So I don't have a huge amount of ideas or tips. Neither do i have a huge amount of advice for Christmas although here are some ideas...

January
There are so many things you can do in January to help you prepare for next Christmas! Stupid I know but we all know how busy can get, so doing as much as you can straight after Christmas will help you to save time.

Old cards
1) when you take down your old cards, make a list of everyone who sent you one (and any notifications of address changes) this way you have your Christmas card list sorted for next time round!

2) invest in a pair of crimping shears and cut up any old cards to use as pretty gift tags for next Christmas. You can also save the white back to use as scrap paper.

Decorations
Keep all of your decorations in a labelled box and make a note of anything you need to buy or which may need replacing for next year. That way you hopefully won't get the decs out only to realise you are missing something half way through decorating the tree

Sales
See what items you can buy for next year in the sales for next year, although do be careful - we can often tell when you use last years M&S Christmas cards which you bought in the sale!!!


February
Saving
Ok I know Christmas is the last thing on people's minds here but why not start saving stamps or vouchers from supermarkets in a safe place so you can spend them near Christmas and reduce your bills in Decemer?

Collecting
If you are anything like me and like to make your own gifts/cards/etc you can begin saving scraps, ribbons, wrapping paper, etc. It is my birthday this month so I often have quite a few bits and bobs I can stash away from presents.


August
Staff party
Definitely not the time to be thinking of Christmas but this is the month when a lot of restaurants and functions will begin to advertise and take bookings for December. If you are looking to book a big night out, now is the time to start making enquiries.


September
Early bits to save money
Nobody likes a huge credit card bill in December. You have enough outgoings this month as it is, so why not start to buy in Christmas presents now to save money and time? I took the months September, October and November and bought a present per family member each month (luckily there were only three main presents to buy). This allowed time to shop around without being last minute and also took the stress off my finances at the end of December.


October
Outfit
Yes, I know its early but you literally have one month until Christmas partying begins, so start keeping an eye out for that Christmas party outfit now. Not only will it spread out your spending, but there is nothing worse than getting to a week before the event and still have nothing to wear. I'm not saying you have to buy, but looking won't harm.

Hair
Hair salons usually get booked up during December, so start trying to work out possible appointment dates in your diary now to avoid disappointment.

Cake and Pudding
Now is the time to start making your Christmas cake and Christmas pudding. The fruits and alcohol will need time to breathe and mature, so making them a couple of months in advance will assist this no end.

Food Shopping
Again to spread the cost of your outgoings and avoid a huge bill at the end of the year, and also to avoid the crowds, why not try to buy in some dried foods and long sell by date foods such as tins of biscuits, crisps and alcohol. Don't be tempted to open them too soon though!

November
Cards
WRITE YOUR CARDS! Honestly, writing your Christmas cards now will take a huge weight off your shoulders in December. If you're anything like me you'll be way too booked up with social events in December to have a spare weekend to do this. Do it now.

Home made gifts
I love to make sweets/biscuits/cakes/gingerbread/gift boxes at Christmas and give them as gifts. Why not have a trial run now to make sure they are a success nearer the time. You could also taste the alcohol you purchased in October to make sure it's ok!

Films
A Christmas film at this stage is a must to get you in the Christmas spirit

Advent Calendars
BUY THESE NOW!


December
Well, what is left to do now? You've done everything! Although there are a few things I would suggest.

Diary
Check your diary and organise all of your dates. Plan in time to do Christmas things such as bake/food shop/wrap presents so the time doesn't creep up too fast.

Wrapping
Try to leave wrapping Christmas presents as long as you can, without being discovered by peeping eyes! Wrapping them too early risks damage and also forgetting what you have bought! Also you never know, you might need to return something still at this stage.

Testing
Test any electrical products you are giving as presents where possible to guarantee they are working when you give them at Christmas

Enjoy
With all of your advanced preparation why not plan a night in and put your feet up with a nice glass of mulled wine.


HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!!!!