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

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I use the notes app on my phone and make lists for everything - what ive got to buy, what ive already bought and things to do, places to go etc!

Its a godsend!

Always stay on the look out for Christmas presents throughout the year. I've sorted numerous presents out already when I've seen a bargain or 2. Makes the Christmas run up much more relaxing!

I purchase gifts throughout the year so take advantage of special offers, sales etc. This means there is no last minute rush trying to get gifts. Food purchases are commenced about September on a weekly basis which only leaves the fresh to organise last. I use lists to organise everything else (and everybody!)

I stay with family with my son, so we don't have the pressure of the Christmas day cooking and so on, but in other respects I think its important to remember it is one day and not to go overboard, getting your finances in a mess about it.

Lots of online shopping and meal prepping. Im making lots of lists so I get everything sorted well in advance.

We don't go crazy, just find out what presents we're buying as early as possible and look to get them at the best price.

In a word .. LISTS and if I lose this list I panic and write a new one haha, I write down everything bought and who for as I buy all year and this year is the most organised I've been..... touch wood... unless I lose my list :D

I have an app that is an absolute godsend! You create each person you are buying presents for and then you can set a budget for each one individually. You can log the presents you have bought & how much they have coast & even whether you have wrapped them! The app keeps track of how much you have spent overall compared to your budgeted spend. Plus, it keeps track of previous years lists so you don't gift a person the same thing twice! Genius!

I couldn't do Christmas without my lists, some in a notebook that come out every year and new ones that I make almost daily.

Every year I keep a post of what I’ve bought people so I don’t slip up and buy them the same again!
I literally start shopping in the summer, so by September I’ve bought most of what I need to. I bought teacher presents months ago when Tk Max had a huge sale on

I have decided to go to family this year so I don't have to worry about cooking dinner so that one big thing off the list. I have been shopping throughout the year so I have loads of presents ready, I'm going to start wrapping and then making sure I label them and keeping them in brown boxes arranged by house- different in laws and my family. I think I have things sorted.

Normally I’d go to the shops and do my Christmas shopping. No list though which meant I’d end up going back several times. I didn’t mind though as I enjoyed the time on my own and stopping for a coffee.

Very different this Christmas. I have terminal cancer so I’m trying to make this a lovely Christmas for my boys. I don’t have the energy to go shopping so I’ve done it all online and I’ve pretty much done all the present shopping! I even ordered the wrapping paper online.

I’ve made a list of what I’ve bought and who each present is for. Normally I still have presents to buy on Christmas Eve. It feels lovely being organised and I wish I’d done this years ago.

DP is in charge of food Shopping for the Christmas period. Being able to share the load is nice and has taken a lot of pressure off. Normally I’d be looking up which products came first in taste tests and going to eight different shops for good Mince pies and the best Christmas pudding. DP won’t do that and will very sensibly buy everything in one place and no one will know that the sprouts didn’t score 10 out of 10.

We put way too much pressure on ourselves when a bit of organisation and letting others help means you’re not driving yourself up the wall.

Make lists, buy all year if things cheaper, ask family to help with cooking!

Loads of lists & start the pressie buying early December as I find that's the time consuming bit.

we keep a ledger, sounds a bit odd, split into four... kids, house, food and extra expenses... once you start the lists take off, but as you get nearer December the list does get whittled down and there so far have been no last minute panics over anything

Im definitely the most organised of my family and circle of friends. I start my preparing straight after the Christmas before! I have a Christmas folder that has all the receipts in for that person ive bought for in their wallet within the folder and a paper with what ive bought and a list of what ideas i have for that person!

I love a good bargain but not on my childrens toys as their likes/wants change throughout the year.

I usually set off with a mini jotter in my bag and a couple of pens, budgets wrote down and ideas for the person i need to buy for. Regular stops at mac ds for a lovely hot chocolate are a must too!

Lists and spreadsheets. I write myself draft emails and colour in things I've done. Not the most effective organisation method but works okay really.

We write a list for Xmas presents, and then a list for the items we want/need over the Xmas period. Once and item is procured, its crossed off the list. Very satisfying!

Making Lists and little and often is my way of preparing, I start buying presents in November and start wrapping straight away. I also plan Christmas dinner and start buying groceries and drinks in advance, this year I have 15 for dinner so I need to be organised. I write cards at the very beginning of December pop the oversea ones in the post and hand family and friends cards out as and when I see people. Letters regarding Children's Christmas parties, fayres and nativities I stick to the front of the fridge so I can see whats gong on when and make sure any party food, presents, tombola items and bought in advance so theres no last minute panicking.

Lists ! And starting early !!
I madk my Xmas cakes in August (the fruit has been soaking since last August - when I made the previous batch!).
I buy presents all year around.
I get cards and wrapping paper in the sales and put them away for the following Xmas.
And I try and get things like booze in advance to limit the shopping cost and hassle in the week before the big day!

Lists, lists and more lists!
I start Christmas prep really early, and do buy gifts throughout the year when I spot something appropriate, which helps with budgeting. Got to keep track of everything I've bought though, or I'll put them away somewhere safe, completely forget about them and end up buying more!
Christmas dinner is a strictly no-stress affair, I never could understand people who martyr themselves over a turkey roast once a year. I'd rather be playing with DC or relaxing with a glass of something festive than stressing over prepping endless variations on veg. We choose a different roast every year, and I'm totally cheating this year and buying pre-prepped veg from the Supermarket! A bit more expensive, but we figure it'll be worth it to cut down on time spent in the kitchen :)

I'm #RaindeerReady every year, I buy my gift wrap, Christmas cards and the next year's Advent calenders (toy calenders that haven't got the year on the box) in the January sale the previous year and put them away in the attic, then I don't think about Christmas until the weekend after bonfire night, then I write my cards and start my Christmas shopping.. Its all done by the 25th November. I then make sure presents are wrapped, food is ordered, cards are posted and family festive days out are booked by the 1st December. That gives me 24 days to enjoy the build up without overspending. I've done this for about 10 years without fail and with two children under 4 it's a lifesaver!