Your week by week plan to prepare for Christmas from November!

As soon as Halloween’s over it's officially socially acceptable to start thinking about tinsel, mince pies, Mariah Carey and all things Christmas. To help you stay on top of things, here’s a week by week guide to help you prepare for Christmas starting from the 1st of November!

Week 1 - Starting November 1st.

Planning, Budgeting & Early Preparation.

Make a Budget: Set an overall budget for gifts, Christmas dinner on a budget, decorations, and other holiday expenses. It’s the least fun part of Christmas, but it’s essential.

Create a Gift List: Write down who you're buying gifts for and brainstorm ideas so you’re not left in a last minute frenzy.

Check Last Year’s Decorations: Are your Christmas lights still working? Do you need to replace that one bauble that the cat knocked off the tree last year think about any new one's that you want to buy.

Plan Travel: If you’re traveling, book tickets early for better prices. The prices only go up the closer we get to December.

Calendar Marking: Block out important dates for parties, gatherings, or work events.

Week 2 - Starting November 8th.

Begin Shopping.

Start Shopping for Gifts: Begin buying gifts! You’ll not only beat the December rush but also have time to grab those special, thoughtful gifts rather than panic-buying socks at the last minute. Plus, if you shop now, you can take advantage of early November sales and Black Friday is just around the corner!

Buy Advent Calendars: Pick up or make an advent calendar for December. There are so many fun ones these days, from chocolate to gin to beauty products, it’s a little festive treat for you every day leading up to Christmas.

Book Events: If you’re attending any events now is the time to book them: winter markets, the panto or maybe even an ice skating session. Popular events fill up fast, so be sure to get in early!

Menu Planning: Start thinking about Christmas dinner and any special meals that you are going to cook. If you are entertaining check on likes/dislikes and allergies.

Week 3 - Starting November 15th.

Get Crafty and Organised.

DIY Gifts and Decorations: If you’re making homemade gifts, start working on them. Whether you’re knitting scarves, making personalized photo albums, or whipping up some homemade fudge, starting now gives you plenty of time to get creative without feeling rushed.

Gift Wrapping Supplies: Stock up on wrapping paper, ribbon, and gift tags.

Post Early: If you’re sending gifts or cards abroad, consider posting them now to avoid delays.

Clean and Declutter: Do a deep clean and declutter your home to prepare for decorations and guests.

Week 4 - Starting November 22nd.

Decorate and Continue Shopping.

Decorate for Christmas: Start decorating your home. Yes, it might feel early for some but many people like to have their decorations up by the end of November so they’re ready to welcome December in full Christmas spirit.

Finalize Christmas Cards: Write out and send Christmas cards particularly if you have a large list.

Order Food: If you’re ordering your turkey, ham, or any specialty foods do this now. You can even start planning your grocery shop, most supermarkets have their early Christmas slots by now!

Black Friday Sales: This year it is on the 29th of November It’s the perfect opportunity to snap up some last minute gifts or even treat yourself to something special.

Week 5 - Starting November 29th):

Advent Begins!

Final Gift Shopping: Use this week to finish up shopping and by the end of it you’ll have most of your gifts sorted and you can shift your focus onto the fun stuff like festive movies and hot chocolate!

Start Advent Calendar: Open the first window on December 1st.

Plan Christmas Day: Finalise your Christmas Day menu and make sure you’ve listed all the ingredients you need and start thinking about what you can prep ahead of time.

Prepare the Guest Room: If you’re having guests start prepping any accommodations.

Week 6 - Starting December 6th.

Food Prep and Wrapping.

Stock Up on Non-Perishables: Things like crisps, biscuits, and drinks and don't forget the Christmas crackers.

Wrap Gifts: Doing the wrapping gradually will save you the stress of trying to wrap everything on Christmas Eve. Pick a couple of evenings put on a Christmas movie, and get wrapping!

Buy Stocking Fillers: Little things like chocolates, socks, or small toys can quickly disappear from shops the closer we get to Christmas.

Baking Prep: Make Christmas cake, mince pies and any other sweet treats that you want to make. A lot of festive baking can be done ahead of time and frozen until the big day.

Week 7 - Starting December 13th.

Final Preparations.

Deep Clean: Time to give your home a final deep clean before the big day, especially if you’re hosting guests.

Prepare Christmas Eve Boxes: If you do this tradition get that ready with treats like hot chocolate, cosy pyjamas, or a new book.

Host a Pre Christmas Gathering: If you’re hosting a small gathering before Christmas, now is the time.

Week 8 - Starting December 20th.

Christmas Week.

Final Food Shopping: Make your list and don't forget things like tin foil, batteries and gravy!

Finish Wrapping: Ensure all gifts are wrapped and ready.

Prepare for Christmas Eve: Get any last minute items, prepare things like stuffing or sauces ahead of time to make Christmas Day as stress free as possible.

Relax: Enjoy some Christmas films, listen to carols and take some time to unwind before the big day.

How do you plan for Christmas?