For many adults, the happiest, most magical time of the year can also be one of the most stressful. The to-do list is long, and the calendar is full to the brim of social events, nativity plays and family days out.

The team at British stationery brand, Pukka Pads, have put together their top tips on how planning can help to stress-bust Christmas. With these 10 easy actions, you’ll be in for your most zen festive season yet! 

 

1.    Use a project notebook to separate and organise all your Christmas to-do lists, all the while keeping them in one place - Over the years, multiple studies have found that writing things down (yes, on pen and paper not on your iPhone’s notes app!) aids memory and helps us to remember our to-do’s. The ultimate organised Christmas shopper will have a written list not just for the loved ones they’ll be gifting this year, but for all the shenanigans that come with Christmas: lunch on the big day, social events and decorations.

2.    Buy wrapping paper well in advance – Buying Christmas wrapping paper early allows for this big task to be done bit by bit as gifts are bought. Pukka Pads suggest kraft paper and a colourful silk ribbon for an environmentally friendly and bang on trend wrapping approach for 2021!

3.    Save on delivery - Make life easier by buying multiple stocking fillers from one site. Don’t forget to think of everyone when placing orders – including the office secret Santa!

4.    Ask your nearest and dearest to write a list - And slot it into your Christmas planner so it doesn’t get lost. A list of things they really want ensures you’re not wasting time or money on gifts they won’t use.

5.    Make an activity of writing letters to Father Christmas - Children will be asking Santa asking for their most wanted items this year. Sitting together and writing letters is not only a lovely festive family activity, but ensures those stockings are full of gifts to make little faces beam.

6.    Plan out your budget in advance - it isn’t the most fun of activities, but it is well worth planning your spend for arguably the most expensive time of year. Don’t forget to account for Christmas drinks and socials, Santa’s grotto visits and the turkey! Knowing you’ve got your budget under control is a huge Christmas stress reliever.  

7.    Get your wrapping station ready – once you’ve bought in the paper, don’t forget sticky tape, bows, ribbon and scissors. It’s also worth considering buying in any packing boxes and bubble wrap should you be shipping gifts off to friends and family further afield.

8.    Plot key dates in your Christmas planner – don’t lose track and let time runaway with you. Note down key dates throughout December including the last post, last turkey ordering date, late night shopping centre openings to avoid any last-minute panicking!

9.    Use journaling to wind down – the festive months can feel like a total whirlwind, but it is important to not let the busy Christmas weeks overrule your health and wellbeing. Journaling is a great day to not only get everything whirling around your brain down on paper before bed each night but is also a way to document and remember the special memories made this Christmas. Plus, it gives you 10 quiet minutes away from children and in-laws!

10.   Don’t strive for perfection! - Even with all the planning and preparation in the world, some things are beyond our control. Christmas can bring elevated pressures to deliver for friends and family, but it is important to remember we can only do so much. Write that at the front of your Christmas planner as a daily reminder if it helps!