How to effectively plan for Christmas

I can’t believe it’s already the holiday season. If you are like me who is a last minute person then Christmas can be chaos and at times messy. Nobody likes having a messy end of year because it interferes with the new year that is about to start. The entire mess can be avoided by having a game plan. While some have checklists others have planners. For me am all about the planner.

The first step is always to decide what works beat for you. In my own experience, I have come to appreciate the values of planners. Although a checklist will give you an idea of what is required of you, a planner will give you the defined role. My advice is that no method is wrong but I would advice on using both methods.

A Christmas checklist

This is a list of all the activities you have in mind. Mostly listed dropping down with a check box that will signify the completion of the task

A Christmas planner?

A Christmas planner is basically a Christmas checklist. Everyone has a some kind of idea on what they envision their holiday season to be. What ideas do you have?

 When planning for Christmas the first thing that comes to mind is the gift list and card list. These are important however without a proper strategy they end up taking much time and causing stress. There are very many things we should plan for during Christmastime. List down all your ideas on a checklist.

After listing down the ideas and activities, it's time to assign days, dates, persons to these ideas. This leads up to the formation of a planner.

A basic Christmas planner spread.

The calendar and Schedule 

Christmas planning should begin early for the earlier you settle things, the better and easier your life gets. This means that a calendar should be what comes first in mind. When you have your calendar set its much easier to allocate duties and schedule to different days.
Calendars make our planning easier and more efficient and from a Calendar we are able to come up with planners.

The Christmas lists

I believe there were a list of items in your checklist that had list in their names. These various items and activities are what I am calling the Christmas lists. Christmas planning without lists may cause forgetfulness and repetition.

Examples of lists to have in a Christmas spread:
• Gift list – think of what you want to give to whom and their addresses for those being mailed out. Also keep a track of when the wrapping is done
• Card list – often we are unable to send gifts to everyone but we can send cards. Keep track of addresses and mailing date.
• Thank you list – Appreciation goes a long way. We feel happier and better when an effort goes noticed
• Grocery shopping list – this list helps to keep track of all that is needed for the season. Helps to avoid disaster.
• Happy mail – this is meant for everyone else. Sending happy mails improves relationships.
• Budget tracker – it is very easy to overspend during Christmas. Keep track of all your expenditure and expenses.

The Variables

These are the various ideas that are not consistent with and may keep on changing depending on the situations and others opinions. Each family has different ideas when it comes to Christmas. Some travel, others stay at home, have parties, come up with traditions and so much more. Its good to plan for these too.
Example of variables;
• Christmas traditions
• Diy lists
• Baking lists
• Places to go
• Movie, music and book checklist
• Meal planners
• Recipe card
• Travel planner

When it comes to Christmas, let us not be caught off guard yet we can make our time much less stressful.
So what is your ultimate Christmas spread looking like?
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