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 plan ahead and make lists and where possible buy gifts throughout the year.

do as much as I can early on. Hate going round the shops so I do it all online

I have numerous lists and try to be as organised as possible so I'm not running around at the last minute

@Alanamackree
Christmas at yours sounds lovely.
I hope your loved ones appreciate how much thought and work you put in.

Avoid the large shopping centres
Either internet shop delivered to your door
or go Xmas eve morning to shopping centre, I've done that the last 4 years
Take ya list it's all reasonably quiet as everyone has done the panicking the weeks before and ain't in your way
Bonus the sales start early too so save a little on your presents

I buy my presents throughout the year!

It has changed a lot over the years but basically dig out previous lists from my early pre xmas box and start from there as early as possible however that seems to be slipping as I haven't started yet so will no doubt find duplication and oh dear sighs if I do not get my act together soon. It's definitely a make do and mend time while I dream as I window shop, makes a great combination for entering the new year!

I go to my parents... and have the big celebrations there (where I do help put!) If we do Christmas Day at ours it’s just the three of us and not much faff at all.

Keep things simple and add a few extras to the weekly shop from October onwards.

Buy the presents over the year and keep a list of what has been bought/wanted.

Online food shop for as much as possible whilst remembering it’s only a couplebof days and plan the meals in advance

Book activities and visits in advance

I keep a few To - do lists!

I use my phone app to organise my lists of different to do things. I make time on less busy evenings to prep things that can be frozen well ahead of time. I make a lot of slice and bake cookies for unexpected guests and keep the gift list to a minimum. Often the little gifts for friends and neighbors will be a mix of treats I was already making for the family.

Lists, lists, lists!
I start present buying early - actually pick things up throughout the year, particularly stocking fillers. I (tragically) keep a spreadsheet of what I have bought for whom, which means I always know what is left and enables me to be a bit targeted when shopping. I also try and get things in perspective - presents are lovely, but they are not meant to be life-changing, and if Auntie Susan gets a pair of gloves in a shade she doesn't much care for, does it REALLY matter?
Food-wise, I start quite late I suppose - rarely thinking about it much before December. I try and remind myself that it is a large roast dinner, that no one is coming for the food, and that we don't need to provide 10 days worth of food within one day. Accept help from others with the food, serve with a smile and some nice wine, and all is good.
This is looking like it might be my mum's last Christmas so much of the organisational chaff feels very, very incidental right now. Sigh.

I just keep it simple, write lists, delegate and don't go overboard with presents.

I have a list in my diary who I have to buy for from October tick of when bought then crossed of when wrapped. All done by the 1st of December. Start eating the freezer contents from 1st December to make space for Christmas food, already have stuffing, pigs in blankets and smoked salmon in. Love to enjoy December hassle free. And our trees being delivered today as we choose it early so we get exactly the one we want it will stay outside till next weekend. I love Christmas.

My strategy is lists and a present spreadsheet. I put kids ‘events’ into my phone with reminders.
However there is always a last minute panic when I realise I am running out of time for gifts or that I haven’t considered specific arrangements!

Try and keep xmas low scale and what gets left gets left

Writing things down! It's so easy to get carried away and get far too much food, too many presents and too much general 'stuff' otherwise. Also try to keep the day itself simple - at first we tried to cram everything in - special breakfast, seeing family, going for a stroll, huge lunch, presents, more food etc etc. Now we do much less, and as a result need less stuff. Makes the build up far easier to cope with.

I start buying 4 months ahead, and wrap stuff as it starts arriving. Everything is pretty much bought by start of November, apart from food. Last food delivery slot is booked for just prior to Christmas Day, so we have all the veg, meat etc. I also go to the shops for Christmas main meat a month before hand and freeze it.

My diary and lots of lists!!