Ultimate Christmas Planning – for a Stress Free Holiday

Last Updated on March 17, 2020

Christmas planning is the only way I survive Christmas every year. By the beginning of November, I pretty much have it all organised. Even if it is just all in my head, I know what is happening.

This year I have created an ultimate Christmas planning post with over 100 Christmas blog posts to ensure you have the best stress-free Christmas holiday. There are also free Christmas planning printables so you too can get organised.

Disclosure – this post may contain affiliate links

The Best Christmas Cake Ideas

We start making our Christmas cake in October so it has plenty of time to soak in lots of alcohol. But as long as you leave at least 4 weeks before the big day it will be delicious and moist.

• Mary Berry Christmas Cake
• Lighter Christmas Cake Recipe by Kate at Kate on Thin Ice
• 6 Delicious Christmas Cakes for Health Conscious People by Chantelle at All Things Christmas
• Gluten-Free Christmas Cake by Kate at Kate on Thin Ice

Elf on the Shelf

The elf on the shelf has been visiting us for the last 6 years now, and we all look forward to his visits. If you are looking for some inspiration or just want to learn more about the Christmas elf check out these blog posts.

• What is the Elf on the Shelf?
• North Pole Breakfast Ideas including healthy and savoury food
• Elf on the Shelf Ideas for kids that are super easy

• The best elf on the shelf accessories available in the UK
• Ultimate Guide to Elf on the Shelf
• 12 Reasons Why Your Elf on the Shelf Forgot to Move Last Night from Cass at The Diary of a Frugal Family
• My least favorite Christmas Tradition – the Elf on the Shelf from Dachelle at Hide the Chocolate

Christmas Planning

• The best Christmas Websites for Kids from Sadie at The Mad Mommy
• 4 ways to make your house more child friendly this festive season from Sarah at a Few Favourite Things
• Preparing for Christmas from Joanne at Joanne Dewberry
• Free Christmas planner free printable from Cass at the Diary of a Frugal Family

• How to Transition to a Minimalist Christmas with Kids from June at This Simple Balance
• 30+ Useful Stocking Stuffers for Everyone on your list from June at This Simple Balance
• How to Have the Perfect Christmas with Visiting Family from Dachelle at Hide the Chocolate
• 3 ways to be intentional throughout the holidays from Jessica at Intentional in Life
• Ten more things that say Christmas to me from Lisa at Lisa’s Notebook

Christmas On A Budget

Is money a bit tight this year? Would you rather spend your money on experiences and holidays? If so check out these top posts all about how to have Christmas on a budget.

• Christmas Savings – top tips on how to save for the holiday
• How to make money for Christmas – 6 top tips
• How to do Christmas Cheap from Emma at Tuppenys Fireplace
• Fifty ways to have a frugal but fun Christmas from Cass at the Diary of a Frugal Family
• No money for Christmas from Divine at Ladies Make Money
• How to survive the holiday season without breaking the bank from Sam & John at How to Fire
• How to save for Christmas from Emma at Tuppenys Fireplace
• When There’s No Money for Christmas from Tiffany at Homeschool Hide Out
• How to buy Christmas presents on a budget.

Xmas Tree and Lights

• Real or Artificial Christmas Tree, Pros & Cons from Chantelle at All Things Christmas
• Christmas Trees for Small Spaces (like an RV or the schoolroom) from Charlene at Hess Un-Academy
• Outdoor House Christmas Lights Display from Chantelle at All Things Christmas
• Best Tips for Decorating Your Christmas Tree from Chris at Celebrations at Home

Christmas Party Ideas & Christmas Baking

Christmas Baking

• Reindeer Donut Pops from Sadie at the Mad Mommy
• Easy No-Cook Party Snacks from Chantelle at All Things Christmas
• Christmas Shake from Sadie at the Mad Mommy
• Christmas Cookies – Host a Christmas Cookie Day from Susan at the Sparrow’s Home
• Grinch Inspired Cinnamon Rolls from Sadie at the Mad Mommy
• Bring on the Mince Pies – Oggs Vegan Mince Pies from Karen at The madhouse of cats & babies
• Christmas Crullers Recipe from Karalee at Tales of Belle
• Chocolate and Nut Cake Recipe from Melanie at Two Plus Dogs
  

Christmas Music & Movies

• Unconventional Christmas Songs from Susan at The Sparrow’s Home
• Unique Christmas Music from Amy at Humility and Doxology
• The Best Christmas Movies from Jo at Tea and Cake for the Soul
• 30+ Holiday Movies -Start a new Tradition from Tracy at Hall of Fame Moms

Christmas Clothes

• Match with mummy Christmas Dresses
• Christmas pyjamas
• Dresses for a Christmas party perfect as a Christmas jumper alternative

Advent Calendar Ideas

• Over 40 of the best advent calendars for the whole family in the UK

• The best beauty advent calendars in Australia 2019 from Ingrid at Fabulous and Fun Life
• Simple advent ideas for families from Amy at Humility and Doxology
• DIY Advent Calendar, Christmas Crafting from Merith at Merith’s Miscellany
• Celebrate Christmas by making your own advent calendar from Emily at Table Life Blog
• 7 Fun Ways to celebrate advent with your family from Bonnie at Koala Mom
• 10 Advent Ideas for families to enjoy together from Emily at Table Life Blog
• Beautiful Advent Wreath Ideas for every Catholic Family

Christmas List Ideas

Knowing what to buy people for Christmas is SO HARD. I love gifting, however, I find it quite stressful having to find something thoughtful for every single person I buy for. Well, this year I have taken the stress out of it. I have scoured the internet and have come across these great Christmas list ideas for everyone on your shopping list.

Christmas Gifts for Kids

• Over 30 of the best Christmas gifts for 10 year old boys
• The Best Experience Gifts For Kids and the Whole Family
• 30 of the best Christmas gifts for 9 year old boys
• The Best Educational Board Games for the whole family
• Over 100 of the best books for kids between 8 and 12 years old
• The best educational subscription boxes for kids
• 10 Christmas Gift Ideas that encourage a love for God – a Kids Edition from Alexis at Most Important Work
• 10 Timeless Christmas Gifts for Kids Under 8 years old from June at This Simple Balance
• Gift Ideas for Colouring Book Fans from Bonnie at Koala Mom
• Christmas Gifts for Young Artists -for PreK – Middle School from Betsy at BJ’s Homeschool
• 10 of the best Stem gifts to inspire your teens from Dacehelle at Hide the Chocolate
• Christmas Gifts for Young Scientists – PreK – Middle School from Betsy at BJ’s Homeschool

Adult Christmas Gifts

• What to buy the man who has everything?
• Christmas Gift Ideas for Mum
• The best subscription boxes for adults in the UK
• Prestige Christmas Food Hamper a perfect gift for your mom.
• The best teacher gifts for under £10
• Why Christmas Gift Experiences are the best presents from Victoria at Freetime with the kids.
• Kris Kringle Beauty Gift Ideas from Ingrid at Fabulous and Fun Life
• Best and Worst Teacher Christmas Gifts from Janine at Families Magazine
• Christmas Random Acts of Kindness from Amy at IHomeschool Network
• 60 + Gift Ideas for Minimalist (Clutter-Free) from June at This Simple Balance
• Top gift ideas for Moms who Hide the Chocolate from Dachelle at Hide the Chocolate
• 7 Essential Gifts for family travellers this Christmas from Shannan at Captivating Compass

Christmas Activities For Families

I absolutely love Christmas and Christmas activities are the reason. We spend a lot of time together as a family every day, but at Christmas, it is even more special. Every day in December we do some Christmas activity, whether it be baking or making the next Christmas decoration. Check out some great ideas for you to do this year.

• Christmas Countdown Activites for Kids from Charlene at Hess Un-Academy
• 30 + Christmas Art Projects to enjoy with your children from Alison at Learning Mama
• How to Create a DIY Christmas Grotto from Sarah at Boo Roo and Tigger Too
• Christmas Craft Ideas for Kids from Bonnie at Koala Mom
• 12 Sweet Santa Crafts for the Kids from Sarah at Boo Roo and Tigger Too
• How to Make an Awesome Christmas Busy Box for Kids from Melissa at Rolling Prairie Readers
• Pretty and Practical DIY Christmas Card Tree from Sara at Heart and Soul Homeschooling
• Jingle Bell Sensory Bin + Activity Ideas from Melissa at Rolling Prairie Readers
• How to Plan a Salt Dough Ornament Exchange Christmas Party from Lauren at The Simple Homeschooler

Christmas Homeschooling

To be honest, we tend to have a lot of “free” time in December so we can spend as much time creating and baking for the festive season. We don’t have any time off in the summer holidays (apart from planned breaks away) so we have earned it! Check out some great ideas for homeschooling over the festive season.

• Celebrating Christmas with music in your homeschool from Alison at Learning Mama
• Mathable Junior a great educational game for Christmas from Kate at Kate on Thin Ice
• 25 Favourite Christmas Books for Kids from Bronwyn at Hustle and Homeschool
• The Ultimate Homeschoolers Christmas Countdown from Shelley at IHomeschool Network
• 35 Christmas Books for Kids from Sara at Heart and Soul Homeschooling
• Christmas Break Tasks for the Homeschool Mom from Ann at IHomeschool Network
• 100 Christmas Around the World Resources for your homeschool from Emily at Table Life Blog
• 8 Classic Christmas Read Alouds from Sara at Heart and Soul Homeschooling
• (Chinese and English) Pre-K /K Theme Packs and other Christmas resources from Po at Fortune Cookie Mom
• Our Christmas Homeschool Morning Basket from Sara at Heart and Soul Homeschooling
• Christmas in Mexico from Ticia at Adventures in Mommydom
• Christmas in Sweden from Ticia at Adventures in Mommydom
• How to Host a Christmas Poetry Teatime with a Keen Observation Writing Activity from Dachelle at Hide the Chocolate
• Quick and Easy Christmas Around the World Flag Ornaments from Emily at Table Life Blog

Christmas Printable Activities

• Christmas Treasure Hunt Clues inspired by your favourite Christmas songs.
• Nutcracker Themed Christmas Planner printable by Ashley at Planner Love and Printables
• Free Christmas Tree Scavenger Hunt for Easy Holiday Fun from Amy at Rock Your Homeschool
• Christmas Countdown printable by Brownyn at Hustle and Homeschool
• Free Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt for Holiday Family Fun from Amy at Rock Your Homeschool
• Free personalised Christmas family traditions poster maker by Cass at The Diary of a Frugal Family
• Advent Activity Card printables by Alison at Learning Mama
• Free Christmas Bingo for Easy Holiday Fun Kids Will Love from Amy at Rock Your Homeschool

Christmas Craft Ideas

• How to create Baubles for your handmade Christmas from Sarah at A Few Favourite Things
• Make your own Christmas Crackers from Claire at Red Kite Days
• 12 Grinch Crafts for Christmas from Sarah at Boo Roo and Tigger Too
• Candy Kane Koala Craft from Claire at Red Kite Days
• 5 Days of Mixed Media Christmas Art for Kids from Emily at Table Life Blog
• Chinese Christmas Crafts and Activity Packs from Po at Fortune Cookie Mom
• Make memories creating easy DIY ornaments with the kids from Tracy at Hall of Fame Moms
• Wintergreen Homemade Playdough from Sara at Heart and Soul Homeschooling
• Pinterest Christmas nature crafts from Lisa at Lisa’s Notebook
• Easy Felt Ornaments for Kids to Make from Tiffany at Homeschool Hideout

Christmas Bible Study & Christianity at Christmas

• How to be present with Jesus this Christmas from Alexis at Most Important Work
• Join the shepherd on the search for baby Jesus this Christmas from Bonnie at Koala Mom
• Creeped out by Elf on the Shelf? Try the Wandering Wisemen from Ticia at Adventures in Mommydom
• A Christ-Centered Christmas with Little Lamb from Bethlehem from Destiny at Some Call it Destiny
• Pushing Pause in the Midst of the Christmas Chaos from Alexis at Most Important Work
• Christmas Story Minute to Win it Game from Ticia at Adventures in Mommydom

Christmas Days Out

• Lapland with Kids from Diana at The Elusive Family
• Christmas at Paultons Park, UK from Merith at Merith’s Miscellany
• The 13 most magical things to do at Christmas in London with kids from Jacs at Flashpacking Family
• Make Your Own Wreath with National Trust from Lucinda at Bakes Books and my Boys
• The Best Christmas Markets in Europe from Jacs at Flashpacking Family

Christmas Eve Boxes

• Make your own Christmas Eve Box

• Christmas Eve Box / Basket For Kids from Fiona at Dolly Dowsie
• An Educational Christmas Eve Box from Bronwyn at Hustle and Homeschool
• Make Christmas Eve special with a personalised Christmas Eve box from Karen at The Mad House of Cats & Babies

Christmas Lunch

Pretty much everything we make for Christmas lunch is from the Mary Berry Christmas Collection. I can’t recommend it enough. It has breakfast, lunch, drinks, dinner ideas that the whole family will love.

• Best Roasted Christmas Ham Recipes from Chantelle at All Things Christmas
• Nan’s Mixed Herb & Onion Stuffing Recipe from Jo at Tea and Cake for the Soul
• 40 Side Dishes to Make Holiday Menu Planning Easy from Tracy at Hall of Fame Moms
• Christmas Dinner Party Menu and Tablescape from Chris at Celebrations at Home

Leftover Turkey Recipes

Over 80 Recipes to use up your Christmas leftovers from Charlotte at Charlotte Musha

Hopefully, this ultimate Christmas planning post has helped you get more organised this year. Do you have any tips? If so please leave me a comment below I would love to hear what you do to get Christmas organised!