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

[Sleona]

Just wondering if anyone has anything that could speed up labour tried so many things and nothing seems to be working😩. Currently I’m 37weeks and 3 days but I’ve been 3cm dilated for the last 70 hours 😩the pains are starting to get worst but still not bad enough to know I’m further along🙄. I’ve had my show but my waters still haven’t gone yet.
Looking for any advice as possible ?

[FawnDrench]

Vouchers for everyone.

Go abroad for Xmas and New Year.

[NineteenForever]

I have a spreadsheet and we keep a list of food bought for the previous year so we can keep an eye on quantities etc.

[hiddenmichelle]

lists and spreadsheets! I love a list and being able to tick items off - so satisfying! Mind you that does not always stop a last minute "I forgot X job"!

[elizaco]

Lists for everything! Shopping, baking, errands. I love the satisfaction of ticking things off!

[BrieAndChilli]

I have a Christmas organiser notebook that someone local to me sells.
It has pages for menus, shopping lists, meal timings, presents lists, budget pages, elf on the shelf schedule page, calenders, Christmas film list page, etc etc
It’s basically my bible for November and December.

I start stocking up on the non perishable stuff now everytime I do a food shop
I work our what events etc we need to go to and outfits etc

[BrieAndChilli]

Also make sure you lists what you have bought and WHERE it is so you don’t forget about the suitcase ofnpresents on top of your wardrobe until Boxing Day like me. I also found a horoscope book for 2016 the other day that I had bought for my sister!!!

[LastMinutesAndLostEvenings]

Try to stick to a budget for presents and have them all on a spreadsheet so we know what we have bought and for who!

Also going out for Christmas lunch

[Rosehips]

online shopping, amazon lists for the kids

[OrdinarySnowflake]

Lists.

Try to buy everything on line so you dont have to join in the grounds shopping and waste your weekends dragging round the shops.

Wrap in advance so I can spend christmas eve drinking wine with DH.

[JellySlice]

I list what I've bought/made/done.

Though towards the middle of December I may start with To Do lists.

[Leeds2]

Lists, lists, and more lists!

I buy all my presents online, and I try to start mid November so hopefully time for all parcels to be received.

[SilverLinings2014]

Prepare as much as possible in advance. If we host we do the main and everyone brings starter or dessert; all agreed in advance so we don't end up with 4 Christmas puddings and no cheese board.

Since the children have been born the adults do a secret Santa, which hugely reduces present stress.

[Sleavercole123]

My wife buys Christmas presents in the Christmas sales. The only downside is having to store them for a year!

[NicHay]

Do little and often - buy presents when you see them in the months up to christmas. Get all the shops catalogues so you can plan shopping from home before you go.

[BumbleyBum]

I start early and keep lists of people/ideas on my phone. I try to buy stuff as I see it and then hide it away. I am usually finished and have everything wrapped by early December.
Ps. I love the McDonald’s Xmas advert, my favourite one this year

[ShatnersBassoon]

The notes section and little folders for receipts in the back of my diary come into their own in December. Lists of what I've bought, what I'm going to buy, paper trail hidden away from prying eyes.

[chibsortig]

Lots of lists, lots of checking the budget. Followed by lots of coffee.

[scrapaddict]

I start early so present buying isn't a hassle. Then I make lists and buy what can be bought early like store cupboard items so that in the last few days it is just fresh stuff I have to buy

[thesockgap]

Lists, lists, lists!! I have a big notebook that I live by during November and December. I write down anything that will keep me organised, from present ideas to budgeting figures, food shopping lists to calendar dates. I also keep a few spreadsheets which I update daily - one which runs all year round and keeps tally of all ins and outs to the bank account, and another specifically for Christmas to show budgets, how much has been spent, what's left, and what's been bought.

[thatsepicbro]

With 5 dc I try to plan ahead quite a lot. I have lists and budgets to try and stick too. I also love bargain hunting and normally always find an offer or code for items which really helps

[WishUponAStar88]

Present list and start buying in around September although spread out gradually so I’m still buying bits in September. We don’t go crazy with our kids as lots of others but for them too but on the flip side that means we have lots of nieces/ nephews/ godchildren to buy for!

If cooking on the day I write an itinerary . I’m used to cooking for 4 so cooking for 15 or so needs a bit more organising!

[PashleyB]

Lists for everything is my general tactic!

[Theimpossiblegirl]

Lots of lists and not accepting too many invitations. Our weekends get very busy in the run up to Christmas and I don't want to get ill so rest is essential.

[ButterflyOfFreedom]

I generally start thinking about Christmas in November so have around a month to get organised. The first thing we usually do is work out where we're actually going to be on Christmas Day and when we're going to see different family & friends. Then I start thinking of presents so make a list.
Lists probably feature a lot actually in the run up to Christmas!!