Christmas countdown planner

We hope this handy planner will help keep you on track during the festive period.  

Week 6: November 17-23 – Plan and start shopping 

• Make your Christmas budget (gifts, food, travel, decorations). 

• Write your gift list and jot down ideas for each person, don’t forget the work Secret Santa. 

• Start buying presents — especially online or personalised ones. 

• Buy Christmas cards, wrapping paper, and postage supplies. 

• Check decorations and lights; replace any broken ones. 
  
  

Week 5: November 24-30 – Early wrapping and international posting 

• Post international gifts and cards by the end of the week. 

• Wrap early-bought gifts and store them safely. 
  
  

Week 4: December 1-7 – Finish shopping and food ordering  

• Finish gift shopping for everyone on your list. 

• Post domestic gifts and cards (earlier = safer!). 

• Order Christmas food (turkey, desserts, drinks). 

• Stock up on cupboard items: snacks, sauces, baking ingredients. 

• Add festive playlists and enjoy decorating your tree. 
  
  

Week 3: December 8-14 – Finish wrapping and commence home preparation 

• Finish wrapping all presents and label them clearly. 

• Send any last-minute cards. 

• Do a pre-Christmas clean of main rooms and guest spaces. 

• Refresh decorations, fluff the tree, and tidy wrapping areas. 

• Bake cookies or freeze make-ahead treats. 

• Last date for letters to reach Santa (10^th) 
  
  

Week 2: December 15 -21 – Food and final touches  

• Buy non-perishable and long-life fresh items (cheese, drinks, condiments). 

• Clear freezer and fridge space. 

• Make or finish your Christmas pudding, cake, or desserts. 

• Keep your real tree watered and looking fresh. 

• Last posting date for Royal Mail second class post (17^th) 

• Last posting date for Royal Mail first class post (20^th)  
  
  

Christmas Week: December 22-25 – Time to celebrate and enjoy! 

• Buy fresh produce, meat, and bread. 

• Chill drinks and prep side dishes ahead of time. 

• Place wrapped gifts under the tree. 

• Set the table and enjoy the calm before Christmas morning. 

• Christmas Eve:  Go to Midnight Mass or relax and watch a movie. 

• Christmas Day: Celebrate, eat, laugh, and soak up the joy!