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

[almac1965]

I stand well back and let Mrs Mac deal

[myusername12345]

Lists, lists and more lists! I even have a list of the lists I need to start!

[hibbertheather]

To be honest I usually don’t, I try to be every year but it never ends up materialising I end up very last minute

[StickChildNumberTwo]

Lists, lists and more lists!

[jkell268]

I keep lists in my email drafts, so I can access them easily on my phone and edit/check them on both my phone and computer.

[annarack99]

Lists, and more lists!

[clareycat]

Amazon Prime is my saviour!

[GetKnitted]

Stay organised by making christmas as low key as possible. there is no need to be spending 3 months spending money in one month. There is no need for new furniture, massive cleaning exercises etc. etc.

[rejcomp]

Well as I'm on my own now I really don't see much point in bothering...

[KittyKat88]

I 'collect' presents throughout the year so that when we get to early December I can look through what I have (I always seem to have lots of books, which isn't a bad thing as I try to avoid too much pointless plastics!) and then top up with one or two key gift my DDs have specifically asked for. One is easy - anything Tom Gates, and the other wanted a dog toy. Hubby tells me what he wants so is easy to buy for too. I shop online for those so hassle-free! Food is bought the week before. I stopped buying wrapping paper 2 years ago, and instead use cloth wrapping with ribbons which is infinitely reusable, and I get my DDs to do designs and we make our own cards. Christmas shouldn't be stressful so why worry!

[zakaya]

I buy Christmas cards, decorations, crackers and even Christmas pudding in the sales. Then I make lists, lists, lists and so I don't forget more lists :)

[runkaterun]

Completely lost the plot this year!

[jazzitup]

I am one for writing lists to keep my sanity.

[sofieellis]

I'm my Mum's carer, so I have to organise all her cards and presents as well as my own. She has mild dementia, so we do can only do a little at a time - lists are absolute life savers, as she forgets who she has sent cards and presents to.

If I ever get hers finished then hopefully I'll start organising my own!

[suewilly]

We begin having conversations about Christmas round about September. We make sure we ask the whole family whether they are coming just for a visit of coming for dinner. We assign tasks to each family member, so although I'm usually on cooking duties, someone else is responsible for bringing the pudding, another person is in charge of entertainment, someone else will have responsibility for laying the table, etc, etc, etc. Then it's lists, lists, lists, all the way to the big day!

[rocketriffs]

The most unorganized thing about Christmas is the mass panic buying in the High St and Retail Parks, on Christmas Eve so I avoid these and enjoy the day because after all it is only one day and you don't really need to organise it. Stick to the same routine as the years before.

[purplediva]

planning, lists, organisation and don't go over the top

[snare]

I do a little job each day :)

[Nuttynelnew]

Well I have 6 kids so Christmas really does take organisation

Firstly - Start in AUGUST
then - Make a list for each child
Wrap as I buy
Make sure list is ticked each time
Delegate some of the gifts on their wish list to family members ')

My little boys birthday is 23rd December too so I have to make sure he is all sorted for that too

[cheryl100]

I have a to do list which I continually update and try to use my spare time wisely by wrapping presents and organising last minute gifts

[angiehoggett]

I try and get most online in November and then when my decorations go up I start wrapping a few presents each night so I don't get too fed up!

[lovelyluckylass]

I make lists and cross things out as i do them and I also start buying quite early so that im prepared :)

[mummymel19]

Do like Santa does and make a list!

[Blondie1982]

Lists, I have a list for everything!

[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.