We know it might be a bit too early for some, whereas others can’t wait to get started! It might only be November, but before we know it, the year will have ended. It can be overwhelming to know where to start with planning Christmas, so we’ve compiled a handy list of what to think about when.
NOVEMBER
GET PLANS IN PLACE
Look into what you want to do for Christmas this year; who do you want to see, and what events do you want to go to? (if we can, of course!) Will you need to travel? Book tickets or hotels in advance to ensure availability.
SET A BUDGET
Make a list of the extra outgoings you have and budget accordingly.
Failing to plan is planning to fail and all that! It’s a busy and expensive time. There’s no shame in being realistic about what you can afford; setting boundaries and budgets is key here.
✒️ If you’re hosting people, what food and drink do you need to buy?
✒️ Who are you buying gifts for? Can you opt for Secret Santa with your family or friend group?
✒️ Christmas Dos; one with work, one with your SO, one with your friends? Are you able to commit to all of them?
HAVE A SORT OUT OF YOUR OWN STUFF
That lull before the big day is a great opportunity to have a good sort out of your stuff to make space for any gifts you might receive. And if you don’t have time before Christmas, there’s always January - Did someone say ‘New Year, new me’ again?
BLACK FRIDAY
keep your eyes peeled for bargains and offers on the last Friday in November. Don’t fancy elbowing through crowds of eager shoppers? Most retailers, including us, have sales online, with some starting earlier than in the shops. So you can do your shopping from the comfort of your duvet, sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about what we will be doing for Black Friday!
DECEMBER
WRAP AS YOU BUY
It’s a good idea to wrap as you go when you buy presents. No one likes the stress of being a Last-Minute Larry and wrapping the night before! You’ll also get an enormous sense of satisfaction knowing how organised you are and that the bulk of the wrapping is done. It’s also a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.
BUY FOOD
If you’re cooking up a festive feast, you’ll need to order your meat at least three to four weeks beforehand and then collect it nearer the time. There’s a method to buying food as you don’t want to buy things too early as it will go past its best, but too late and you might have limited stock to choose from, and it will all feel rushed. So make sure you plan out what you need and order it in good time. So many supermarkets offer Food to Order services now; you could even do this in November!
SEND CARDS AND GIFTS IN TIME
If you’re sending cards and gifts, 18th December is the Royal Mail’s last recommended date to send 2nd Class in time for Christmas this year. Any 1st Class cards need to be posted by 21st December and 22nd December for special delivery. So make sure you’ve got your stamps!
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JANUARY
SALES TIME!
If there’s something you fancied for a while, or perhaps an appliance that you need to replace, January is the perfect time to pick up a bargain. And if you’re feeling really organised, you could buy presents for birthdays or save them for Christmas that year.
TAKING DOWN THE DECORATIONS
There are many different times it’s thought you need to take your decorations down by, and some people even do it on Boxing Day! The tradition, however, is to take your decorations down by the Twelfth Night, which is 5th January.
If you’re stuck for a Christmas gift, why not Build Your Own Box? Here at TreatBox, we have a variety of items that all contribute to the perfect thoughtful and personalised gift.
