Ahead of the all-important big day, households jump into full Christmas mode, and while this can bring a lot of excitement, there is also a lot to remember.
Many of us make to do lists, but with so many "little jobs", it can be easy to overlook some things. And you don't want to get to December 25 and realise you've forgotten something important.
Imagine you're about to carve the turkey up and realise you haven't got any cranberry sauce, or the kids are delighted with their toys but they need batteries, and you don't have any.
READ MORE: Easy tips and tricks to get excited kids to sleep on Christmas Eve
Or your auntie arrives and you've not got her a present. Thankfully, experts at Cath Kidston have put together the ultimate Christmas checklist you didn't even know you needed.
Finish shopping for gifts
For many of us, we make a good start with gift-buying as early as possible and, once we feel assured that we’re already somewhat prepared, we take the foot off the accelerator. Make sure you’ve finished shopping for gifts as early as possible. And try not to go overboard, it really is the thought that counts.
Wrap your presents
Wrapping gifts can feel like a chore for many of us, and one that we often leave until as late as Christmas Eve. This year, try to get all your gifts wrapped up as early as possible, so that you can enjoy the build-up to the big day without the burden of bows and tags.
Stock up on "bits and bobs"
Don’t underestimate the importance of the knick-knacks that never seem important until you realise you're without them. This could include batteries for toys and electrics, matches for candles, napkins, toilet paper and other things you may need.
Food shopping
If you’re super organised you’ll have likely purchased the main ingredients for your festive lunch much earlier in the month, but closer to the day you should double check you have every single ingredient. Again, it’s often the "little" things we forget to buy, such as condiments and seasonings. Don’t let a bland Brussel sprout spoil all your hard work!
Clean the house
In an ideal world, we’d get the boring stuff out of the way as quickly as possible. However, reality means it may make more sense to do this task as close to Christmas Day as possible, especially if you have pets or children. Add these chores to your last-minute to-do list, including cleaning the fridge, scrubbing the oven, and hoovering and mopping all floors.
Hand out gifts to friends and family
If you’ve kindly bought a gift for somebody who will not be there with you on the big day, make sure you remember to give them the gift before Christmas. It could be a case of popping by their house for a hot chocolate and a catch up while delivering the present.
Do something charitable
In the run-up to Christmas Day, it might be a good idea to focus on one charitable gesture or activity that’s within your means. If you can, buy a gift for a vulnerable child, or give a homeless person a blanket, water, snacks, and gloves.
While this may not directly impact your own Christmas, it’s a gesture that could make a resounding difference to the Christmas of somebody in need. That will count for more than you realise.
Don’t forget to enjoy yourself!
Technically, you don’t need to add this point to your to-do list, but you should absolutely try to remember it during all parts of the festivities. Often, this season can put so much pressure on us, and the unrealistic attempt to make everything ‘perfect’ can feel so overwhelming that we forget to enjoy ourselves.
Once everything has been ticked off your last-minute to-do list, allow yourself to relax and quite simply go with the flow. You’ve done everything you can to make sure everything is ready and in place, and that’s more than enough.
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