- Buy gift wrap cards, crackers and Christmas decorations using 3 for 2 offers.
- Write your Christmas cards and buy stamps – save money by being organised and posting your cards early using second class stamps.
- If you do your grocery shopping on-line many supermarkets will now let you book your delivery slot for the Christmas period. If you can do this it’s a great idea to do it now as all the delivery slots will get booked up quickly.
- Fix the menu you will be offering on Christmas Day or whenever you are entertaining.
- Order the food you need for your menu
- Select the wine you want to serve with your menu and buy it in during November
- If you’ll be running any parties also order the wine you need for these.
- Work out your wardrobe for the events you will be attending over Christmas (glitz up an outfit from last year with this seasons statement jewellery)
- Don’t forget Mix-up Sunday or Stir-up Sunday on the last Sunday in the month (November 29th this year). This is the perfect day to make your Christmas puddings and Christmas Cake.
- If you haven’t already got one I recommend you buy yourself a small multi-purpose lighter. During the summer months I use these to light the barbecue but at Christmas when you have lots of candles to light they can save you a lot of time.
- Talking of candles look out for scented tealights and candles, have plenty in stock for Christmas and also to brighten up those cold winter evenings in January after you have to take your Christmas decorations down.
- Stock up on sellotape for all the parcels you’ve got to do up this Christmas. If you haven’t got one I recommend treating yourself a proper sellotape dispenser as it can help speed up your wrapping.
- Don’t leave it until the last minute to check your Christmas tree lights and baubles – this is a great task for your husband on a rainy Sunday in November. If there’s a problem with any of these you may as well find out now so you can choose what you really like in the stores rather than having to shop for replacements from whatever they have left at the last minute.
- If you haven’t already and normally shop online for your groceries then try and secure your delivery slot with your favourite supermarket now.
- Don’t forget that the First Sunday in Advent is when you should open the first door on your advent calendar. If you are a Good Parent to any children then its traditionally your privilege to give them an Advent Calendar’s as a present this weekend as a way of introducing them to the Christmas story.
- Get ahead with party food. Either cook food like sausage rolls and mince pies now and freeze them for Christmas or take the easy option and take advantage of 3 for 2 offers when you see them and freeze them for Christmas.
Click here for our December / Last Minute Christmas Planning Guide