Being stuck at home with ME and also not having lots of money (like many these days) I tend to do bits for Christmas throughout the year.

1. I always get my cards, wrap and crackers in the January sales.

2. When packing decorations away make a list of anything missing or that you would like to add to your collection - keep this list handy so when stuff comes on sale in the Autumn you will know what you need.

3. Make a list of all those who you give Xmas gifts to and try and pick up items online in the January Sales (I have most of mine already). I keep an eye on the Money Saving Expert forum for tips of bargains online - have got loads of Landsend scarves this eyar for under £1 each - so I can get quality gifts at rock bottom prices.

4. In January keep the old Christmas cards and use either for gift tags or also (as I do) cut attractive scenes out of the cards and use to decorate the plain red gift bags that were on sale in Tescos for 20p (these have the advantage of being able to be used for Birthdays too if left plain).

5. Have a list of who to send cards to and start writing n October.

6. In the end of November write any letters you wish to include with the cards.

7. Wrap all your presents in November - but keep a list of what you have wrapped and who for!

8. Decorate the house in the beginning of December and put presents under tree.
I also have a large amount of dummy wrapped boxes - that go under the tree both before and after Christmas.
These can be any old boxes wrapped up - cereal, catfood, teabags etc. - that way you always look as though you have a vaste amont of gifts and it stops the underneath foothe tree looking bare - though we do put a red skirt at the base of the main tree too - cut from a red sack from the £1 Shop!

9. Buy some stamps early - don't wait for the Christmas ones to come out - I try and buy a book a week in the Autumn so you don't notice so much.

10. I usually give my two sons money - or get them to choose what they want - usually items from Amazon online. I do however give them lots of llittle items to open - what is Christmas without novelties and books!

11. Lay the Christmas table on Christmas Eve and clean all the vegetables in advance.

12. I am able to get ALL my Christmas food and gift shopping done online - so it is possible to do it without visiting the shops at all.

13. Christmas cards - I love having these all out on display - the nicest and easiest way I have found is with floor to ceiling lengths of ribbon - staple the cards with an inch or two in between down the whole length of the ribbon and then hand these from the top of the walls around the room. I usually have 6/7 and find they fill up the empty wlal space nicely - and look good eaither side of the fireplace.
This year I got two card holders from Lakenad to save having to get up to the ceiling - but I ddin't fidn that they displayed the cards in such a nice way so we went back to our cheap ribbons - I use dark green but tartan would be good too or any colour to go with your scheme.


---Outcome---

By spreading the cost of Christmas we never find it too expensive and there is no hassle in December to wrap presents or write cards - as it is all done.


---Our Ethos---

We love Christmas and decorating and usually have four Christmas trees up and lots of decorations!