Christmas is a magical time of year but it can also be a stressful time, so we’ve put together five things you can do now to help prepare for the busy festive season.

Begin Christmas Shopping: Take advantage of post-Christmas sales and discounts, especially for non-perishable items like Christmas decorations, wrapping paper, and gift supplies. Starting early gives you time to compare prices and find the perfect gifts.

Plan Your Christmas Budget: Review your finances and setting a budget for gifts, food, decorations, and any travel costs. This helps avoid overspending in the busy lead-up to Christmas.
Create a Christmas Meal Plan: Start planning your festive meals, whether it’s a big family dinner or a cozy meal with friends. Consider any dietary restrictions or preferences and research recipes you want to try. You can also begin stocking up on non-perishable ingredients.
Organise Christmas Decorations: If you have decorations stored away, now is a good time to sort through them and make a list of anything you need to replace or add. You could even start making your own festive decorations if you enjoy crafts.

Send Early Christmas Cards: Get a head start on your Christmas card list. You can design or purchase cards and address envelopes, leaving only the final personal messages for later in the year. Sending cards early can also save you time when the holiday rush begins.
These are just a few handy tips to help you start preparing for Christmas and to help have a stress-free festive season. Looking to try some DIY this year? Here are 5 budget-friendly DIY Christmas decorations you can make yourself!