Tips on How To Get Organised For Christmas

Christmas holidays are all about spreading the cheer and joy, and nothing does this better than giving gifts and putting up decorations together. Not everyone is great at buying Christmas presents, but it’s the thought that counts after all. One way to make sure you pick the right gift is by knowing what will make the recipient happy and remember your gesture for a long time. Your gift doesn’t have to be expensive or hard to come by; sometimes the simplest things can bring the most joy.

Giving gifts goes hand in hand with festive decorations, and in this guide I’m sharing some tips on how to get organised for Christmas early. Though most of the suggestions are do-it-yourself ideas, some have stood the test of time and would work for many other holidays coming ahead.

When Is The Right Time To Buy Christmas Gifts?

The right time to buy Christmas gifts is early and when the idea first comes to mind. You probably have the money in place way ahead of the holidays (before the expensive party season begins!) and so it’s better to hit the shops and buy the first Christmas gift idea you think about. This will not only work well for you in the long run but it will help you avoid the crowds as people rush to buy last minute presents. If you wait until a couple of weeks before the big day to ask a loved one what they’d like for Christmas, chances are their mind will go blank, and even if they do know, you may well have missed the best offers.

Getting organised will save you money

In the run up to Christmas, you can find lots of offers and promotions, so it pays to take advantage of them. Those marketing emails may clog up your inbox, but they can also alert you to a fantastic discount. I’ve managed to buy several presents at great prices over the last week or so. Of course, it’s not just the price of gifts, it’s also the availability. If you leave it too long you may not be able to get what you want if it’s really popular. Keeping a list on your phone that you can refer to is very useful – especially if like me, you lose paper lists all the time!

It also follows that you should get your decorations early before the prices shoot up. Most stores will have Christmas decorations for sale throughout the year and usually the price is a fraction of what they will be during the holidays. Some decorations are universal and not necessarily for Christmas, therefore you will find Hanukah, Thanksgiving and even Easter decorations at great prices and varieties throughout the year.

Making Festive Kitchen Decorations

With all the fun and merry making, the kitchen becomes a central part of your home’s Christmas decoration. The kitchen is also a nice place to exchange Christmas treats and having a holiday potluck. It’s when neighbours come together to fix a meal and bring with them ingredients, treats and gifts. So, why not invite your family and friends over to make a great meal and exchange food to celebrate the holidays?

Decorating your kitchen for Christmas shouldn’t be too hard. You can do it well with some flowers (real or false), candles, ribbons and towels. Christmas themed towels and napkins are great and you can usually find them at a reasonable price when bought early. Draping fairy lights along the top of kitchen units instantly gives a festive feel. Garlands and wreaths are also easy ways to bring the kitchen to life. A centrepiece on the table will bring the wow factor too – whether it’s a display of festive flora such as poinsettia, holly or pine, or something kitsch like a giant light-up reindeer! Each to their own taste!

Giving a Practical Gift

Everyone loves a mug of piping hot coffee – or maybe mulled wine during the festive season. So with this in mind, why not consider giving a decorative cup as a gift? They make a great alternative to socks, which seem to be a perennial favourite. Giving socks for Christmas has become rather predictable, but a decorative mug can be used every day for years to come. So think practically and always try to get something that will be memorable and easy to use.

Do you like to get your Christmas shopping done early, or do you leave it until the last minute? I’d love to know how you prepare for the festive season!

Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post. Photos courtesy of Unsplash.

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