(Before December Chaos Hits)
Three months might feel like plenty of time… but let’s be honest — Christmas has a way of sneaking up out of nowhere. One minute it’s pumpkin spice, the next it’s fairy lights, wrapping paper, and wondering how you forgot that one person again.
This year, I’m doing things differently. I’m starting early, leaning into the planning, and (hopefully) avoiding the last-minute panic that usually comes with festive prep.
Consider this my cosy little corner of organised Christmas chaos. 🎄
🎁 The First Thing: Gifts for the Boys
As the boys get older, Christmas lists have gone from easy wins to “I have absolutely no idea what they want.”
Last year, I discovered the 5 Gift Rule (aka Pinterest gold), and honestly… it changed everything:
- Something they want
- Something they need
- Something to wear
- Something to read
- Something to do
Simple, intentional, and way less overwhelming.
This year, I’m expanding things slightly to make it feel a bit more magical and personal:
✨ Drink, Eat, Create, Watch, Listen, Smell, Touch, Collect… and more.
Less pressure, more thoughtfulness — and a bit more fun with it.
✉️ Adding a Little Magic
To make it feel extra special, I created a letter from Santa asking them to fill in their lists early — you know, to help keep things running smoothly at the North Pole 😉
It’s such a small touch, but it adds that layer of magic I’m desperately trying to hold onto (especially now they’re starting to question things).
Honestly? Worth it for the excitement alone.
🎅 Gifts for the Grown-Ups
The past couple of years, we’ve kept things simple with a family Secret Santa — one name, one thoughtful gift, £30 budget.
And I’m not going to lie… it’s been a game changer.
Less stress, less spending, and more focus on choosing something meaningful instead of panic-buying for everyone.
🧝♀️ The Elf Planning (Send Help)
Yes… I fell into the Elf on the Shelf trap back in 2014.
And once you’re in — you’re in.
Pinterest is once again my best friend here. This year, I’ve created a little stash of printable elf signs and prompts so I’m not scrambling every single night.
The plan:
- Map out key moments (arrival, goodbye, special days)
- Prep props in advance
- Leave room for a bit of chaotic, last-minute elf mischief
✨ Controlled chaos… that’s the goal.Transparency. Pride. Celebration.
🎄 Decking the Halls
Next on the list: decorations.
Every year I do a little check — what’s broken, what’s missing, what I definitely don’t need but will probably buy anyway.
And let me just say this clearly:
I will never have a perfectly coordinated, aesthetic tree.
I want tacky, colourful, joy-filled chaos.
Because Christmas is supposed to feel magical — not curated.
📌 Pinterest Mood-Boarding
No festive season prep is complete without a deep dive into Pinterest.
From DIY decorations to elf ideas to festive food — this is where all the inspiration (and unrealistic expectations 😂) live.
I take what I love, tweak it to fit real life, and aim for cosy over perfect every time.
🍓 Lastly: Christmas Eve Dessert Board
This year we’re switching things up slightly — celebrating family Christmas Day on Christmas Eve, which means I’ve claimed responsibility for dessert.
My plan?
A Christmas dessert charcuterie board 🎄
Think:
- Spiced cookies
- Mini cakes
- Chocolates
- Something fruity to balance the sugar
Basically… festive chaos on a board, and I’m very excited about it.
🎁 Wrapping It All Up (pun fully intended)
So far, the plan looks like this:
- Gift lists & Santa letters ✨
- Secret Santa sorted 🎅
- Elf mischief prepping 🧝♀️
- Decoration check-up 🎄
- Dessert board planning 🍪
It might seem like a lot, but getting ahead now means December might feel a little calmer…
(…or at least slightly less chaotic before the elves arrive and ruin everything.)
🎅 Join Me!
Are you starting your Christmas planning early, or are you a full-on December panic person?
I’d love to hear your traditions, ideas, or best festive hacks — let’s make this season feel a little more magical (and a little less stressful) together. ✨
Between the Pages & Pixels 