Christmas Countdown Calendar 2011

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 - hopefully you've done this

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

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

Post international cards.
Buy Christmas hampers online for best choice and early bird specials.
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
Buy Christmas decorations, bonbons etc online.

Early December

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

10 & 11 December - second weekend before Christmas

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

12 to 16 December

Final week to order Christmas hampers and gifts. Many online shops begin closing orders now rather than risk items arriving late. Check each site carefully as some may have already closed.
School Holidays begin!
Gift stocktake - order all remaining online gifts to allow time for delivery.
Order New Year decorations before Christmas.

17 & 18 December - weekend before Christmas

Final check - check gifts lists, menus, budgets.
Final week to buy Christmas gifts. 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.
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 19 December

Last-minute orders for Christmas hampers. Check each site carefully as some may have already closed. You may need to pay more for express delivery

Tuesday 20 December

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. You may need to pay more for express delivery

Wednesday 21 December

Wrap remaining presents, check gift list again - just in case.
Buy any emergency gifts - experience vouchers, magazines subscriptions.
Get supplies of medicines, non-alcoholic drinks, etc.

Thursday 22 December

Buy any emergency gifts - experience vouchers, magazines subscriptions.

Friday 23 December

Make sure you have all the groceries and toiletries you'll need.

Saturday 24 December - Christmas Eve

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.