Christmas Eve is always hectic. No matter how organised you try to be, there are nearly always a number of last-minute errands to run or items to buy.
While we can't lighten your load, we are here to tell you that being organised and having a schedule will make all the difference. We’ve put together a list of tips to help you organise the busy day, allowing you to - at the very least - have a relaxing night.
1. Start early: If you still have last minute items to buy, get them now. Trying to navigate a manic crowd later will only cause you to feel flustered and stressed, which will result in you forgetting a few items.
2. Christmas Day prep: Most people like to do some pre-cooking on Christmas Eve in order to free up some time on Christmas Day. This is definitely a good idea, but it's pointless if it just makes Christmas Eve more stressful. Set aside some time during the afternoon to avoid late-night stressing.
3. Keep it simple: While movies make mums think an elaborate family dinner is something that should take place on Christmas Eve, the reality is that a simple meal of homemade pizza or our Christmas Eve Stew is actually a far better idea. Also, avoiding decadent food that evening leaves you better able to handle the Christmas Day menu.
4. The Christmas Eve Box: Kids are usually over-excited about Santa on Christmas Eve and impatient about opening their presents. One way to deal with both these things is to put together a Christmas Eve Box for them to open. Fill it with new Christmas pyjamas, cosy socks, hot chocolate, marshmallows, some foodie treats and a Christmas movie and storybook. They’ll feel calmer having opened a present and you’ll have a relaxing plan for the family’s evening, as you all cuddle up to watch a nice movie.
5. Do some wrapping: There is nothing like wrapping a few gifts, while watching a festive movie and enjoying a glass of eggnog to get you in the Christmas spirit.
