Every year when December arrives it's a mad rush to get things sorted for Christmas.
Every year when December arrives I promise myself that I will be more prepared the following year.
Every year when December arrives that hasn't happened.
Until now.
I have decided to do a weekly series on how I get ready in time for Christmas. I'm hoping this will not only encourage myself to get my bootie in gear but also others, aiming to have a more organised Christmas.
Read part 1 here
Read part 2 here
10 weeks to go
(Oct 16 - Oct 22)
With only 10 weeks to go it's time to start getting ideas for you Christmas menu, drinks and snacks you might want to serve. We usually have special little treats in the house all through December, you never know who might pop in unannounced and it's always nice to have goodies handy.
Pinterest is a real treasure trove for finding delicious Christmas snacks. Do read the recipes as you pin as you might come across ingredients you have to order in.
Here are some of my favourite finds. I'm not making these just yet, but when the time comes I'll know exactly where to find them. All these recipes are pretty straight forward so ideal for when the kids want to help out.
Refrigerator cookie recipe
What could be easier! Make these ahead of time, pop in your fridge or freezer and save time when visitors arrive.
Triple Christmas fudge
Now this one I'm extremely excited about, I looooove fudge and it's something that keeps for a couple of days so ideal.
Nutter Butter Snowmen
I made these last year and they were delicious. I had to order the nutter butter biscuits of Ebay as they don't sell them here in the UK, so plan ahead if you intend on making these.
Oreo truffles
These are my very own Oreo truffles, I made them last year and they were a big hit!
I will post the recipe for these later this week.
Another thing to do this week is keep an eye out for more stocking fillers. Pick up little games, toiletries or sweets you might want to add. It's always a good idea to check how full the stocking is getting so you know exactly how much more to buy.
Please join me again next week.
dress 1, dress 2, dress 3
dress 4, dress 5, dress 6
Now that the weather is changing I've been looking at updating my wardrobe a bit, so this morning I started looking for some nice dresses and well, now I've got a bit of a problem....you see, I want them all!
I've never really been one to wear dresses, but this season they seem to be calling me.
I love pairing a dress with tights and boots, throw in a cardigan and you've got endless remixing possibilities.
Now that sounds good to me!
Every year when December arrives it's a mad rush to get things sorted for Christmas.
Every year when December arrives I promise myself that I will be more prepared the following year.
Every year when December arrives that hasn't happened.
Until now.
I have decided to do a weekly series on how I get ready in time for Christmas. I'm hoping this will not only encourage myself to get my bootie in gear but also others, aiming to have a more organised Christmas.
Read part 1 here
11 weeks to go
(October 9th -15)
By now you should have a good idea whom you need to buy presents for so it's the perfect time to set a precise budget and maybe start putting some money aside for this.
Have a look at your calendar and check if you will need to buy extra presents for birthdays, if so budget them in too. It's Dylan's birthday in December so we will definitely have to keep that in mind, along with planning him a birthday party.
If you are making homemade gifts or cards start getting supplies now. I love those jars filled with cookie ingredients that seem to be all over Pinterest these days, they make perfect presents for teachers or neighbours. Last year I left it until the last minute and couldn't find suitable jars. Won't happen again!
Keep a calendar handy at all times to circle in any Christmas party invites you get.
Start looking for nice cards and wrapping paper.
Buy some more stocking fillers. Last week I picked up chocolates, this week I will pick up some bath fizzers and small bath toys.
Planning on going to a Christmas market in Germany or France? Start looking into it and possibly make a booking. www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk is a good website for info on this.
Halloween wise it's time to stock up on sweets, check decorations, plan costumes and decide if you are throwing a Halloween party or not. If so send out invites and start browsing for exciting snacks and drinks to serve. There are some amazing ideas to be found on Pinterest.
Remember remember the 5th of November...Bonfire night! Most shops have started selling fireworks so have a look around.
Yesterday afternoon when walking back from school Emily all of a sudden pointed to a lady across the street walking her dog.
"Look mummy, that black dog has TWO tales!!"
"Erm, no Emily, that's actually two black dogs."
"Oh."
It was so funny and she was so excited to be pointing this out, it's not every day you come across a two tailed dog after all.
Every year when December arrives its a mad rush to get things sorted for Christmas.
Every year when December arrives I promise myself that I will be more prepared the following year.
Every year when December arrives that hasn't happened.
Until now.
I have decided to do a weekly series on how I get ready in time for Christmas. I'm hoping this will not only encourage myself to get my bootie in gear but also others, aiming to have a more organised Christmas.
12 weeks to go
( October 2nd - October 8th)
Send out emails to family members asking what their plans are for Christmas. Once you know it will be a lot easier to make a plans. If you are planning on having a Christmas meal at your house, now might be the time to let guests know.
Start a presents list. Write down everyone you are buying a gift for and if you already know what you are getting them write that down too. It will make it easier to set a budget that way. My kids are forever browsing gift catalogues crossing off what they want, which makes it easy as I immediately know prices too.
Find out if family members or friends are doing a secret Santa gift exchange. If so, start organising who is in on this. Elfster is a good website to use for this.
http://www.elfster.com/
If you are planning on going out for a Christmas meal ( whether it's with family, friends or work related) now might be the time to make restaurant bookings.
Write down a quick list of who you are sending Christmas cards to this year. This will make it easier when the time comes to buy the cards.
Make travel arrangements if you are planning to go away for Christmas.
Start thinking about what you are putting in the kids stockings and pick something up for them this week, I always start with buying some chocolates.
Santa's list template found here
Completely unrelated to Christmas but something I am preparing for as well this week is Halloween.
Every year we go on a costume hunt for the kids just days before, often resulting in them not really getting the costume they wanted. This week I will be finding out what or who my kids want to dress up as. Most supermarkets sell some really nice Halloween outfits and it's better to get them early, while they still have them. If not Ebay is a great source and getting these now allows for them to get here in time.
Join me next week for part 2
