Christmas preparation planner
Your checklist for a hassle-free happy Christmas
As early as possible
Start buying presents! See our Savvy gift shopping tips.
Four weeks ahead
– Make a list of who is coming for the day or staying over during the holidays, including details like vegetarian meals you might need to make.
– Decide what you’re going to cook. Work from your Christmas dinner outwards because other meals can be lighter.
– If there is anything from your meal planner that can be made in advance, put a date by this of when you’re going to make and freeze it.
– If you order your meat, do this now.
– For an online food shop, get your order in now. You can update it over the next few weeks, but delivery slots will get booked up early.
Three weeks ahead
– Let the kids decorate your Christmas tree as they’ll be the ones nagging you for it!
– If you hate writing lots of card in one go, keep your address book and cards in a bag by the side of the sofa so you can get a few written at a time over the next week.
– Get your other half to buy holiday drinks (alcoholic and soft).
Two weeks ahead
– Buy treats and the Christmas meal items that won’t go off.
– Wrap presents. Plan a time when everyone will be out. Wrapping takes longer than you think and you don’t want to leave it until Christmas Eve.
– Check you have enough wine glasses, plates and cutlery for guests.
– Get the kids to plan any games they want to play with visiting cousins etc and to dig these out of cupboards for you.
One week ahead
– Do laundry so it’s not a chore over Christmas.
– Sort your guests’ bedding, especially if spare duvets need airing.
– Two days before, make soups and sauces that will keep in the fridge.
– Don’t leave your big food shop until Christmas Eve or your meal might be ruined by a key ingredient being out of stock. Give yourself time to find it elsewhere.
Christmas Eve
– Clear out kitchen clutter and get your music player set up so making Christmas lunch is a party!
Savvy tip
In the run up to Christmas don’t stock up on freezer goods you won’t need until January. Save the space for things you can make and store in advance, and for money-saving leftovers.