Christmas countdown shortcuts
Get that checklist sorted with our useful tips on easy ways to make Christmas fabulous without any fuss.
One or two weeks to go
Gifts
Avoid the crowds by ordering online but choose in-store collection. That way the gifts are in your hand one or two days later (sometimes the same day) without risking delivery delays. Many shops, from Argos to John Lewis offer this service.
SAVVY TIP
Suggest to other parents that you send them a cheque along with pre-written gift tags from you, then they can buy and wrap something their children really want, on your behalf.
Tree
If you don’t have time to lug a real three home, fake it. Maybe choose an obvious fake like a pink plastic tree, or a recycled cardboard version. Or arrange red and white flowers and some holly as a Christmassy centrepiece.
SAVVY TIP
An effective alternative is to drape fairy lights over your houseplants – you still get the twinkling magic.
Decorations
Dig out your decorations and set your kids the challenge to see who can make which room look the most festive.
SAVVY TIP
Get the kids round the table and try our super-easy homemade Crafty Christmas Decorations.
Christmas week
Food and drink
If you feel turkey is a must on Christmas Day, buy turkey crown as it takes less cooking and preparation. If you are making something special that depends on a key ingredient, buy extra in case your first attempt goes wrong. Lots of places do free drinks deliveries, add you soft drinks to your order so it’s ticked off the list. Avoid long queues by doing your big supermarket shop a few days beforehand, then top up on fresh things locally.
SAVVY TIP
An easy festive alternative to Christmas pudding: apple crumble, replacing one or two apples with two or three tablespoons of mincemeat and a large glug of orange juice.
Pass it on – Little details
1. Check your baking tray fits your turkey before the big day.
2. Stock up on batteries, light bulbs, painkillers, cough medicines and plasters.
3. Keep dried pasta, a jar of pesto and soups in the cupboard for lighter options.
For more savvy tips, see our Christmas Preparation Planner.