27 Raring2go! What to Do and Where to Go this Winter Start planning and get Ahead for Christmas! Straw poll! Do you feel totally stressed by the time that Christmas arrives? Preparation and organisation is the key to a stress-free festive season. Make lists, prioritise, decide what’s important or “nice to have”, and pick a cut-off date for planning. Christmas is for you to enjoy too! September - start planning! Once the kids are back at school, make a detailed list of everything you need to do. Make sure you use it! • Check what Christmas supplies you have. Your audit should include wrapping paper, sticky tape, gift tags, ribbons / bows, Christmas cards, decorations and even stamps. Don’t forget to check if your Christmas lights still work! • Make a gift list; identify what needs posting. You don’t want to spend more on postage than you do on the gift, so consider how to package up these items. Take advantage of 2 for 1 offers etc. and check what might need batteries. Set a budget and stick to it. • Book early! Grottos, pantos, and Christmas shows can get booked up quickly, so book early to get what you want. If you’re travelling, try to book early to get the cheapest tickets. October / November - Get going! • Declutter out-grown toys, clothes/books. Make space with a clear-out! Either sell / give away the items, or donate them to a local charity. • You can start cards and wrapping early. Write a few a day, rather than leaving it all until the last minute and don’t under-estimate how long wrapping takes. Check UK and international posting dates for cards and parcels. And... Don’t forget where you’ve hidden your children’s gifts! • Plan food! Cupboard staples can be bought and stored. Cook and freeze meals in advance, and remember to pre-order your turkey. December - Relax! Have fun decorating the tree, enjoy the children’s school nativity or show, watch family movies and spend quality time with family and friends.
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