It’s time to link up with Erika and Shay to chat about how we prepare for the holiday season. Over here in Australia, Christmas takes the main spotlight because we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving. While I do enjoy getting together with family and dressing up for Halloween, it’s not as popular as it is in other parts of the world. So, when we refer to the holiday season, we really mean Christmas.
It’s no secret that the holiday season is my favourite time of year! I honestly feel that half the fun is in all the prep that goes along with it! I love scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram for fresh ideas on tablescapes, new recipes, and decorating inspiration. So much creativity out there!
I have to admit, that most of my holiday prep happens about two weeks before Christmas. I do kick things off by putting up and decorating the tree on the first weekend of December, but apart from that, my holiday season prep is pretty nonexistent until panic mode kicks in. Once mid-December hits, my holiday prep goes on steroids!
How I Prepare For The Holiday Season
So here’s how I prepare for the holiday season once I get into it:
Christmas Music
I love a good Christmas playlist to get the season going! Although I’m slow to begin my holiday prep, I start playing Christmas music around the end of November or even earlier.
Lists
There’s the gift list, the food list and the ‘where is everyone going to sit’ list! When we host, I also make a list of how I’m going to rearrange our small house to fit everyone in!
Decorate
As I mentioned before, I decorate the tree on the first weekend of December. Then I gradually decorate the house adding things like cushions, my Willow Nativity scene, wreaths and fairy lights.
Shopping
When my kids were little, I would start my shopping in August because that’s when Target had their ‘Great Toy Sale.’ I’m not even sure if they still do that anymore. Now that they’re all grown up, I get them a small gift (usually clothes) and then give them money.
I was never a fan of giving money as it seemed a bit impersonal but it’s what they prefer, it saves me a headache and they get to choose what they want. But I sure do miss the days when they would open up their toys. So to keep the nostalgia going. I like to go all out with stocking fillers and I fill them up with things they loved when they were kids.
My boys may be all grown up, but items like Lego mini-figures, lollies and treats they loved as kids as well as anything Star Wars-related are always a big hit with them. They laugh and think it’s funny, and it brings back such great memories for all of us!
Christmas Games
Minute to win it style games have become a big tradition for us! Everyone looks forward to these, and since I’m the one in charge of organising them, it’s one of my major holiday prep tasks. Every year, I think I won’t find new games as fun as the ones from previous years, but somehow I always do. Phew!
The year before last, Tortilla Slap was a huge hit, and last year it was Musical Candy Canes. Watching everyone get into the games is one of my favourite parts of our Christmas Eve celebrations because it’s always hilarious!
The Food
If I see some Christmas ingredients I know I’ll need for the big day, I add them to my online grocery order. Woolworths also has a fantastic rewards program where you earn money off your shop after reaching a certain number of points. I save my points for Christmas and then do one big shop full of festive goodies!
My whole family pitches in, and we all contribute to the feast. We work out who brings what close to the day. But it’s always a no-brainer as my aunty cooks the turkey because no one makes it quite like she does, with the best stuffing you could ever imagine. One of my cousins is a charcuterie board master, so he organises a spectacular one for us. I make the lime and macadamia glazed ham, and my other cousins bring delicious sides and sweets to enjoy! My mouth is watering just thinking about our Christmas menu!
Christmas Movies
Watching Christmas movies is definitely one of the big ways I love to prepare for the holiday season. Some years I feel more Christmassy than others, while other years, the holiday season can feel a bit overwhelming. A sure way to get into the festive spirit is by watching all the gloriously cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies. I love how the endings are always predictably happy.
That just about covers how I prepare for the holiday season once I get moving. Thanks so much for stopping by today—I hope you found some inspiration! If you’ve already started your holiday prep, happy prepping!
I am all about the lists too!! They help keep me sane, especially during the holidays. 🙂 I loved reading how you prep for the holidays, and Christmas music and movies are always a fun way to enjoy the season.
Make Life Marvelous
I save our grocery store points for Christmas too! We have usually racked up about $100 or so.
I have your ham recipe saved and will hopefully make it this season.
I think the games you discussed sounds like the best part of Christmas planning. I have fond memories of playing board games with my family.
Oh this has got me feeling all festive!
Watching Christmas movies is the best. I have to watch Home Alone every year lol!
And I swear by lists, I have one for everything. xx