While the “official” countdown to Christmas begins on December 1st, most of us start thinking and preparing for Christmas a little earlier (why else would high street restaurants and shops start hyping their Christmas ranks while we’re all still slapping on the sunscreen!).

So we’ve put together this simple Christmas countdown that will help you get organized, avoid stress, and most importantly, enjoy the countdown to Christmas!

Countdown — 1 to 2 months to Christmas

Want to avoid the worst of the Christmas crowds? And avoid the disappointment of discovering that the only toy they want this year is already sold out?

Well, now is your chance to get organized and enjoy your holiday shopping stress-free. I’d recommend you try an old-fashioned list (after all, Santa Claus himself has been using one for years!).

The following tips can help:

• On one sheet of paper, have a column for people you need to buy gifts for, a column for gift ideas, and a column for the budget for each gift.
• On a separate sheet of paper, do a little brainstorming, thinking carefully about each person you want to buy a Christmas present for: think about their hobbies, favorite color, favorite bands, movies, ideas you’ve picked up from talking. to them and so on

It may seem like an obvious exercise, but it’s one that works really well (or at least it works for me!). Get the thought process going, and before you know it, you’ll be seeing potential gifts for friends and family everywhere!

Once you have the ideas, the following is easy. All you need to do is shop for gifts, wrap and tag them, ticking off the names of friends and relatives on your list as Christmas presents pile up in your closet!

You may also want to wrap up some backup gifts, always good to have on hand if someone unexpectedly arrives with a gift for you!

Countdown: 4 weeks to Christmas

• Plan your wardrobe for the Christmas party: what are you going to wear and when, and buy the clothes you may need.
• Start your Christmas card list and buy all your Christmas cards and stamps
• Book any gift delivery online, which will be sent directly to the recipient, such as Christmas balloons, teddy bears and chocolates.

Countdown — 3 weeks to Christmas

• Now is the time to get seriously organized, especially if you are throwing a Christmas party. This week:
• Send your Christmas cards and gifts
• Put up your Christmas tree and decorate your house
• Plan Your Food and Drink Shopping List – You now need to know how many guests you expect for Christmas brunch or any other celebration you’re hosting so you can plan accordingly.
• Clear out your fridge and cupboards so you can start shopping and stocking your holiday treats; start now by buying your non-perishable products.

Countdown: 2 weeks to Christmas

• Review the things you normally forget until it’s too late; For example, do you have enough knives, forks and plates for all your guests?
• Buy any last-minute gifts: Make sure all gifts are wrapped and labeled.

Countdown – 1 week to Christmas

• Buy last minute drinks and perishable food
• Write a time plan to prepare and cook Christmas lunch so that you are relaxed that day.
• Make sure your camcorder and camera are working properly and are full of batteries and film or tape.

Countdown: 1 day to Christmas

• Check that you have everything; now is the time for last minute shopping if you have forgotten something.
• Enjoy a drink on Christmas Eve to celebrate the start of the most festive season of all!

Christmas day

Relax and stay calm if you are cooking dinner, accept any help offered or ask family and friends for help as needed. It’s time to have fun!

It only remains to say Merry Christmas to all!