Why Starting Christmas Preparations Early Can Make a Difference
October may seem a bit premature to start thinking about Christmas, but I believe it’s the perfect time to get a head start. In fact, I began my preparations at the end of August. I understand that some people may find this overwhelming, preferring to delay the process as long as possible. My husband, for example, used to wait until the last minute on Christmas Eve to start his shopping.
However, I’ve discovered that early planning brings peace of mind and avoids last-minute stress. One of my first tasks, accomplished over the August bank holiday, is securing tickets for the Christmas shows we want to see. This year, we’re excited for Mark Gatiss’s rendition of A Christmas Carol and Peter Pan Goes Wrong.
I know it may seem strange to be making these arrangements during a late August heatwave, but the best seats are often taken by Halloween. The real kickoff to my Christmas season begins at the end of September. As an Ocado customer with a Smart Pass, I can access Christmas week delivery slots for a small additional fee. My slot this year is December 23 from 5-6pm.
From that point on, Christmas is constantly on my mind. I frequently edit my Ocado order, making adjustments and additions like extra Brussels sprouts, smoked salmon, bagels, butter, and chocolate tree decorations. I want to make sure we have everything we need to celebrate the season.
In early October, I open the Christmas Box to take stock of our remaining wrapping paper, cards, and ribbon. It’s also the time to start making lists. Who needs gifts aside from our immediate family? Do we have enough tape and gift tags? My son offers plenty of suggestions for his presents, but my husband and daughter are more challenging to shop for. So, I begin brainstorming gift ideas for them now.
My Christmas preparations go beyond just the 25th of December. I truly enjoy the days leading up to Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, and the surrounding weeks. While many may prefer to procrastinate until the last minute, I relish in sorting out gifts, gift tags, table settings, online grocery delivery slots, and brandy butter.
I also consider the culinary aspects of the season. What will we eat on Christmas Eve? Perhaps a simple fish pie or cold cuts with a salad. I also think about how we can entertain ourselves during the period between Christmas and New Year. Maybe a visit to London Zoo or the National Gallery would make for a festive outing.
Not many people understand my enthusiasm for starting Christmas preparations in the autumn, which is why I find solace in my friend Claudia. She is just as passionate about planning for Christmas and brings an extraordinary level of organization and attention to detail. Claudia’s commitment inspires me, and I eagerly follow her annual Pinterest board for design ideas and inspiration. She recently purchased stunning gift tags from Graham & Green, setting the tone for her Victorian-inspired wrapping scheme.
Claudia has a knack for finding unique stocking fillers at Urban Outfitters, which is particularly great for tweens. She also invests in an elaborate advent calendar imported from Germany, despite the cost and inconvenience. She paces herself, searching for festive linen sets and novelty pyjamas for her children, and then takes a brief break to focus on Halloween and Bonfire Night. Come December, she ramps up again with baking and decorating, using fresh eucalyptus and real holly for an authentic touch.
It’s fascinating to explore why Claudia and I love obsessing over Christmas. While she appreciates the season as a whole, I see it as a celebration of winter itself, a welcome reprieve from the hot months of summer. We find joy and excitement in every aspect of Christmas, and we embrace the opportunity to make the most of this magical time.
While there may be those who make fun of our early preparations, they fail to grasp the significance of Christmas to us. Christmas is like our very own Glastonbury—a time to revel in the festivities and embrace the spirit of the season.
As a mother, my days often revolve around taking care of others. However, by being over-prepared for Christmas, I am able to prioritize myself, even if just for a little while. It is the greatest gift I can give to my future self: the gift of time.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must return to my lists. There’s still plenty to do, but I find solace and excitement in the process.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
