Any lessons learnt for next year?

[Guitargirl]

I think mine would be to try and get less stressed! Easy to say now of course but I got myself in a right tizz on Christmas Eve worried that one of the DCs would wake to find Mummy Father Christmas sorting out the presents and it would all be ruined.

Next year I must remember to NOT STRESS!!

This Xmas was the most disorganised fiasco EVER, Not helped by illness and the snow at the last minute.

This in mind the plan for next Xmas is

1. Dont get ill well what can you do?? Just try my best to stay healthy I suppose.

2. Buy presents well in advance. I have already purchased a few items and will buy throughout 2011 as I see things I think my loved ones will like.

3. Start wrapping by Dec 1st at the very latest.

4. Buy those nasty looking sticker type gift tags/labels so they dont come detatched from the presents before they get handed out - to avoid mix ups like this year.

5. Avoid my MIL

6. Do the meal planning myself and not involve DH who came up with some "good" ideas but then only bought half the neccessary ingredients.

7. Stay at home for Xmas day so the DC can play with their gifts. Invite only those I would actually like to see on Xmas day.

Mine are:

Don't spend hours in the kitchen cooking a big christmas dinner for kids who won't eat it. Next year DH says we're having toad in the hole cos they will always eat sausages!

Don't waste money on turkey, its always dry and we always throw half of it in the bin.

Wrap presents earlier in December, not 2 nights before Christmas or even Christmas Eve!

Get into gear earlier in November/December and don't leave any present buying until Christmas Eve cos I couldn't be bothered/wasn't interested earlier and panicked last minute.

Don't get stressed! Relax and enjoy it because before you know it, its over and you're in miserable January.

make a note in the November section of my 2011 diary to remind myself that I have Advent calendars, Christmas cards and crackers in the loft. I do not need to buy any!