13 ways to prepare for Christmas in November
Last Updated on April 19, 2024
Christmas is hectic, there’s a never ending list of things to do, places to go, and people to visit, so it can become very overwhelming, very fast.
If you’d like to get organised for Christmas early so you can enjoy the lead up to Christmas Day, then here are 13 ways to prepare for Christmas in November, that I hope will make you feel more relaxed as the festive season gets closer.
Write a Christmas to do list
One of the best ways to prepare for Christmas in November is to write a to do list of everything that you need to do, making sure to break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable tasks.
Once done, write down the latest date that each task needs to be done by, and schedule each item into your calendar, or Christmas planner.
Keep this to do list for future Christmases, and add to it whenever you think of something else that needs doing.
Buy non perishable ingredients
You may not have finalised your Christmas meal plan yet, but think about any non perishable items you’ll need, purchase them, and store them away until they’re needed.
If you’ll be doing some Christmas baking, are there any ingredients that you need that can be frozen? If so, purchase these as well and freeze them until needed.
Declutter your fridge and freezer
November is a great time to start a fridge and freezer declutter, as well as a food cupboard clear out, so you have space for the Christmas meal ingredients you’ll be purchasing, or have purchased.
Book a food delivery slot
If you’re planning on having your Christmas food shop delivered, November is the time when many supermarkets release their Christmas delivery slots.
You can find more details on this by going to your supermarket’s website and seeing when they release their slots.
They may even request you join their newsletter to find out what the slots are before they’re released to the public.
Start looking for gifts
A great way to prepare for Christmas in November is to start looking for gifts, because November is often the time where there are some great sales, and if shopping in person, the shops aren’t as hectic as they are in December.
To avoid overspending, or buying the wrong gifts, you may like to start a Christmas gift list before you start your gift shopping, which can include listing everyone you need to buy for, some ideas on gifts they may like, as well as how much you’d like to spend.
You may also like to shop for a few emergency gifts such as treats, stationery, cosmetic products, or gift vouchers that you can give to someone you forgot to buy for, or to give someone who has unexpectedly given you a gift.
Related posts:
Gift ideas for a baby’s first Christmas
Christmas gift ideas for 3-4 year olds
Send international gifts
If you have gifts that you need to send to friends or family internationally, November is the time to do this, because it maximises the chances that it will be received on time.
Buy Christmas cards and supplies
Check your Christmas supplies and buy anything that you need, which includes Christmas cards, sticky tape, wrapping paper, ribbons, gift tags, and Christmas crackers, because the nicer options tend to sell out the closer December approaches.
You may even like to buy a few extra for next year, so you’re super prepared.
Make or buy advent calendars
Advent calendars tend to sell out quite fast, so buying or making them in November as soon as they’re available in stores, is a very good thing to do.
If making your own advent calendar sounds interesting, here are some advent calendar filler ideas for toddlers.
Purchase stocking stuffers
If you’re having Christmas stockings this year, then you’ll need some stocking stuffers to go into them.
Sometimes buying stocking stuffers can take a bit of time because searching for items that aren’t expensive, and that are small can be tricky, so getting this Christmas to do out of the way early will save you time and sanity.
Related posts:
Practical stocking stuffer ideas for babies
Stocking stuffer ideas for toddlers
Stocking stuffer ideas for preschoolers
Check your Christmas decorations
November is a great time to get your Christmas decorations out of storage and throw out any that are broken, make sure your lights work, and get more if you need to, so you’re ready when it’s time to decorate your house.
Buy some Christmas themed bedtime stories
I love reading my boys Christmas themed bedtime stories in the lead up to Christmas.
If this is something that sounds fun, and that you’d like to do as well, then here are some lovely Christmas book ideas:
- The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg
- Dear Santa, by Marcy Kelman
- The Jolly Christmas Postman, by Janet Ahlberg and Allan Ahlberg
- There’s an Elf in Your Book, by Tom Fletcher and Greg Abbott
- The Snowman, by Raymond Briggs
Related post:
10 best books for 6 year olds
Start a family tradition
Another way to prepare for Christmas in November is to start to think of any family Christmas traditions that you’d like to start, and that your children may even continue with their own families.
Declutter toys
If you have kids, then the chances that new toys will come into your house is huge, which means you’ll need to find homes for them.
To avoid excess toy clutter after Christmas, start to declutter your kid’s toys in November, bit by bit, so when they receive their new toys they won’t question where their old ones have gone.
Do you prepare for Christmas in November, or will you now start?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.
