Christmas Countdown Calendar 2009

Are you one of those people who plans well ahead, do you leave things until the last minute, or are you lucky enough to have someone else who plans ahead for the whole family?

Planning ahead can save a lot of money and frustration. Here is our guide to help make your Christmas planning easier.

September - hurry if you haven't done these

• Decide where you are spending Christmas and who you will invite.
• Set budgets for gifts and entertaining.
• Make a gift list and to-do list.
• Decide what decorations and gifts you will make. Christmas craft projects for under-5s can be found at 0to5 Christmas Activities
• Decide on any household projects (cleaning, landscaping) and start/book as early as possible.
• Book restaurants or function rooms for office parties and big functions.

October - hurry if you haven't done these

• Create your Christmas card list and buy or order cards
• Work on craft projects.
• Work on household projects.
• Check last years Christmas tree, decorations, etc.
• Book venues for Christmas Parties and/or Christmas Day if you are eating out.
• Planning a BBQ? Get your supplies and even go on a BBQ cooking course.
• Start buying gifts.
• Write Christmas cards.

November - hurry if you haven't done these

• Post international cards.
• Buy or make Advent calendars for children.
• Continue working your way through your gift list.
• Order cakes, puddings online or from your local baker.
• Decide on a menu for Christmas Day.
• Write Australian Christmas cards

Early December

• Post Australian Christmas cards
• Buy Christmas hampers online.
• Buy Christmas decorations, bonbons etc online.
• Make any hairdresser appointments etc.
• Finalised your guest lists and plans for Christmas dinner and other visits.
• Put up Christmas tree, decorations, etc.
• Children can begin using their Advent calendars
• Buy Secret Santa gifts for the office.

12 & 13 December  - second weekend before Christmas

• Housework and garden work if you are entertaining at your house.

14 to 19 December

• Final week to order Christmas hampers. Check each site carefully as some may have already closed.
• School Holidays! No School Today has some ideas for holiday activities.
• Gift stocktake - order all remaining online gifts to allow time for delivery.
• Order New Year decorations before Christmas.

19 & 20 December - weekend before Christmas

• Final check - check gifts lists, menus, budgets.
• Final week to order Christmas hampers. Check each site carefully as some may have already closed.
• Be honest about any craft projects that won't get finished and buy alternative gifts locally.
• Online gifts may still be available for delivery from some online shops in your city and through the florist networks
• Final housework and garden check.

Monday 22 December (Monday)

• Last-minute orders for Christmas hampers. Check each site carefully as some may have already closed.

Tuesday 22 December (Tuesday)

• Final check - batteries, non-perishables, wrapping paper, bonbons, etc.
• Online gifts and hampers may still be available for delivery from some online shops in the city of delivery and through the florist networks
• Buy any emergency gifts - experience vouchers, magazines subscriptions.
• Get supplies of medicines, non-alcoholic drinks, etc.

Wednesday 23 December (Wednesday)

• Wrap remaining presents, check gift list again - just in case.
• Buy any emergency gifts - experience vouchers, magazines subscriptions.

Thursday 24 December - Christmas Eve (Thursday)

• Pick up perishables (preferably preordered).
• Ensure all presents are wrapped. If you are doing the rounds on Christmas Day, make sure all necessary presents are packed.
• Buy any emergency gifts - experience vouchers, magazines subscriptions.
• Leave a gift out for Santa and Rudolph.
• Relax.

Friday 25 December - Christmas Day (Friday)

• Reduce your workload and stress and enjoy your Christmas Day!