Christmas Planning
Planning ahead can save a lot of money and frustration. It gives you time to buy or make great gifts and avoid those last minute panic buys.
2020 is going to be a very different Christmas but with some thought we can create new traditions. Everything has to be flexible enough to cope with last minute changes and restrictions.
Christmas Concert Moving Wooden Musical Box
Christmas Concert Moving Wooden Musical Box. Wooderful Life. Let Santa and his orchestra of elves serenade you with this captivating rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas"! Your Christmas Concert Moving Wooden Musical Box features Santa on the piano during a cute Christmas concert! The beautifully crafted holiday scene is set with a star-topped Christmas tree and fireplace with festive wreath! from Coolthings.com.au
July & August
- Gardening – preparation for garden parties because outdoor gatherings are safer. Plant edibles for the Christmas table and green “home-grown” gifts.
September
- Decide where you are spending Christmas and who you will invite.
- Set budgets for gifts and entertaining. Have open discussions with family and friends about whether you are going to exchange gifts remembering that some will have lost jobs or businesses.
- 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.
- Reconsider office parties and club functions. What could you do instead?
October
- Create your Christmas card/email/zoom list. Buy or order cards
- Work on craft projects.
- Work on household projects.
- Check last years Christmas tree, decorations, etc.
- 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
- Make or buy Christmas decorations, bonbons etc online.
- Make any hairdresser appointments etc.
December
- Put up Christmas tree, decorations, etc.
- Children can begin using their Advent calendars
- Buy Secret Santa gifts for the office and stocking fillers for the kids.
- Post Australian Christmas cards
- Buy Christmas hampers and gifts online.
- Make or buy Christmas decorations, bonbons etc online.
- Finalise your guest lists and plans for Christmas dinner and other visits.
- Check out the Christmas lights and gardens in your neigbourhood
December – second weekend before Christmas
- School Holidays begin!
- Housework and garden work if you are entertaining at your house.
December – Final week
- Final week to buy Christmas gifts. Check each site carefully as some may have already closed. 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
- Be honest about any craft projects that won’t get finished and buy alternative gifts.
- Gift stocktake – order all remaining online gifts to allow time for delivery.
19 & 20 December 2020 – weekend before Christmas
- Final check – check gifts lists, menus, budgets.
- Online gifts may still be available for delivery from some online shops in your city and or consider Gift Vouchers for gifts, hampers, toys, magazines and experiences.
- Final housework and garden check.
- Make sure you have all the groceries and toiletries you’ll need.
Wednesday 23 December 2020
- Final check – batteries, non-perishables, wrapping paper, bonbons, etc.
- Wrap remaining presents, check gift list again – just in case.
- Buy any emergency gifts – experience vouchers, magazines subscriptions, gift vouchers from online gift and toy shops.
- Get supplies of medicines, non-alcoholic drinks, etc.
Thursday 24 December 2020 – Christmas Eve
- Pick up perishables (preferably preordered).
- Buy any emergency gifts – experience vouchers, magazines subscriptions, gift vouchers from online gift and toy shops.
- Check supplies of medicines, non-alcoholic drinks, etc.
- Ensure all presents are wrapped. If you are doing the rounds on Christmas Day, make sure all necessary presents are packed.
- Leave a gift out for Santa and Rudolph.
- Relax.
Friday 25 December 2020 – Christmas Day
- Avoid stress and enjoy your Christmas Day!
Saturday 26 December 2020 – Boxing Day
- Stay away from the shops and save money
- Research and create meals from leftovers to save even more money