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

Lists lists lists! And I'm going to prep and freeze what I can for the Christmas lunch.

Keep a list of everything I've got, and need in a spreadsheet on google docs!

Clean the house and wrap the presents as I go along, and lists, lists and more lists

I do lots of planning as early as possible - I try to buy all presents before December and wrap as early as possible too. We haven't hosted for a while so haven't need to cook which is nice! Lists are always a good idea as well as frequently checking the calendar.

Forward planning and keeping a list is the only way to achieve a relaxing lead up to the big day. The more I can get done by the 30th of November the better. Thankfully with the help of the Christmas bargain threads and tips from other posters I'm almost entirely sorted which means not only am I organised but I also get to enjoy the festivities.

Okay, we are the most organised family ever when it comes to Christmas! It starts in January when there are certain things I buy in the sales: cards, wrap (Inc bows and tags) toiletry gift sets, games for the children, crackers and Christmas pud (if the date goes thru to following year which it often does). I then start shopping again in September and but one thing a week from a master list (e.g. Cranberry sauce, mixers, nibbles etc) until I can buy the fresh food, which I've saved up my Nectar points for. This year I have £130 so far to buy my turkey, gammon, beef, fresh veg and a few gift cards as top up presents. Everything else is already in the freezer and cupboards! It helps spread the cost AND keeps us organised!

Lots of lists, preparation and a bottle of gin!

Have a to do list and stay calm.

In order for you to stay organised do you have to begin your preparations early and if so how early do you start?
I tend to write my list of who to buy for in October.

Are you a big list maker and write down everything you need to buy, plan and prep? Yes! Lists upon lists! I have a list of who to buy for, who I’ve bought for and what, list of any vouchers/discounts I’ve got available to use, a list for food shopping!

Do you split the responsibility out across your family?
Nope all me!

Maybe you order all your presents and/or food online to save time?
I look online for gifts but buy mostly in store. I order food online, to be delivered around 22/23rd December so if anything is missing I can pop out Christmas Eve!

Or do you buy decorations and presents throughout the year when you see a good deal? No but maybe I should!

i make lists, lots of them and cross items off and remake lists and off I go again.

I keep lists of everything we buy as we will start buying for the kids from about October time when we see any good deals. We don't buy much in the way of different food so that isn't really an issue for us. The hardest thing to juggle is trying to fit in all the extra activities, like the Grotto, the school plays, and then local National Trust places run events too so that needs more planning to see what we can fit in without it becoming stressful.

make lots of lists

Go on holiday, somewhere in the sun

I buy gifts in advance so we can enjoy the run up to Christmas and have some family time!
As for cooking everything peeled an chopped the night before and ready to go!

I do as much online shopping as possible and start stocking up on food and drink throughout Autumn (must not drink the gin and prosecco in the garage!).

I love a good spreadsheet to keep on top of budget and presents, and save up through the year to pay for it all.

We do have a few more take aways and meals out than normal in December.... It is Christmas after all .

It's all about the lists! What I got for everyone last year, what I've bought so far, ideas for buying and what I've got to do/buy which isn't gift related. I start early but always end up with stuff I have to do on Christmas Eve.

I keep a note of what I have bought and tend to wrap as I go. I used to love wrapping everything together on Christmas Eve night but it doesn’t work anymore.

I have 6 children - So I really do have to try and be as organised as possible!
I start Christmas shopping straight after Christmas and saving a small amount of money each month all year! My goal is to always make sure I am not struggling at actual christmas time! I also make sure my children write their letters to Santa in November - just in case they ask for anything I didn't know about and I then have plenty of time to make sure the request is gotten to save disappointment! ha!
I menu plan for food on Christmas day - get everything that doesn't come from the fridge at least a couple of weeks before Christmas and then I only have to worry about the fridge food nearer the time! Phew! Its a big lot of stuff to do isn't it at Christmas! I look forward to Boxing day when I can have a rest! :)
Thank you!
Merry Christmas! :D

I start conversations about gifts in the autumn and try to buy presents early, so that there is no last minute panic. I also buy cards and wrapping paper in the January sales and store them until December... saves money and gives me one less thing to think about.

Lists for everything and everyone

I tend to get everything ready including presents and decorations before December so can then just enjoy the whole of the Christmas month!

I have my Cath kidston Christmas organiser!

It has lists of what I need to do, buy, who for etc. It also has the last couple of years present lists with a note saying if the gift was liked / needed.

I start very early. All shopping done and wrapped by second week in December so I can enjoy the Christmas season.

A list is a must and maybe a spreadsheet too! not just for Christmas day but the days around it too. Getting as much done sooner rather than later eg what stuff can I buy in advance to put in the freezer.

Lists, lists and more lists. I think that as long as I am organised and plan well then on the actual day I can relax and enjoy myself because I know everything will be organised and ready to go and I won't have forgotten anything.