How do you stay organised in the run up to Christmas? Share with McDonalds - £300 voucher to be won

[EllieMumsnet]

For the majority of people the countdown to Christmas has already begun...queue the Christmas films, carol singing, decorations, gift giving, Santa Claus and Christmas dinner. However it can also feel a little overwhelming trying to get everything sorted all before the big day, especially if you’re more of a do-it-all-the-week-before-Xmas type of person . Which is why McDonalds would like to know all your tips and tricks for staying organised throughout the run up to Christmas.

Here’s what McDonald’s has to say: “We know it’s a hectic time of year for families, so if it’s a quick coffee when you’re out shopping or popping in on Christmas Eve for some free Reindeer Treat carrots, we are here to help you get #ReindeerReady on your way to Christmas 2018!”

In order for you to stay organised do you have to begin your preparations early and if so how early do you start? Are you a big list maker and write down everything you need to buy, plan and prep? Do you split the responsibility out across your family? Maybe you order all your presents and/or food online to save time? Or do you buy decorations and presents throughout the year when you see a good deal?

However you stay organised in the run up to Christmas, tell us on the thread below and you’ll be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

[kb1823]

lists lists and more lists!

[CopperPan]

I use an organiser app on my phone to keep track of gifts, and buy throughout the year to take advantage of sales and to stop the last minute panic. With decorations and cards/gift wrap, we tend to keep the same things from year to year and I have a stock of cards/wrap from previous sales, so I don't need to buy any for a few years yet!

[MrsMaker88]

Set a budget with family
Make lists
Order online
Avoid last minute shopping in busy town centres

[44PumpLane]

Start early, write everything down and tick off as you get them done, then if all else fails run around in a panic in the last week and tell noone so they all think you're super organised and don't know the reality of the situation! Haha

[Smellophant87]

I don't really! But it generally involves many lists and doing things at the last minute!!

[DiWoo]

This year I actually feel like I’m top of Christmas! Bite size chunks is my strategy so they don’t feel like a mammoth tasks I haven’t got time for. Got the decorations down in November and began erecting the tree and decorating little bit each day. I brought my Christmas cards into the kitchen and did a few each day while waiting for the kettle to boil or the potatoes to cook in the pan before transferring them into the oven etc. The nieces and nephews all got money this year, which is what they wanted, equals no shopping or wrapping! My immediate family’s presents have been bought and wrapped in stages. Christmas sorted!

[Emmamaryd]

Write a list to make sure everything is planned out

[tishist]

We all chip in to prepare for it but we try to keep it all minimal - what's the point of stress :)

[cathyov]

Family calendars are great at for adding all the Christmas events and colour coding them as to whether it just lefts needed or actual attendance required! I find lists invaluable and have great pleasure in ticking off things on them too.

[Marjoleine]

I start making a list from November with daily things to do, buy or prepare :)

[lottiegirl]

list list and lists! also buy items that will store from september. keeps me on track

[lorrainej162]

Lots of lists!!

[Twiglet1983]

Lists, lists and more lists!!

[maria08k]

I pre-plan ahead as much as i can and try to prep alot of bits in advance. Gifts are wrapped while my son is a school, cards are written at the beginning of December. Christmas lunch is prepped the day before and cooked in throw away tin dishes.

[littlemonkeyz]

I rely heavily on lots of lists and I try and make some food in advance for Christmas and freeze it. We try not to panic about everything being done or perfect, after all, it's only one day and your family will still love you and have a nice time even when everything goes tits up. (and it will give them something to laugh about in future years too)

[eandoauntie]

Since I became pregnant earlier in the year I have to rely on lists and alarms set on my phone or nothing gets done - I have my family all coming and staying for Christmas - the lists for that looks more like a novel!

[Woodruffshaz]

i must admit, i would be lost without my phone! i make lists in it of things i need to do and buy, i also set my calendar reminders when i need to do things.. with three kids to buy for i have to make lists so things are equal etc too.
then i use Xmas eve to do all my prep. even lay the table all nicely ready as it is one less thing to worry about. plus my eldest is 16 so is super helpful, she actually helps me with the food prep as she loves doing it. it's all about everyone chipping in together.

[piggypoo]

It sound boring, but I write down a list of what needs to be done, and stick to it. I buy a couple of things a week from about September, so I don't have a nervous breakdown come the last week to Xmas, it's painful seeing people lose the plot over trivial things, the pressure to be perfect is immense!

[molly57]

Start planning in January

[blue25]

I don't to be honest, but I try with lists and timelines to get things done. Partner helps out with more cooking & collection of takeaways!

[fifimummy]

One way I stay organised is by stashing the kids presents at my Mums house!! That way I know they won't be found.....She even wrapped them for me one year .....bless her xxxxxx

[baconbap]

make lots of lists

[laurapotz]

I'm not very organised, but I write lots of lists and book food delivery orders as soon as i can so I don't have to fight my way through supermarket crowds.

[HelenSw4les]

A list, I have lists for everything and Christmas is no exception. We would all be eating beans on toast for Christmas lunch if it wasn't for my lists.

[HannahLI]

I have a list and I buy presents throughout the year, in November I have a massive push and finish it off so that I have everything. I wrap as I go to stay on top of the presents but also to hide from the kids, its the best way to keep secrets and I do it all when they are at school or in bed. Food wise I try and prep ahead of time and freeze, this year we are away over christmas and the meals will be shared but I have already frozen my contribution so that I don't have to do more than cook in oven over christmas.