Christmas Preparation Advice

With all there is to do between now and New Year’s, the best way to avoid an end-of-year crisis is to tackle your Christmas to-do list well in advance. For a head start-and a smooth Christmas, follow our step-by-step Christmas planner, which helps you spread your Christmas tasks over six weeks!! Now don’t say that we don’t care about you at Westport Credit Union…………

WEEK 1: MAKE LISTS AND TIME FOR YOURSELF

1. Ask your older, tech-savvy kids to set up online wish lists, which work like wedding registries. Amazon offers a universal wish list, meaning a person can “wish” for something from any website, and all of the wishes will appear in one place. If this is not something you’re into no problem, just ask them to provide you with the good old-fashioned pen to paper wish list. Too easy and no excuses!!
2. Write your Christmas card list, updating addresses. Divide it into three parts so you can spread out card-sending over a few weeks. Let’s be honest this is one of the most dreaded Christmas jobs we all hate having to do but remember it’s nice to be nice!!
3. Buy Christmas cards, stamps and gift-wrapping supplies. Charity cards are a nice option because you support good causes at Christmas.

WEEK 2: BUDGET AND ORGANISE

1. Write your gift list and determine your budget. If you shop without either, you risk overbuying (say, getting way more for one child than another) and overspending. Choose your “Christmas Number”-the amount of money that can safely disappear from your bank account by January 1. Review your gift list, and ask yourself what each person values, then focus on that. When you’re finished and over budget, go back and see whom you might give handmade gifts or baked goods as these can be just as thoughtful as bought gifts. Remember, it’s about being greatful, not buying stuff.
2. Write and send a third of your Christmas cards. Phewww first lot done!!
3. Sort through your Christmas decorations. Replace burned-out lightbulbs and save only the decorations you cherish. The smaller your collection, the less you’ll have to pack and store at the end of the year. Donate extras to charity, and supplement what’s left with fresh greenery, which can be recycled. Holly Holly Holly and lots of it we say…………. Always remember to never overload power points also as this can be a fire hazard.
4. Shopping local is great at Christmas as you support local businesses but don’t be afraid to keep your options open in other areas that may be close by for particular gifts.
5. Pick up a few just-in-case gifts -scented candles, bottles of wine-to offer at parties we love getting invited to or that lovely neighbour who drops by with an unexpected present.

WEEK 3: WRAPPING AND MENU PLANNING

1. Set up a wrapping station, and wrap gifts as you buy them. “Carve out a spot off the beaten path to create a Christmas wrapping station, so all of your wrapping tools are in one place!!
2. Try to tackle half of your Christmas gift list this week. Shop after work, when stores are less busy. We all get a little grumpy when people get too close to us when shopping Right?
3. Write and send another third of your Christmas cards. Wahoo second lot done!!
4. Plan your Christmas and Christmas Eve menus. Avoid repeat trips to the supermarket by writing a master grocery lists. Convert your menu into four shopping lists: A Far-Ahead Shopping List, a 3-Days before list and a Christmas Pre-Party list if you’re hosting a party, and a December 22nd list. (Now’s also the time to invite your delightful guests!) oh goodie!!
5. Order your ham or turkey from your supermarket’s meat counter or a specialty butcher shop. Remember to support local, you are doing your bit for animal welfare as these meats are normally free-range unlike what’s offered at the big supermarket chains.
6. Take stock of your cupboard and baking staples. Add flour, oil, spices and such to your grocery list as needed. We must point out though that we hate raisins and currents at Westport Credit Union so please don’t offer us any of the above. Smiles…………

WEEK 4: FINISH SHOPPING AND DECORATE

1. Review your shopping lists, and shop for non-perishable grocery items early this week. Now’s the time for your Christmas baking! Prepare side dishes for Christmas meals. Make anything that can be frozen. Thank the Lord for freezers!!
2. Finish your present shopping. If you plan to shop for gifts online, do so early this week to avoid rush-shipping charges and ensure on-time delivery. We don’t want any Christmas tears!!
3. Mail gifts to over sea loved ones.
4. Write and send your remaining holiday cards. Good riddance at this stage!!
5. Hang inside decorations.
6. Buy and trim your Christmas tree. OUR FAVOURITE BIT OF CHRISTMAS!!!

WEEK 5: CLEAN AND PREPARE

1. Finish wrapping your presents.
2. Hang outside decorations and light up your neighbourhood.
3. Make sure your bar is well-stocked. Don’t forget mixers and garnishes. VERY IMPORTANT!!
4. Clean and declutter half of your home, we know where did all this stuff come from!!! Prep for guests by organising linens (sheets, towels, washcloths) for each guest from now through Christmas.
5. Take platters and serving dishes out of storage and clean them, as needed. We know it’s hard to believe how dusty all this stuff gets!!

WEEK 6: FINAL PREPARATIONS (Nearly There)
1. Wash and iron table linens, then set the dining room table a few days in advance.
2. Shop for perishables for your Christmas meals.
3. Finish cleaning your home. WE HATE THIS JOB THE MOST!!!
4. Buy any last-minute pressies. By early this week, you should have all your gifts wrapped and/or addressed.
5. Accept help and don’t be too proud! “Relinquish some control in the kitchen and around the house, then you’ll have more time to enjoy your family and friends.

Remember for any other type of help you need financially this Christmas, Westport Credit Union is here to help you and your family have the best Christmas ever. Why not drop in and speak with a friendly loans advisor in our cosy new loans hub. Alternatively, you can apply online by clicking here: APPLY NOW or just give us a call on 098 25614.