How to plan for a stress free Christmas

Christmas is a time for joy, togetherness, and celebration—but let’s be real, it can also be a time of stress! Between decorating, shopping, cooking, and hosting, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This year, instead of scrambling last minute, why not plan ahead and set yourself up for a stress free Christmas? With the right preparation, you can enjoy the season with a relaxed and festive spirit. You can find my Christmas Planning Guide here but here is a breakdown to help you plan for a stress free Christmas!

1. Choose a Christmas Colour Theme

A cohesive color scheme can make your holiday decor feel intentional and polished. Before you start shopping for decorations, decide on a color theme. Whether you prefer classic red and green, chic silver and gold, or something modern like blush pink and copper, your theme will guide all your decorating decisions. A consistent color palette brings harmony to your Christmas tree, mantel decor, and even your gift wrapping.

• Tip: If you want a fresh look without buying all new decorations, consider repurposing items you already have and spray painting them to match your theme.

2. Make Lists for Everything

Lists are your best friend when it comes to Christmas planning. From gift ideas to grocery shopping, keeping everything organized in one place can significantly reduce your holiday stress. Here’s a rundown of the lists you’ll want to keep handy:

• Gift list: Plan out who you’re buying for and brainstorm gift ideas early.
• Decoration list: Check what you have, what you need to replace, and what new items fit your color theme.
• Meal planning list: From Christmas lunch to breakfast the next day, write down all the ingredients and groceries you’ll need.
• Activity list: If you have traditions like Christmas movie nights or holiday baking, jot them down to ensure nothing is forgotten.

Need help getting started? Purchase our Christmas Planning Guide today! It’s packed with checklists, and tips to ensure your holiday season goes off without a hitch.

3. Choose a Tablescape that Matches Your Theme

Your Christmas table setting is a big part of creating a festive atmosphere, so plan it carefully! Use your chosen color theme to guide your choices for your table linens, plates, glasses, and centrepiece. Whether you go for something elegant and minimal or full of Christmas sparkle, make sure it complements the rest of your holiday decor.

• Pro tip: If you’re on a budget, take a plain white tablecloth and try using natural elements like pinecones, fresh greenery, or even homemade place cards to elevate your tablescape without breaking the bank. Visit the shop for our Christmas Lunch Pack which has templates for napkin rings, cutlery holders, place cards and much more.

4. Plan Your Meals: More Than One – How to Plan for a Stress free Christmas?

Hosting family and friends during the holidays often means feeding a crowd, so meal planning is essential. When considering what to cook, think about the following:

• Christmas Eve dinner: If required, will you have a casual buffet or a sit down meal. To make it easy you can also order takeaway.
• Christmas Day feast: This is usually the star of the show, so make sure to plan your appetizers, main course, sides, and desserts.
• Boxing Day brunch: If you have guests staying overnight, don’t forget to plan a simple yet delicious breakfast or brunch menu.

To make your holiday meal planning even easier, check out our Recipe Books, available for purchase in the shop. They’re filled with delicious ideas for every meal and course, helping you create a feast everyone will love. There is even a section on how to use your leftovers.

5. Are You Hosting Overnight Guests?

If you’ll be accommodating overnight guests, there are a few extra things to consider. Make sure their stay is comfortable and stress free for you as the host. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Fresh linens and towels
• Toiletries like soap and shampoo
• Easy breakfast options like muffins, cereal, toast, fruit, and tea & coffee
• A comfortable place where they can relax

Planning these details ahead of time will help ensure your guests feel welcome without adding to your last minute holiday to do list.

6. Plan Early for Gifts (Or Opt for Secret Santa)

Gift shopping is often the biggest stressor of the holiday season, but it doesn’t have to be. Start early, make a list of ideas, and set a budget to avoid the Christmas rush. If you’re buying gifts for a large family, why not try Secret Santa this year? It reduces the number of gifts each person has to buy and adds a fun element of surprise to the celebrations. Plus, it’s a great way to take some of the financial pressure off. You can great apps that will help with the selection process too – we used Draw Names.

• Bonus tip: If you’re shopping online, make sure to check shipping deadlines to avoid any late arrivals!

7. Plan Some Fun: Include a Christmas Game

No Christmas celebration is complete without some festive fun! Planning a game or two is a great way to keep everyone entertained and laughing. Whether it’s a Christmas trivia quiz, a scavenger hunt, or a gift swap game, there’s something for every age group. These games can also serve as a perfect icebreaker for larger gatherings.

For a list of easy to organize Christmas games that your guests will love, check out my post on Christmas Games.

By following these tips and planning ahead, you can make this Christmas season as smooth and enjoyable as possible. A little forethought goes a long way in reducing holiday stress, so take a deep breath, get organised, and get excited for a wonderful holiday season!

Don’t forget to purchase your Christmas Planning Guide and Recipe Books today! They’re the perfect tools to help you stay on top of everything this holiday season and ensure you have all the resources you need to plan a flawless Christmas.

With the right planning and a few strategic choices, you can create a magical Christmas without the last minute chaos. Here’s to a holiday season that’s filled with joy, laughter, and most importantly, less stress!