“How I Start Prepping for Christmas (Without the Stress or Overspending)”
So it’s that time of year again—when we start thinking (and maybe slightly panicking) about Christmas. It’s not that far off... in fact, it’s only 106 days away! Can you believe how fast this year has gone?
Right now, I’m starting to plan all the things I need to get done before the holiday season kicks into full swing—and, just as importantly, how to budget for it. No one likes getting to December and throwing money around like Santa chucking candy canes off the back of a ute at a Christmas parade.
Step One: Budget, Budget, Budget
Every year, my husband and I sit down and look back at what we spent over the previous Christmas period. We talk about what worked well and where we may have gotten a little too carried away with the twinkling lights and festive cheer.
Then we work out how much we need for the season ahead and break it down into fortnightly amounts. This helps us stay on track and avoid that stressful, “where-did-all-the-money-go?” moment in December.
Step Two: Plan Your Christmas Activities
Next, I like to make a list of all the festive things we want to do with the kids—our little traditions like:
- Going out to look at Christmas lights
- Taking Santa photos
- Making the Christmas pudding
- Attending carols events
- Visiting family and friends
- Picking out a new decoration for the tree
If any of these involve spending money, I add them to the budget. And if there’s planning that can be done early, I jump on it. Basically: anything I can tick off early, I do. Future Me always says thanks!
Step Three: Start Stockpiling Non-Perishables
Around this time of year, I also start thinking about the Christmas grocery shop. There are certain items I know we’ll need—and that will keep—like:
- Olives
- Crackers
- Chips
- Dried fruit (for the pudding!)
- Butter (because wow, it’s expensive right now)
Each week, I grab a few extras so by Christmas I have a decent little stockpile. That way, I’m not panic-buying in December or dealing with empty shelves.
Step Four: Handmade Gifts? Start Now
I also love to sew, and I know my fellow crafty friends will relate: every year, I imagine making beautiful handmade gifts for everyone... and then suddenly it’s Christmas Eve and I’m still sewing buttonholes on those pyjamas I just had to make.
It always works out in the end (just), but a little more pre-planning would definitely make it more enjoyable. So if you’re planning to make handmade gifts this year, let this be your friendly nudge: start now!
Same goes for photo books or other personalised gifts—get them sorted early while you still have time (and brainpower).
Gingerbread: My Favourite Christmas Tradition
As a baker, Christmas is my absolute favourite time of year—especially for making gingerbread.
I’ve been baking my signature gingerbread since I was a teenager. Back then, I’d make those stacked gingerbread trees with different-sized stars. They always turned out beautifully (well, I thought so!), but we could never get through them all—and sadly, a lot would go to waste.
So one year I thought, Why not just make cookies? Easier to store, easier to gift, and just as delicious. That’s how it all started.
Now, one of my favourite Christmas activities is decorating gingerbread cookies with my two little bears. We make a massive mess and have the best time—and it’s become one of our most treasured traditions.
I also love sharing this gingerbread with my customers, and I hope it becomes part of your family’s traditions, just like it has with mine.
Your Christmas Prep Checklist (Download here )
To make things easier for you, I’ve put together a Christmas Prep Planner with the things you can start doing now to save money, reduce stress, and actually enjoy the season.
Because trust me: preparation is the key, and it’s never too early to start.
Until next week—happy planning, happy baking, and let’s make this Christmas a joyful (and less hectic) one!
