This is one Christmas list not to miss! Here are 12 last-minute Christmas planning tips for parents, to save you extra stress in the run-up to the big day.
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Ah, the last-minute rush of Christmas planning. Busy shops, traffic, school concerts, food lists to write — it all gets a bit hectic, doesn’t it! These quick, practical tips will help you stay one step ahead over the next few days.
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12 Last Minute Christmas Planning Tips For Parents
#1. Take a photo of the kids’ letters to Santa on your phone. That way you’ll have all the details handy when you’re out shopping and can’t remember exactly what was asked for.
#2. Stock up on tin foil — you’ll be amazed how much you get through over the holidays, from roasting the turkey to wrapping up leftovers.
#3. Make sure you have scissors, wrapping paper and tape ready to go, and stash them somewhere no one else can “borrow” them at the last minute.
#4. Stock up on batteries, especially AA and AAA. Check whether any new toys or gadgets will need them on the day.
#5. Remember to charge new electronics, like phones and tablets, before they’re unwrapped so they’re ready to use straight away.
#6. Make sure toys actually work before Christmas Day. If anything needs assembling, check the instructions a few days beforehand in case you need any particular tools.
#7. Keep a stash of lollipops or small treats handy to keep kids happy during car journeys to granny’s house.
#8. Set reminders on your phone, or use a notes app, to keep track of everything you still need to do.
#9. Do as much shopping online as you can — it saves time stuck in traffic or queuing at the checkout.
#10. Keep some ready-made shortcrust pastry in the fridge so you can rustle up some easy canapes or nibbles if unexpected guests call round.
#11. Have a few selection boxes tucked away in case younger visitors drop by unannounced.
#12. And finally… don’t forget the essentials: wine, turkey, ham, milk and bread!
More Christmas Reading
If you found these tips useful, you might also enjoy:
- 8 Top Tips To Take The Stress Out Of Christmas
- 21 Things Parents Hate About Christmas
- 25 Things Parents Love About Christmas
Save This For Later
No time to plan right now? Bookmark this page or save it to your phone so you can tick off these tips as you go over the next few busy days.
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Over to you now. Do you have any other tips for last-minute Christmas planning? Please let us know in the comments below.
