Sponsored by BIG W
My mind felt like it was about to explode as I attempted to fit in all the little things to remember. I like being organised, but when I don’t take the time to invest in strategies, I end up reactive, trying to keep one step ahead of myself, instead of being proactive. So I stopped: I went to a play centre with the kids and let them run rampant; I sat with a cup of tea, my computer and iphone; I planned and organised. Ah, the calm that came over me! Not because I had less to do, but because I felt like I could achieve it!
This is the last post in my #BIGW_HintSquad series together with Christie from Childhood101, Naomi from Seven Cherubs and Trae from Where’s My Glow?. I’ve enjoyed putting these posts together and I hope it’s been useful to you too. For this last one, I’m sharing some of the strategies I put in place on the home stretch to the wonderfulness that is Christmas Day.
Excerpt from Woman’s Day Magazine
1. Stop
When I feel overwhelmed, it’s a cue to stop and regroup.
2. Write lists
Lists, list and more lists! It’s the only way I can keep track. I keep different lists for different things, mainly for food, and then a separate one for gifts.
This year, I had a look at different free Christmas gift apps and decided on Santa’s Bag. I set a budget for all my presents and I’m pretty happy with this app and how I can group recipients in family groups and keep track of where I’m at which each gift (that is purchased, wrapped and given).
3. Shop (or Window Shop) online
I do a mix of online and offline shopping. I usually look online for inspiration and to help me plan what gifts I need to look out for when I’m at the shops in person. BIG W have an online shop plus a Click & Collect service where you can shop online and pick up what your order. I did this for my photo Christmas Cards. **(Check your estimated delivery time to ensure your gift arrives in time for Christmas)**
4. Plan the trip
Plan where to go before you hit the shops. I make a rough mud map of where shops are and where to go first. I find this helps save me time when I get there.
5. Extra gifts
For unexpected guests, it’s fabulous to have a few gifts up your sleeve. I like nuts, chocolates and dried fruit.
6. Gift Ideas
I asked for fabulous, useful and fun gift ideas for children and families on my Facebook page recently. I like this as a guide for gifts from Mum and Dad:
Something they want
Something they need
Something to wear and
Something to read
Gift Ideas
- Monster kit: 3 containers, one with play dough, one with feathers and one with bits of pipe cleaner, google eyes.
- Book and a floor cushion
- PJs, Popcorn & a DVD Pack
- Family portrait session
- Gardening pack: Pot, seeds, watering can, spade
- Box of pretty hair things
- A journal, stickers and a set of sparkly pens
- Personalised cap (with name or initial)
- A bowl, topping and $5 to buy a tub of ice-cream
- Packet of fabric markers & a white t-shirts or shoes
- School Holiday Kit – bubbles, drawing pens, art pads, pavement chalk
I found items at BIG W and put this school holiday fun pack together for under $50
A plain white T-Shirt or shoes and a pack of fabric pens is such a fun and unique gift idea for kids. (Design ideas here)
Last minute party Christmas favour
If you’re looking for a last minute party favour idea, these ‘snow’ packs are super cute and simple to put together. They are a fabulous stocking filler or table decoration. Click for instruction and a free printable: Snowman Tic Tac printable.
What you need
Tic Tacs
Blank Sticky Labels (PDF Printable here)
Sprint to the end with a plan! That’s what I say! And Merry Christmas!
Giveaway
Congratulations to Rebecca, Gemma and Tiffany the winners of the last 3 giveaways. I have another BIG W voucher on offer for those last minute purchases. Use the rafflecopter form below and leave a comment answering this question:
What is your best Last Minute Tip in the lead up to Christmas Day?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
T & Cs – Must be over 18 year of age, Australian residents only, judged on merit. Please read full terms and condition in the link above
*Giveaway ended. Congratulations Christie*
Disclosure
This post is sponsored by BIG W. All views and materials (including photographs) produced are my own. You can read my disclosure policy here.
83 Comments
JodieMcA
December 17, 2013 at 11:46 amThanks for these great ideas – we are looking forward to fun together over the holidays and more fun mum activities in 2014! Merry Christmas
Tricia
December 17, 2013 at 12:06 pmRemember the real reason for Christmas…it doesn’t matter if u haven’t got lots of $ to spend on gifts…focus on Family, Love, Joy n the Spirit of Christmas…( well that and don’t forget to buy batteries to go into toys that need them to save sad faces on the day)
Jacqui Fenton
December 17, 2013 at 12:13 pmChocolates and home baked goodies wrapped in
Cellophane are a good last minute gift idea 🙂
Michelle K
December 17, 2013 at 12:14 pmSpare batteries of a few different sizes and don’t leave the grocery shopping till Christmas Eve!
Ashleigh-Rose
December 17, 2013 at 12:33 pmLook out for specials on blocks and gift pack of chocolate in the week before Christmas, these make great last minute or surprise gifts and getting them on sale makes it much more affordable. My son also enjoys giving gifts to his grandparents, so we usually make some homemade treats together ad wrap them in cellophane for an affordable and love filled gift.
Bettina
December 17, 2013 at 1:15 pmDo a grocery order online and pre book it to be delivered Christmas Eve – this keeps you out of the crush at the shops and free to get more last minute jobs done at home
Rachel A
December 17, 2013 at 1:32 pmI’m a big believer in lists and I think they’re essential at this time of year. My tip is to make lots of lists or you will forget something important – like me last year when I forgot to buy the roast for Christmas lunch and had to run around late on Christmas Eve trying to find something we could eat and ended up finding a couple of tiny BBQ chickens at Woolies. Merry Christmas!
Kylie
December 17, 2013 at 2:03 pmBreathe, smile, laugh and think of the kids and making memories. I tend to get myself all worked up and stressed out (who doesn’t!?) about stuff that doesn’t matter. The kids won’t remember if the sprouts were hot or the gravy was lumpy but they will remember playing, cuddling, chatting and quality time with their loved ones. Merry Christmas xx
Pauline
December 17, 2013 at 2:31 pmCount our blessings and breathe 🙂 xo P
Virginia Mason
December 17, 2013 at 4:48 pmWe are delegating different jobs at Christmas so this takes a lot of pressure off. My last minute tip then is just to stop and enjoy this wonderful season with my family – put on a Christmas DVD, eat some festive popcorn and have some laughs together on the couch.
Benjamin Travia
December 17, 2013 at 5:59 pmEncourage all family members to be involved in the preparations. Not only does it lighten the load, it makes everyone get into Christmas spirit.
Chelsea
December 17, 2013 at 6:00 pmBefore any busy time, I feel it’s really helpful to grocery shop for specific EASY meal plans including a few extra meals to stick in the cupboard/freezer if you need something extra in a crunch (if more people come, etc).
Jacky Barker
December 17, 2013 at 8:00 pmYou may be away and opening presents always have batteries (for toys), scissors to get the toys out of the packet, chocolates as a thank you gift, extra sticky tape (as it always goes missing) and some blank cards that can be thank you cards or gift cards
AmberB
December 17, 2013 at 8:48 pmGive everyone in the family a chore to do, and a dish to make. Share the work – don’t feel like you have to do it all by yourself.
Lakshmi
December 17, 2013 at 10:21 pmBuy yourself a Christmas present 🙂 You deserve it. Last minute tip, go through that list you made earlier in the year(people to invite, presents to buy, any bookings) and I highly recommend digital reminders
sapna
December 17, 2013 at 10:36 pmshare the love of christmas with as many people as you can…
Sarah T
December 17, 2013 at 10:37 pmMake sure you have everything you need and everything is organised saves a lot of stress on the big day!
Kyra
December 17, 2013 at 11:25 pmLoving the fabric markers and plain white canvas shoes idea! I’m sure my kids would love to do his – might just put them in their santa sack! There are so many good and inexpensive things at BigW …
Kyra
December 17, 2013 at 11:28 pmI love to keep Christmas extremely simple. We focus on spending time together over food and gifts therefore, I am not stressed in the lead up as we have all we need already! Christmas lunch is fruit salad and ice cream and dinner is salad sandwiches … Simple, fresh and just what we need on a hot day!
Rachel
December 18, 2013 at 7:40 amWrite yourself a list. Cross off as you go, preparation prior to the day is always beneficial and cuts down on the stress load. If going away pack that Panadol in case of exuberant merriment and hangovers the next day, and for the kids remember the antiseptic cream and bandaids. If kids are anything like mine they get over excited and accidents are bound to happen.
Most of all try to chill out and enjoy the day!
Janet @ Redland City Living
December 18, 2013 at 8:54 amMy last minute tip on the lead up to Christmas – take a couple of days off work immediately before, if you can. Then you can enjoy all the fun and build up of preparing for the Big Day!
Karen Edwards
December 18, 2013 at 10:42 amI always make a list other wise I forget some last minute shopping etc
Fiona
December 18, 2013 at 11:07 amEnjoy the day – such a lead up and it is over in the blink of an eye!
Pauline Stewart
December 18, 2013 at 11:33 amBreathe! Just breathe! Take 5 minutes for yourself & just BREATHE. Christmas will come & the kids won’t remember if you forgot the custard or napkins. Take 5 minutes to breathe then get out & enjoy the silly season!
Amanda Gorham
December 18, 2013 at 12:15 pmDefinitely don’t forget to take a mental image of everyone enjoying their day! Photos never do justice and only help beautiful memories especially if you have children who will enjoy the magic of Santa. Myself, I have a 6, 3 and 2 year old and I’m so excited for them!
Thanks for the opportunity and I’ve enjoyed reading all the tips already xxx
Jen
December 18, 2013 at 12:36 pmDon’t forget to schedule in time for a pre-Christmas catch up or drinks with the girls, as in your mum friends. I think we can forget that we too deserve to enjoy Christmas as well as organise it : )
DIANA O
December 18, 2013 at 2:04 pmTake a deep breath, and relax. If it’s forgotten, too late now, what will be will be, disastrous or fun, it’s all memories in the making.
Di
December 18, 2013 at 2:07 pmKeep crossing things off that list, until it’s all done. Without a list, I’d lose my mind during the lead up to Christmas, with a big family and so much to do, it does get a little overwhelming at times.
Stephanie Veljanovska
December 18, 2013 at 2:15 pmFor me I am a massive list writer and checker it keeps me in check. Each day I try to cross off one task it just makes it so much less stressful at the end.
Mary Preston
December 18, 2013 at 2:59 pmMake a list & check it twice.
Deb K
December 18, 2013 at 3:35 pmOffer to babysit a friend’s kids for half a day
So that they can get their last minute shopping done
Most times the offer is generously accepted
And lovingly returned!
Marcia Coventry
December 18, 2013 at 3:53 pmBreathe and enjoy yourself. If you do forget something, it’s not the end of the world. Trust me, last year I forgot Christmas crackers!
Ariane
December 18, 2013 at 4:30 pmDon’t leave buying cream and eggs until Christmas Eve, most places will have sold out.
Catherine Pitt
December 18, 2013 at 5:16 pmDon’t forget the batteries.
Rebekah Ballingall
December 18, 2013 at 6:08 pmAvoid Going to the Big Shopping Centers on Christmas Eve to do Your Shopping, Shop Local to Avoid Crowds and Hassle
Kim m
December 18, 2013 at 6:46 pmPut things like bikes together a week before (they always take longer then you think!), arrange with a neighbour to store them at their place and try to relax!
karina l
December 18, 2013 at 7:22 pmDon’t leave your shopping to the last minute! Doing it online is even better!
laura butler
December 18, 2013 at 7:34 pmsuch great ideas!
HelenD
December 18, 2013 at 7:45 pmMy tip is to RELAX! It’s okay if things don’t go exactly as you planned. The things that go wrong are the things we laugh about in years to come.
Jennifer B.
December 18, 2013 at 8:56 pmI make LISTS, never fret and have a stock of these made up for unexpected small presents… http://theorganisedhousewife.com.au/printables/gift-idea-christmas-cookies-in-a-jar/
(The added beauty is if there are any left after Christmas, we can eat them ourselves!)
Jacky B
December 18, 2013 at 9:39 pmFor the last minute gifts & extras avoid the big shopping centres & shop locally, then you’ll have the opportunity to connect with your local retailers & avoid a huge amount of stress.
Cobalt
December 18, 2013 at 10:29 pmMy last minute tip is: Delegate when you can! Not everything needs to be done by yourself. Others can help!
Kasey Evans
December 18, 2013 at 11:31 pmIf you don’t have time to make it from scratch it’s ok to just buy it!
Lauren A
December 18, 2013 at 11:44 pmBuy a few non-gender presents like a box of chocolates, or biscuits, or wine, to wrap and put under the tree, for those unexpected callers who arrive with a gift. This saves a lot of embarrassment on both sides.
SANDY HORSFALL
December 19, 2013 at 7:16 amIF YOU SUDDENLY REALISE THAT YOU’VE FORGOTTEN SOMETHING YOU THINK IS IMPORTANT BUT IT’S TOO LATE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT, DON’T STRESS AS YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE WHO KNOWS AND NOBODY ELSE WILL PROBABLY EVEN NOTICE!!
Melissa Antolovic
December 19, 2013 at 8:50 amRemembering to ask myself “whats the worst that could happen if I don’t do/get….” to avoid the last minute panic
Cathy Stone
December 19, 2013 at 9:06 amFeeling stressed as you are running out of money to buy your last christmas gifts, Give gifts of time, which show your love and are so practical, such as making up a babysitting voucher, cooking your friend a meal, offering to collect and look after their pets when they are away or giving them a massage. These gifts will be so appreciated by loved ones and friends as a lot of thought has gone into them.
Mick G
December 19, 2013 at 11:22 amKeep an emergency supply of 1/2 dozen small presents in the cupboard. Perfect for all emergency situations
Melissa
December 19, 2013 at 12:43 pmKid’s artwork can be turned into unique Christmas cards and tags if you run out of these – saves negotiating the crowds and gives a personal touch to the gift.
Andrew
December 19, 2013 at 12:52 pmTake some time out (an hour, half-a-day, etc) to do something non-Christmas related, so that you can clear your mind and recharge your batteries.