How to nail your Christmas prep in December

Here’s the countdown for our remaining thrifty Christmas prep in December, whether you’re doing a traditional, homemade or minimalist one this year. If you haven’t done anything at all yet, don’t panic – there’s still time to get everything done. Just follow these simple steps.

Most importantly, set a budget, rather than bunging it all on a credit card. Manage people’s expectations if you need to. Tell them what your plans are as soon as you know, and don’t be scared to say if you’re cutting back or making other changes this year.

Make a list of what you need to do: buying tickets or booking events, working out the exact number of guests you’re catering for, buying gifts, cooking ahead, cleaning and tidying, wrapping presents, checking the car, working out how to keep guests entertained, etc. There are plenty of week-by-week suggestions in this article so you don’t forget anything important.

To be extra organised, try to get some of your to-do list out of the way sooner rather than later, to avoid a last minute rush. It’s not always possible, but it does help if you can.

Also, if you’re cooking at home, now’s a good time to finalise your menus if you haven’t already.

Week 1 to do list

This is the traditional week to decorate your home, if you haven’t done so already. Honestly though, do it how and whenever you feel like it. It’s not like the Tinsel Police are going to turn up and arrest anyone.

• If you’re ordering turkey or other meat from a butcher, or fish from a fishmonger, get your advance order in now if you haven’t already done this. Don’t over-buy, you probably only need enough for one main meal and a few leftovers.
• If you’re buying a whole frozen turkey at a supermarket, Which? Magazine recently reported that the best value for money in 2024 can be found at Iceland, closely followed by Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Asda.
• The best value turkey crowns and joints were at Morrisons, followed by Aldi, Waitrose, Lidl and Tesco.
• Turkey joints and crowns and festive party foods arrive in store at Aldi on the 6th of December.
• Last chance to make Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, quickly maturing mincemeat and chutney recipes.
• You can make brandy butter this week too, if you like it (keeps in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks or can be frozen).
• Stock up on drinks, mixers, tinned and dried foods, and other non-perishable goods.
• Buy frozen foods, also make dishes to freeze ahead (cakes, puddings, mince pies, breads, snacks and nibbles, soups, stews, vegetarian/vegan main courses etc).

Finish your gift shopping, unless you’re holding out for possible last minute reductions.

We’re running out of time to make most homemade gifts, but there’s still time for very quick knitting, infusing some vodka or brandy (strain after 2-3 days and leave to rest in a dark place), making flavoured oils or vinegars, or decorating some bought candles etc.

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Week 2 to do list

This is often a hectic time of year, but anything you can do this week will save lots of time and stress later.

• Finalise your grocery order if you’re getting any festive food delivered. This is assuming you managed to get a delivery spot, of course! If you still need a delivery slot, your best bet is Iceland Foods as they’re doing next-day delivery if you spend £40 and same-day delivery if you spend £80.
• If you haven’t made traditional Christmas cake, Christmas pudding etc, you’ll have to buy it now if you want some. You can still make homemade mincemeat or a simple fruit cake if you want to, just remember to use a recipe that doesn’t need to mature.
• Time to make your own cranberry sauce if you like home cooked – most recipes keep for 10 to 14 days in the fridge. You can make brandy butter this week too.
• There’s still time to cook things ahead to freeze, if you can find time.
• Good homemade food gifts to make now: chocolate truffles, fudge, toffee, nut brittle, marinated olives, chilli oil.

Do laundry and tidying etc in advance of guests arriving to stay, or just to keep on top of the general carnage. If you’re travelling, check luggage and get things ready to pack.

Expect a few price drops in the department stores and big high street shops towards the end of the week, if you still need to buy gifts.

Week 3 to do list

It’s the week before Christmas. Eeeeep! Remember to stick to your gift list and grocery list.

Don’t panic buy, it’s all going to be okay (you aren’t going to be snowed in for weeks at some Alpine hideaway – well, if you can afford that then heads up, you’re probably reading the wrong article).

• Tidy the fridge and freezer to make room for festive treats.
• Pick up any pre-ordered supermarket click & collect food and drink on your chosen day.
• Not pre-ordered? Bargain supermarkets Aldi and Lidl have their premium fresh turkeys, other main courses and fresh luxury desserts delivered in store on the 19th of December. Go early to avoid the usual ‘all in wrestling’ scenario that we all know and loathe.
• Pick up fresh meat or fish from a butcher or fishmonger if you’ve pre-ordered it, and try to get there early to avoid long queues.
• Buy any remaining fresh foods, such as vegetables.

Buy last chance gifts in the ‘pre-Boxing-Day’ sales if you need/want to. If you’re buying online use click & collect services so they don’t get lost in the post (I’ve had the most luck with John Lewis, free on orders over £30).

You can also get an experience gift (Virgin Experience Days, BuyAGift, Red Letter Days) or event tickets (Ticketmaster, Eventim, your local theatre, etc) that are delivered as an e-voucher.

There’s barely any time left for making homemade gifts, but you could rustle up some Christmas biscuits, spiced cookies, gingerbread, cheese straws or shortbread if you really want to make something fresh at the last minute.

Finish your last minute gift wrapping, and hide it far away from prying eyes or hungry pets.

CHRISTMAS EVE

• Remember to defrost the turkey if you’re having a frozen one.
• Prep any fresh vegetables on the 24th and store in the fridge.
• Prep homemade side dishes such as pigs in blankets and stuffing balls.
• Put frozen cakes or other desserts into the fridge to defrost overnight.
• Chill white wine, sparkling wines, beer or soft drinks.
• You can also prep bread sauce, custard, trifle, etc the day before if you want to.
• Write out a schedule for cooking times on Christmas Day, to make sure you get everything onto the table at the right time.

CHRISTMAS DAY & onwards

Happy Christmas! If you’re cooking a turkey, make sure it goes in the oven on time.

Relax, have a great time, and remember to use up all those leftovers.

Enjoying this post? You may also like:

• Christmas prep to do list for November
• The 7 hottest Christmas gift trends for 2024
• British seasonal food in December
• Best value supermarket prosecco, cava & other sparkling wine
• Best value supermarket champagne 2024

What sort of festive prep are you doing this month?

Do you have any extra Christmas prep tips for thrifty first timers?