December, the busiest and fun but sometimes the most stressful time of the year. I love Christmas but December can be a busy month, not only at work but at home too. Being organised for Christmas and planning ahead means enjoying the run up and not being stressed.
Leaving the office on Christmas Eve and heading home knowing all your work is done until the New Year.
Christmas presents are wrapped, food shopping to be delivered and it’s time to get the Christmas tunes on and enjoy a much needed break. Pass me a prosecco 🥂
I’m guessing you won’t want to be stuck in the office whilst everyone is merrily celebrating in the pub? Or end up in John Lewis on Christmas Eve trying to figure out what to buy the other half?
No, me neither, let’s make a plan of action.
1# | LIST PLANNING
The easiest way to get organised is to make a list. This will be the first step in helping you get organised for Christmas.
Block an hour in your diary to sit down and go through your work tasks, your Christmas present list and if you’ve been tasked with the food shop, plan out your meals.
Let’s go through these lists in more detail:
> Make a Work To-Do List
Check your task list to see what’s outstanding, what emails need actioning and what meetings are scheduled throughout December. Write down everything that needs your attention before Christmas and what can wait until the New Year.
Use a daily planner to list these tasks into priority order by day, this will make up your to-do list. I would recommend having a max of 5 per day.
Having an overview of what tasks need completing will help you plan your break and keep you organised for Christmas. You’ll know what you need to do each day and week and what tasks you can move into next year.
> Make a Christmas Gift List
Spending a Saturday in December on the High Street can be hell. Everyone has the same idea as you, it’s busy, cold, wet and people are queued around the shops.
You’re not sure what you’re buying for who and before you know it 4 hours have passed and you’ve only bought 3 things!
Before you go shopping you need to make a Christmas gift list. Do some research, ask your sister what you’re nephew likes at the moment or drop hints to the other half, what are they hoping for this year?
Putting ideas on a list will keep you on track and you’ll know which shops to go in.
I also like to keep track of what I’m spending (and yes, I have an excel sheet). Why? Because it helps me to budget what I’m spending on each person and stops me overspending.
#2 | PLAN YOUR MEALS
I love meal planning. There is so much food waste over the festive period so make sure you’re organised for Christmas this year by planning your meals. As a result, you throw less food away and it will save you money too.
Once you have planned your meals for the week, list all the ingredients for the supermarket or an easier option is to shop online and get your food shop delivered.
Me and my husband sat down the other night and planned our meals for Christmas because it saves so much hassle. It takes a bit of time but is so worth doing, you only need to get one shop and maybe just top up in between.
I’d also recommend to check with your local butchers and/or farm shop to see whether you need to order your meat in advance.
TIP > if you use a credit card or supermarket points card, don’t forget to check how many points you have. I have just under 50,000 Avios points with my AMEX so I know where my wine is coming from this year.
I also have £50 worth of points on my Nectar Card which will go towards the Christmas food shop 😉
#3 | OUTSOURCE TASKS
If you’re determined to be organised for Christmas this year, why not outsource some tasks to a Virtual Assistant.
Maybe you need to purchase gifts for clients? Why not ask a Virtual Assistant to do this. I’ve already done this for a couple of clients.
Travelling over Christmas? Ask a Virtual Assistant to look up travel times, hotel costs, road closures and anything else that may help you to avoid any unnecessary disruptions.
Or, if you’re planning a Christmas party for your team, ask the Virtual Assistant to research venues and Christmas menus. Not sure where to find a Virtual Assistant? I’ve got you covered, check out my “A Business Owner’s Guide to Hiring a Virtual Assistant” right here.
#4 | DON’T OVERLOAD YOURSELF
With so many events and Christmas parties going on throughout December you’re diary can soon fill up. Take a view on whether you need to attend them all. Decide which events will be most valuable.
If you need to schedule meetings, decide whether they can wait and schedule it for the New Year.
#5 | TAKE A BREAK
Christmas is one of the only times in the year when everyone winds down and takes leave at the same time, so it’s the perfect opportunity for you to do the same.
Decide what time you will be taking off over the festive period and remember to put these dates in your calendar / update your PA and inform clients that you will be unavailable. Don’t forget your out of office!
I hope these tips will help you get organised for Christmas this year. Relax and enjoy the time with your family and friends and let work wait until the New Year.
But most of all, MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR – I hope it’s a great one 🎅🏻🎄
