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

I buy a few things extra with my weekly shop and put them away, i also start my christmas gift shopping early that way by buying a little something each week it isn't too much to cope with. I like to plan and get everything organised, I also make sure I have a spare gift for male/female in the house .....just incase

I live by my lists

Declutter fridge, freezer and cupboards in November. Lists of presents, cards, food and jobs.

We home ed, so the main thing I do is to make sure our term finishes early enough in December that I don't have to be doing education and Christmas prep.

I also keep a running list all the time of things my children have said they'd like for birthdays/Christmas so it's easy to make suggestions to family who want ideas. We don't do any entertaining at Christmas, which makes it very simple.

I stagger shopping, starting more or less as soon as the children go back to school in September. I plan what needs buying/sorting/organising and when it needs to be done by and keep a notebook for this purpose. I do a lot of my shopping online- I first did this 15 years ago when pregnant with my youngest as he was due on 23rd December and, having had three babies in three years, I was huge!

I make lots of lists and tick off when it is done..I do a lot of the shopping online.I wrap presents as soon s I get them,nothing worse than having to wrap a pile of presents on Christmas eve.Everyone has jobs to do to spread the load.I plan my Christmas menus well in advance and prep Christmas eve

I'm not very organised, I just muddle through

I don’t 😱

Lists, lists, lists and more lists.

I am responsible for present ideas for my side of the family. My DH is responsible for his. Neither of us mind buying the actual gifts for each other's family, as long as the thinking part of it has already been done.

I have a dedicated bag for present wrapping paraphernalia. We use slice tools to cut wrapping paper, and tape is pre-cut and dispensed from a clever wrist dispenser. I can't emphasise how much easier it makes it.

Small gifts for stockings are picked up throughout the year and kept in a bag at the bottom of my wardrobe. They also double up as emergency gifts for last minute party invites.

i write lots of lists. Shopping lists, to do lists. I also wrap presents as i buy them. That way you havent got a load to wrap all in one go! Makes it alot less stressful x

With my calender, lots of lists and my labelled boxes hidden in the attic 😂

lots of lists, lots of buying early and lots of good time management and organising childcare.

Literally lists lists and more lists !!

I don't buy presents through out the year, but I do tend to start picking things up alongside the weekly shopping from about October. For family members I try to stick to a budget when i'm looking for a gift. I book an online shopping slot for near Xmas day a few weeks in advance which helps lots, and it's also great if you realise you have forgotten a present, you can add it onto your shopping delivery...along with the selotape you also forgot!

I love writing to do lists.I book an online food shop early.I will be wrapping all the presents this week as I have some time off work.

List, lots and lots of lists.

I roll over a spreadsheet annually for presents and budget - it's easiest
^This, I'm the same. Offers the advantage of learning from past mistakes. Plus shared calendars, and we get any visits to relatives done early in December before the weather turns. I send cards the first week, put the tree up the second week, and wrap pressies the last week before Christmas. This year I am stocking the cupboards in expectation of bed weather.

Keep it pretty simple.
Start early and I mean as early as wrapping paper and crackers in the January sales! Shove them away and you’ll thank yourself in December.
Ask your children to write lists, but prepare them to not expect every single thing they ask for!!
Internet shopping is your friend!

we make a list and check it twice...

buy bargains through out the year and stay organised with list , lists and more lists. then let everyone do a share

Lists! I'd be lost without them, they keep me on track and I always try to stick to them

lots of lists and I also start buying presents early

Copious amounts of lists and a spreadsheet to track what I have bought and what is left to buy. Keeping an eye on what is in the pantry and fridge as well as topping up supplies of wrapping paper and sellotape.

Lists of who I have to buy for and any present ideas I have. I also try to do the wrapping as I go along so I don’t have to do loads at once. Xmas eve I prep as much of my Christmas dinner as I can

I make a list of present ideas for people through out the year