With only 11 weeks to go, it’s time to start making plans and get ready for Christmas 2023!
Did you use our tips to make a start on your Christmas planning last week? Or are you still in denial that it’s now just 11 weeks until the big day?
You might still feel like it’s too early to do any real planning, but planning is the key to any great event and Christmas is no exception to the rule. Make a start on your plans for Christmas 2023 now, and it’ll be easier to find the perfect presents without breaking the bank.
It will also mean a lot less stress for you as Christmas Day gets closer!
So here are a few simple things to do now, so that you don’t have so many things to do in December!
Plan your Christmas menu
It might be that your Christmas menu always features the same family favourites that you simply have to cook year after year. For example, my family would be really upset if I didn’t serve my Best Ever Christmas Ham on Christmas Eve!
But it’s nice to try something new each year and, for me, planning the Christmas menu is one of the nicest parts of preparing for Christmas.
So get yourself a cuppa and a slice of something delicious, grab your laptop or a notepad and paper and start browsing for new menu additions. If the classic turkey is a must, then maybe you could try out a new stuffing recipe. Or why not look out for a new way to make mince pies or a decadent dessert that you could serve on New Year’s Eve?
Plan your decorations
If you were feeling super-organised after last Christmas, you might have made a list of decorations that you need to buy for this year’s festivities. But if not, don’t worry!
Christmas decorations are starting to appear in the stores around now, so it’s a good time to decide if you need to buy any new decorations. You might also need to replace your Christmas lights or buy a new Christmas tree topper, or maybe there’s an area of your home that you’d like to decorate for the first time.
Make yourself a list now, so that you can look out for special offers or the ideal decorations as you shop.
Make your Mincemeat
It’s easy to start off with great intentions of making all of your own presents and cooking everything from scratch. But life has a habit of getting in the way, and that’s even without all of the disruptions and price increases that we’ve experienced this year!
But making your own mince pies is a great way to fill the house with lovely Christmassy scents and they really are so much nicer than the shop bought ones.
There are some great mincemeats in the shops, but why not take a look at my Homemade Mincemeat recipe? It tastes delicious and is incredibly easy to make. Mix up a batch of this classic mincemeat now, and it will have a few weeks to mature before you start baking mince pies.
And if you add a pretty ribbon and label, a jar of homemade mincemeat will make a lovely Christmas gift. You could even keep one or two on hand as emergency presents – because you just know you’re going to need one for somebody!
Make your Christmas card list
If you’re planning to send Christmas cards this year, this is the time to start making a list of all the people you want to send them to. You’ll have plenty of time to check addresses and look out for the perfect cards, or maybe even make some yourself!
Did you leave it too late to post your cards last year? If so, make a note to check the last posting dates for Christmas 2023 and set a reminder on your phone so that you can be sure to send them in good time this year. Remember that you’ll need to buy stamps as well (add them to your Christmas budget) and allow extra time for delivery if possible, in case there are added delays.
Tick these jobs off your list now and you’ll be one step closer to a fantastic Christmas in 2023. What are your top tips for Christmas planning?