Christmas plans/preparation 2017

freshpopcorn

I plan on going to Brown Thomas this weekend.
In September when the stuff is coming into the supermarkets we plan to start picking up things when they go on offer.
I tidy up from the Summer plants outside.
October generally getting more bits and pieces and looking at the decorations/gifts etc when they come in. Then deciding should things be bought right away (If they sell out fast)or waiting for them to go on sale.
We generally do a bit of baking in October/November.
In the last week of October I do a big tidy up just to have things slightly organised and carve a few pumpkins for Halloween.
My Birthday is in November and I generally go somewhere for the day to view all the Christmas stock and make a few purchases.
I generally get most of my presents in November and we have most of sweets/biscuits/gifts bought.
I do another tidy up in Late November and we paint we're going to paint the Kitchen/living room/bathroom/hall.Wash cushion covers/curtains/etc.
Tidy up outside and clean the gutters/etc. Put up the outside lights.
Purchase our ham and other Christmas bits and pieces. Have a few shopping trips to different places.
Send and receive Christmas presents.
Order desserts/etc.
Put up decorations.
Ice the cakes.
One thing we'll do this year is wrap presents earlier this year. I ended up wrapping loads of stuff by myself last year.(My mother said we do it together just before we give them out) she got the flu and I ended up nearly all night wrapping gifts on the 24th.
A few shopping trips on around the 22nd/23rd(Turkey, Milk, Bread, veg etc)
Christmas Eve, Collect Dessert and a drop off presents. Tidy up, go to mass, prepare food, put gifts under the tree.
Enjoy Christmas Day 2017!

Glitzgirl

Love this organisation threads hahaha. That's a great list freshpopcorn . I usually start my big seasonal clear out now and clean.
Any big jobs like painting etc will be done now. Skirting board etc. Clear out toys and clothes ( swap winter for summer clothes ) de clutter toys. Freezer defrosted.
Then I break out the family Christmas folder. I love my folder! It gives me the month and a break down of any jobs to be done that week , ie cleaning chimney , pets wormed and groomed, everything right up to Christmas eve ! It also reminds me when to book tickets to see santa.

I have a section for a food check list ( I'll check that end of august and start picking up bits I need each week ) and I keep all vouchers for dunnes / supervalu in it for my christmas shop. I also keep a folder with christmas recipes and instructions to make our magical reindeer food. And a contact list for christmas cards which are posted out the last week of November to arrive the first week of December.
Love my family Christmas folder

mirrorwall14

Maaaaan I'm so excited already. This will be only our second Christmas in our own house and last Christmas we were still fresh in the door (buying our first tree etc).

We hope to floor the attic by Halloween (depending on funds)
Then I'm going to sort out all the hodgepotch of decorations we put together in a hurry for last year
Paint and do up the toddlers room ourselves
If funds allow I'll get a painter in for the kitchen and stairs (its far too high to tackle it ourselves)
I've already cleared out the toys but will probably need another bash at halloween due to very generous family
I need to find a gingerbread house recipe as I promised my toddler that we would make one.
I have a list for Santa and the Christmas eve box. I've already put in the first order from the presents list and will start watching the sales now. We are already saving for the Christmas expenses

I've never done a food or drink list but thats not a bad idea and I may take it. I love the idea of a christmas folder. I love traditions, just might start that one. Oh and I need to get a smaller turkey than the one my mother in law brought (we hosted) because we spent half an hour on Christmas morning trying to cut the legs off the turkey when it wouldn't fit :eek::D

Glitzgirl

Hi mirror !

I definitly couldn't recommend a christmas folder enough ! I looovveeee mine. So handy holds everything from card list and addresses to my food stock up list and recipes so I don't need to think about it as such just follow the folder and gives me more family time. Not as much stress plus I love the fun of tsking it out and having a look through and prepping myself for what jobs need to be done the coming week !

mirrorwall14

Glitzgirl wrote: »

Hi mirror !

I definitly couldn't recommend a christmas folder enough ! I looovveeee mine. So handy holds everything from card list and addresses to my food stock up list and recipes so I don't need to think about it as such just follow the folder and gives me more family time. Not as much stress plus I love the fun of tsking it out and having a look through and prepping myself for what jobs need to be done the coming week !

I'm shopping for one now

Posy

I totally want a Christmas folder now.

mirrorwall14

Posy wrote: »

I totally want a Christmas folder now.

I have just spent an hour browsing etsy and ebay looking for nice folders and when I decided on a normal folder, finding templates to print for it!!

bellz_x

Glitzgirl wrote:

Love my family Christmas folder

I thought I was organised!! This is awesome. Did you make it all out yourself or did you buy one??

Glitzgirl

bellz_x wrote: »

I thought I was organised!! This is awesome. Did you make it all out yourself or did you buy one??

I made mine ! A large folder lots of scrap book arts and christmas themed crafts and a few hours typing and printing but I love it !

bellz_x

Glitzgirl wrote: »

I made mine ! A large folder lots of scrap book arts and christmas themed crafts and a few hours typing and printing but I love it !

That's awesome - I hope you don't mind me stealing your idea!!

Glitzgirl

bellz_x wrote: »

That's awesome - I hope you don't mind me stealing your idea!!

Not at all ! It's great fun and you would be amazed how much time and mental stress it saves not trying ti remember all those addresses and little jobs to be done for christmas. Happy folder making

Colourspring

I've seen the future..and it's Christmas Folder shaped!! (now my luchtime shopping goal!!)

StripedBoxers

I need (want) a Christmas folder now. I might pick one up. Would be very handy actually.

This year I have no idea what the plan is at all. None whatsoever. I'm currently undergoing radiation therapy so haven't the headspace or energy to even think that far ahead. I've Galway in November so I need to get some kinda plan in place, even a rough one and just tweak it as I need to.

Glitzgirl

StripedBoxers wrote: »

This year I have no idea what the plan is at all. None whatsoever. I'm currently undergoing radiation therapy so haven't the headspace or energy to even think that far ahead. I've Galway in November so I need to get some kinda plan in place, even a rough one and just tweak it as I need to.

Good luck with the treatment stripped boxers!
If u need any help with a break down let me know I'll post the sections I have the folder divided into it may help you get started and quiet a few ppl have mailed me asking for it

StripedBoxers

Glitzgirl wrote: »

Good luck with the treatment stripped boxers!
If u need any help with a break down let me know I'll post the sections I have the folder divided into it may help you get started and quiet a few ppl have mailed me asking for it

Thank you so much

I would really appreciate a breakdown actually, it would be a huge help in getting started. I would be so grateful for it. xx

Glitzgirl

StripedBoxers wrote: »

Thank you so much

I would really appreciate a breakdown actually, it would be a huge help in getting started. I would be so grateful for it. xx

No problem at all. I'll pop a post up tomorrow with all the heading I've used and a break down. It's quiet long of a post so be warned but it covers everything from when I give the dogs their winter worming tablets to when to wash the curtains and book the kids hair cuts hahah .. I think I have mild ocd .. you may not need all my ones but it will give u a good guideline as to what you would like on your own x

Rathael212

Glitzgirl that's a fantastic idea! I need to go dealz today and get a few bits for my Christmas folder! Can t wait to read your post on the sections. I'm the queen of lists lol 😂

Glitzgirl

Hi guys as promised here is my christmas folder. So I got a large binder some dividers and split mu folder up ino the following sections; index reads
November prep
December prep
Christmas eve
Food
-shopping list
-stock pile list
- gifts / hampers / stockings checklist
-recipes
-baking
-christmas meals
Elf on the shelf ideas
Gift list
Household shopping list
Christmas card list
Christmas movie list
Additional notes.

Ok stay with me this is where it's broken down. Each month( ie November prep sections ) has its own breakdown. So when I open the tab for November prep I get an at a glance summary of what has to be done that month. ( ie Halloween decorations down and put away, stockpile sweets , book dog grooming app etc ). Then it's give a page for each week in the month with a break down of what needs to be done on a weekly basis. Each section is ended with a page for jotting down notes.

Food sec is pretty much as described and great for keep track of what sweets to buy a shopping list for specific ingredients for meals plus I also keep a general stock pile so that let's me know if I'm running low.
Christmas eve section keeps a list of our plans food options ie our christmas themed breakfast our plans, traditions, ideas for christmas eve box.
I also have a little section with an envelope for saving vouchers from supervalu tesco etc and one with our personalised return label christmas stickers for posting cards.

I hope this helps get you started !
The trick is to put every thing from when the kids are due a hair cut to when u should order the turkey and book santa visits.

If anyone has any questions let me know

baby and crumble

^^ I feel like I've just read porn.

In a really, really great way.

:pac::pac::pac:

Glitzgirl

baby and crumble wrote: »

^^ I feel like I've just read porn.

In a really, really great way.

:pac::pac::pac:

Hahahhahaha still laughing when I read this comment haha

sasco

I bought this Christmas organiser a few years ago and I'm so glad I did.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cath-Kidston-Christmas-Organiser/dp/1849492077
It is so handy. I keep my recipes/card lists/addresses/shopping list and load more in it.
I'd usually have a few presents bought by now as I like to spread the cost but haven't so far this year. Might take a trip up across the border in November if sterling stays as is. I haven't done that in years, but I think it might be worth it this year - even just for the wine and spirits.

At the moment I am looking at santa visits and trying to decide which one to book. We have gone to a different one each year and have done the full on santa experience for the last couple years and will probably do so again this year. Might do Westport House. Has anyone here gone and would you recommend it?

Colourspring

GlitzGirl = Christmas Oracle.

Thanks soo much!!! I have considerably less time this year for preparation than I did last year - so this is fab!!

Glitzgirl

Colourspring wrote: »

GlitzGirl = Christmas Oracle.

Thanks soo much!!! I have considerably less time this year for preparation than I did last year - so this is fab!!

I see... I see. ... lots of christmas folder prep happening over the next few days hahah
Not at all glad it helped.

Posy

sasco wrote: »

I bought this Christmas organiser a few years ago and I'm so glad I did.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cath-Kidston-Christmas-Organiser/dp/1849492077
It is so handy. I keep my recipes/card lists/addresses/shopping list and load more in it.

I love that!! I'm very tempted to buy that.

I think this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-organiser-christmas-organizer-Standard/dp/B01M1S5S5P/ref=pd_sbs_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=4847T1QWDNDF93JFS8DG looks great too, but the fact that it calls itself a 'Crimbo Planner' makes me wince.


(I know I can just buy a red folder, but still...)

Toto Wolfcastle

That list is incredible, Glitzgirl. We don't have that much to do for Christmas (no kids and we don't cook Christmas dinner at home) but I'm definitely going to give it a go. Thanks for posting it.

StripedBoxers

Glitzgirl wrote: »

Hi guys as promised here is my christmas folder. So I got a large binder some dividers and split mu folder up ino the following sections; index reads
November prep
December prep
Christmas eve
Food
-shopping list
-stock pile list
- gifts / hampers / stockings checklist
-recipes
-baking
-christmas meals
Elf on the shelf ideas
Gift list
Household shopping list
Christmas card list
Christmas movie list
Additional notes.

Ok stay with me this is where it's broken down. Each month( ie November prep sections ) has its own breakdown. So when I open the tab for November prep I get an at a glance summary of what has to be done that month. ( ie Halloween decorations down and put away, stockpile sweets , book dog grooming app etc ). Then it's give a page for each week in the month with a break down of what needs to be done on a weekly basis. Each section is ended with a page for jotting down notes.

Food sec is pretty much as described and great for keep track of what sweets to buy a shopping list for specific ingredients for meals plus I also keep a general stock pile so that let's me know if I'm running low.
Christmas eve section keeps a list of our plans food options ie our christmas themed breakfast our plans, traditions, ideas for christmas eve box.
I also have a little section with an envelope for saving vouchers from supervalu tesco etc and one with our personalised return label christmas stickers for posting cards.

I hope this helps get you started !
The trick is to put every thing from when the kids are due a hair cut to when u should order the turkey and book santa visits.

If anyone has any questions let me know

This is amazing, thank you so much for sharing.

I don't have near as much to do as you, but it will be so handy to have this to help with what I do have to do

Glitzgirl

Sorry just checking back in guys ! Thanks for all the posts and messages about the list your all such a nice bunch ; )

My biggest christmas prep / stumbling block this year is actually tableware. Mainly table settings.

Last year I purchased a gorgeous white with gold leaf trimmed serving set ( gravy boat and serving dishes ) and the dinner set was sold out. Been trying to get it all year and it's been out of stock. Just check again a few days ago and it's discontinued

I usually use white square plates for everyday use so had to use them again last christmas and I bought fabulous gold rimmed wine and champagne glasses. But just discovered Mr glitz broke 3 of the square charger plates too and hid them in the press yes he is that childish hahaha

So I had no idea what to do now for christmas. I'd very much like to have good silverware and dinner sets to take out every year but not all a mismatch of items !!

What does everyone else use / have if you don't mind me asking ? A seperate set ?

bellz_x

I'd love a new set for Christmas this year aswell, I prefer plain white but I'm not opposed to a little bit of colour. Going to have to go look around!
Will definitely be buying new wine glasses as my drunk ass broke a few of them during the year. Need a good set now.

You've completely gotten me into Christmas mode now! I'm so excited!

Glitzgirl

Good Luck with the wine glass shopping think we have all had those tippsy accidents

I'm thinking of doing a total revamp maybe getting some of those kilarney crystal glasses for christmas. But one side of me thinks they look old fashioned. But when I picture a christmas table setting it's always with good crystal and sliver. Even my gran had some in a cabinet that were cleaned for christmas

Think some online shopping / lurking is needed to help me decide.

Glad your feeling in a christmas mood bellz!

xDisneyDivax

GlitzGirl, omg your post with your folder contents got me sooo excited!!!! 😠must try to make something similiar as we don't have kids and we go to our homes for Christmas lunch AND dinner lol! But I do a lot of baking!

At his house, they just use what they use every day but at mine we have plates and cutlery we only bring out for Christmas and whatever special.occasions we may have. And I love it!! I had to text mum and ask what the brand it is- Royal Albert bone china- it is quite old fashioned I'd say but I love it and using one set every Christmas is definitely the way to go I reckon can't seem to attach a photo but if you Google it it is the roses one with gold edges. I would love to get Disney themed one for when we have our own Christmas dinner

Glitzgirl

Omg disney all the way ! I'm lit going to Google the set you mentioned and the disney ones just to see what comes up !!!

My square dishes are nice but when u use them all the time it's a bit non special esp at christmas. Def think I'll treat myself this year !

Awh thanks disney xx I do love my folder it keeps me sane haha

xDisneyDivax

Go on treat yourself!! one of my.Christmas memories growing up is matching set for Christmas dinner ha!

Glitzgirl

xDisneyDivax wrote: »

Go on treat yourself!! one of my.Christmas memories growing up is matching set for Christmas dinner ha!

I think I will you have convinced me same! Mine is all the good glassware coming out lol

Purple Mountain

Would an Excel folder be like totally sacreligious???

vanessamee

Love the idea of a list that's class I have Santa nearly finished just need to get an iPod touch Santa is finished than.. And I will wrap them in Oct.. food shopping is left to the last min as been a chef I order my meat from our butcher.. I picked up some goodies last week in Tesco but I don't do a large food shop anymore as it's a waste...

Posy

I'd love to get a Christmas dinner set; with holly or something on it.

Posy

I generally make a Christmas cake in September... I'm still sitting here thinking "when it's September, I'll have to get around to starting planing that cake..."

xDisneyDivax

Posy wrote: »

I generally make a Christmas cake in September... I'm still sitting here thinking "when it's September, I'll have to get around to starting planing that cake..."

Can I ask for your recipe? Considering the possibility of making a Christmas cake this year even though I make mince pies and maderia cake with 'snow icing' every Christmas eve.

Glitzgirl

Just been to dunnes..sweets and biscuits are 2 for 10 euro so got 4 tins of the biscuits and my first 2 boxes of christmas sweets ( celebrations and hero's :pac: ) stock up has begun !!

SarahLil

Glitzgirl I'm going to stock up myself this week the biscuits look great

Glitzgirl

SarahLil wrote: »

Glitzgirl I'm going to stock up myself this week the biscuits look great

HI Sarah great to see you back ! yes Def great value. The hardest part is not opening them until christmas hahah

Romantic Rose

I see the Toy Show is on the 1st of December this year. I'm planning to have my real tree up by that day. I want the house spick and span before then. Might get a takeaway that night too.

Already have tickets booked for a Santa Express, they booked so fast last year that I didn't want to miss the train again

Loughc

I think I'll put up my tree the Sunday before the Toy Show, purely as it takes so long to do haha.

That way I can have the house nice and tidied for the Toy Show, and yes a takeaway is in order for that night too haha.

xDisneyDivax

Wasn't gonna bother with sweeties etc until closer to time as there is only two of us but this thread is making me sway and think I'll just pick up few this week! I saw that Shania Twain tickets will be on sale next week so thinking on getting two for my mum as Christmas present, just gotta find out if she still like her enough to get excited by it!


Awww I have 1st December all planned already- booked day off work already so I can spend the day decorating the tree and house The plan is to have Christmas tree up the day before and get hubby to put lights on. He is a bit of perfectionist and I'm never satisfied when I put it on myself! Loughc got me thinking that maybe it would be better to decorate earlier as I usually make a mess when decorating

xDisneyDivax

Oh and I started making a list of presents today!

SarahLil

Agree tree up before the toyshow himself will probably be moaning it's too early but he knows he won't win I rely on him now to my lights on the tree as my late aunt always helped me
I'll be working the 1st I'm already thinking of what take away on Friday the 1st don't know what it is with me and food this week all the talk of biscuits, chocolates I'm ready to hibernate and eat, we always have some of the tubes of sweets for the toyshow too you know the ones that are handy for Christmas stockings

Disney there's only 2 of us too but it's so nice to whip out a tin of sweets or biscuit of an evening or if someone pops in for a cuppa unexpected

xDisneyDivax

I reckon our hubbies should be grateful that Toy Show ain't on at end of Nov anymore :P
Aw sorry about your aunt, nice to have those memories putting up lights together though
I think we just didn't trust ourselves enough to start buying sweeties in advance- we're really terrible when it comes to that- he actually always moan that I never buy biscuits and what if we have visitors :P

Glitzgirl

The tradition here is the tree is up and decorated before the day of the toy show. It's lit on toy show day officially or lights turned on.

Each person here has a little red good bag with some goodies , our first set of christmas pj's are worn and we have christmas mugs for hot chocolate and of course a take away is in order

chuckles30

I was shopping in Dunnes last week & was a bit short of the €50 spend to use my €10 voucher, so decided to start picking up packets of fruit for Christmas cakes etc. Spread the cost a bit.

I know someone here had a lovely homemade mincemeat recipe last year - must dig that out and make it soon as lots of apples around at the moment too

Glitzgirl

Hopefully the pic will attach this time .. got Mr glitz to make up some christmas eve boxes in work for the family, got a sneaky peak yesterday and I love them !!!!!!

Loughc

Glitzgirl wrote: »

Hopefully the pic will attach this time .. got Mr glitz to make up some christmas eve boxes in work for the family, got a sneaky peak yesterday and I love them !!!!!!

Oh wow Glitzgirl they’re beautiful!