Seven Ways To Plan Ahead For Christmas 2021

I think about Christmas throughout the year, but now some stores have items in I feel like it’s a good time to mention in on the blog. Autumn feels like it’s properly set in now and the evenings are getting darker and cooler. So it’s the perfect time to plan ahead for Christmas as there are now less than 100 days to go!

Christmas 2020 wasn’t what many of us imagined for the year, and it was tough. A lot of people weren’t able to see their families and friends. And due to ever-changing tiers and restrictions, things were quite last minute. But that’s why this year is set to be super special, fingers crossed. At the moment there’s no point worrying about what may happen and instead think ahead about how amazing this year could be.

But this year is different. There is still a global pandemic going on, and we’re going through some rough patches with Brexit. So if you’ve not already started planning then here are some ways to plan ahead for Christmas 2021.

There are supply chain issues

I’m sure you’ve all heard about the HGV driver shortages, and how some supermarkets are empty due to a lack of stock. Or a lack of drivers to bring the stock to stores. It’s hard to know if it’s going to get worse or better over the next few months ahead of Christmas.  So if you spot something that you really must-have for Christmas, or you see something on the sale and it will last, buy it. Whether it’s the big toy your kid has to have or a very specific foodie item that lasts for months.

I’m not saying hoard items, but think about what you really want. Track items and if you’re a last-minute shopper then you’ll need to accept that some things will sell out or be harder to get hold of.

Plan ahead for Christmas postage

At the best of times, postage can be a bit mad, and last year went even further than that. To make sure cards and gifts get to your loved ones on time factor in earlier postal dates than Royal Mail says. This is especially important if you’re shipping abroad as that country might be in a bad state as well.

If the last postal date for second class is 19th December, then go for a week earlier if you can to make sure you have no issues. This also includes anything you may be ordering last minute online. Retailers will do their best to give you accurate delivery dates but once it leaves them it’s out of their hands.

If you don’t have then create a budget

I’ve done quite a few posts about budgeting for Christmas before. And in an ideal world, you’ll have been saving a little bit each week or month throughout the year to make it easy. But if you haven’t been saving then create a budget and work out what you need.

Make a list of all the areas you want to buy for. So a list of all the people you want to buy presents for, any decorations, entertainment, food, etc. Then you can put down how much you want to budget for each area. Don’t feel like you have to stretch yourself or go into debt in order to buy presents. If things are tight this year tell people early. Maybe suggest a secret Santa between a group of you who usually buy for each other. Or let family members know you’re only buying for the kids this year. I’m sure there will be others out there relieved to be able to reduce their budget too.

Plan ahead for Christmas with all of the lists

I am the queen of lists and have so many of them stashed away. And now is your time to create the ultimate Christmas list. Note down any decorations you may be missing from your collection or you want to add so you don’t buy things you don’t need. Make a note of the food you may need as we all know buying too much food is a staple at Christmas.

And make a note of any gift ideas you may have. Perhaps you’ve had a link stashed away for something perfect for your auntie. Or you always buy your mum a nice perfume. If you find specific items add them to one of the many apps out there where you can be notified if it goes on sale to save you some money. I have a list of things I am going to keep my eye on over Black Friday weekend at the end of November. Then if it goes on sale then I can buy it, but if not I know I’ve given myself the best chance for discounts.

Pre-order or book your food

To plan ahead for Christmas and make sure you get the food you want keep an eye out for when you can pre-order your food. Places like Marks & Spencer open up their food orders quite early so expect that to start from next month. And if you order your food online a lot of grocery stores and supermarkets open up slots for Christmas week earlier than usual. This is the time to be set up with email alerts so you can book your slot as early as possible.

I started working at Ocado Group last year and didn’t realize Christmas week slots week up earlier so I didn’t get one. So this year I am posed and ready to book mine.

Create Amazon wishlists

Amazon wishlists can be a great tool to keep track of items you may want. And they’re easy to share with friends and families. The items don’t have to be from Amazon as well, you can add ideas in text form. And if you add a note you can even add links. So you’re not restricted by Amazon, but it’s such a good tool to share lists easily. Especially if you have kids and want to make sure they don’t get duplicate presents.

Plan ahead for Christmas by booking events

Last year a lot of the fun and normal things about Christmas didn’t happen like pantomimes and carol singing. Or if they did you may not have felt comfortable doing them like Santa visits and meals with friends. For Christmas 2021 you want to bank in those events where ever possible.

If you and your friends are like mine and struggle to find dates everyone is free, get a date in the diary now. You don’t have to decide what to do yet, but get everyone to book it with plenty of time in advance.

If you’re all trying to save a bit of money you don’t have to go out for an expensive night out. You could do food indoors where everybody brings a dish. Or you could organise a craft evening together.

What things are you doing to plan ahead for Christmas?

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