Christmas

Christmas always creeps up on us. Have you started your preparations? If not, you are already behind schedule according to the Christmas planning sites I’ve been looking at online. To help you out, and to reduce your stress levels slightly, I have put together a timeline of Christmas chores. Have a read and see how far behind you are and make your own plans.

October

October has been and gone and if you’re anything like me you didn’t even think about Christmas in the month of October. Well here’s what you were supposed to get done that month:

• You should have made a decision about where you want to spend Christmas and who with. Your travel arrangements should be done and/or invitations to guests issued if you’ve decided to host and stay at home;
• All the end of year events should already be plotted into some kind of master calendar that you always have with you – and don’t forget the end of year school events either;
• If you like having or giving home baked goods at Christmas time you should have made a start on any that can keep for longer periods of time – things like fruit cakes, plum puddings and biscuits;
• You should know by now whether or not you are planning to send out Christmas cards and if so, your list should be updated;
• Ideally you will already have your Christmas wrapping paper and cards, because you know that you get the best selection by getting in early and that it enables you to wrap as you purchase;
• By the end of October you should know that you have enough bedding and towels etc for house guests and you’ve already started on your household Christmas cleaning.

November

Phew. October was supposed to be a bit busy but November will be worse if you missed doing your October tasks like I did! Here’s what we’re supposed to do this month:

• Make a list of everyone you wish to purchase presents for and ideas about what to buy;
• Work out your budget and how much you want to spend for each person and don’t forget to include budget for food and drinks;
• Hit the shops and start your gift shopping, tracking your spending as you go;
• If you’re crafty and plan on making things as gifts you really need to get a move on;
• If you really want to get a head start on your household cleaning you can’t go wrong by calling Sun Dry Carpet Cleaning & Pest Control. Let us clean your carpets, rugs, drapes, upholstery, mattresses and tiles so that you know your house is super clean. We use a sanitiser that removes bacteria, dust mites and other contaminants so your home will be healthier too. It will make a huge difference and you’ll feel great knowing your home is being presented in its best light;
• li>Locate your Christmas decorations and get them ready;
• Are you using your usual crockery and tableware? Do you have enough? Or perhaps you want a newer look this year and want to purchase some new items in the latest colours and designs;
• Get started writing out your Christmas cards.

December – Week 1

• Christmas cards should be ready to post;
• Put your tree up and decorate the house;
• Plan your Christmas menu and work out what items will need to be purchased to make it happen;
• How are you decorating your table this year – purchase or make anything you may need;
• Don’t forget to order your meats, poultry and seafood.

December – Week 2

• All gifts that need to be posted somewhere should be sent now;
• Grocery shopping should begin in earnest now – purchase unperishables such as alcohol and nuts;
• Do some more cleaning – make sure everything is decluttered and clean out your fridge and freezer (check your beer fridge is still working if you use one over Christmas!);
• If you have kids, make sure you have enough batteries for the Christmas toys.

December – Christmas Week

• Work out a running sheet for the week and don’t forget to include a cooking timeline;
• It’s time to purchase your fresh groceries and pick up your orders;
• Finalise any last minute wrapping of gifts;
• Start your food preparation and get cooking!
• Set the table in advance;
• On the day, make sure you get help in the kitchen so you can relax a bit and enjoy yourself!

There’s nothing nicer than a really clean house and you’ll feel a little more organised if you book Sun Dry Carpet Cleaning & Pest Control to do a professional clean. At the very least you should be cleaning your carpets at least once a year and if you have pets you should do it every 6 months. Book now to avoid disappointment! And here’s hoping you have a well organised, very clean, Merry Christmas!