Organising Christmas on a budget....Anyone?

[shyandmighty]

Hi all
Am thinking with a little forward planning, this year I might make Christmas an event to look forward to, rather than it creeping up on me! I always seem to be disorganised however much money I have to spend!
This year however, I'm on a very limited budget but luckily only have 2 dc's (9&11) and 1 nephew to buy for.
It's not the present buying I find difficult but it's the encouragement I need to get started early. I need a good plan to get me interested! Little things that make Christmas special for the kids. Any suggestions where to begin?

[DLI]

i always buy gift bags first, then line them up in my wardrobe and label them with who's is who's. I write a list of what I am buying everyone and I then start buying presents when i am doing the grocery shopping at the supermarket. When i get home i pop them in the gift bags and before i know it i have quite a few presents. If I am out on my own shopping at a weekend i might buy one or two for my ds and they go in his gift bag/out of sight - that way i am not purposefully going out for xmas presents and therefore dont get stressed when i dont buy them

[shyandmighty]

That's a very good idea, especially for the little bits and pieces and for cards, gift wrap etc. I never really think to incorporate Christmas gift buying in the supermarket shop...
Aren't you the lucky one to have enough space in your wardrobe, mine is chockablock! Time for my pre-Christmas clear out I think!

[bigchris]

i start by adding special offers to the online shopping, buy one get one free on box of chocs for teachers, nursery workers etc

[shyandmighty]

Yes, yes bigchris, another good one and BOGOF even better...
Since dp left (eased out) I have soooo much more time to think straight and be organised and I intend to make the most of it!