The kids may have only just gone back to school, but 16th September officially marks 100 days till Christmas. This may seem like a lot, but the last few months of the year always seem to fly by, and once December hits, it can feel like a military operation juggling Christmas plays, parties, family visits, and trying to stay on top of the usual chores and commitments.
Here at CreditKnowledge, we've put together our ultimate Christmas checklist to get prepared for the big day, saving you time, money, and a last-minute panic on Christmas Eve!
Decorations
It's easy to go on social media at this time of year and see people buying brand-new decorations, and even going as far as to hire a professional tree decorator. As much as it's nice to make our homes magical at this time of year, it definitely doesn't need to be a huge expense! Decorations can be used year after year and become special memories themselves.
Choose the right tree:
When it comes to choosing a tree, make sure that it fits your space and lifestyle. Pick where it will be going and measure the space before buying - remember to accommodate a stand and a topper!
Both real and artificial trees have their pros and cons, but remember if you're buying a real tree, it will need to be kept away from radiators and watered regularly to help stop it from dropping its needles, and you will need to responsibly dispose of it when Christmas is finished too. You can use an artificial tree year after year, but don't forget you'll need to find somewhere to store it for 11 months in between! Some artificial trees are easier to set up than others, so make sure you consider this too!
Don't forget the outdoors:
When it comes to decorating outdoors, it can be tempting to go all out. Before you start covering your house in lights, check that they're suitable for outdoor use and think about how you'll safely put them up and take them down. Solar-powered lights can also be a simple option for adding some festive sparkle without having to worry about plugging them in, keeping costs down.
Store it for next year:
You'll thank yourself next year if you store everything in labelled, organised storage boxes. Keeping baubles, lights and other decorations together will make decorating much easier when Christmas comes around again!
Food
One of the best bits about Christmas is the food, and it's always wise to plan a full list of everything you might need well in advance. Closer to the big day, shops are busy, essentials sell out, and you may find yourself limited for time to get everything in with festive store opening hours.
Plan your Christmas shop:
Depending on how excited you are for a Christmas dinner, this may influence how soon you make your list, but we'd recommend doing this by the start of December. Even if you're not hosting on Christmas Day, make sure to include the days around Christmas in your meal plan, as well as snacks and drinks to have in.
Make your money go further:
Christmas food can quickly become one of the biggest expenses, so don't be afraid to shop around for the best deals. Supermarket loyalty schemes, rewards apps and seasonal offers can all help you save a little on your festive shop.
For more ways to save on your Christmas food shop, check out our Get Ahead for Christmas 2026 guide
Make room for Christmas:
One thing that's very easy to forget is making room for the extra food, especially in the freezer! Before your big shop, have a clear-out of anything you no longer need to make space for Christmas essentials. Rather than simply throwing food away to make room, try using up what you already have by making meals from your freezer stock. It could even save you a little money on your current food shops!
Plan for leftovers:
We all know we tend to overbuy on the Christmas food shop regardless, so it's no doubt that we'll have plenty of leftovers taking up space in the fridge. Try to plan for these leftovers and use them up in the days in between the big day, rather than letting them go to waste.
Don't forget the extras:
Having some food storage containers ready can make this much easier, and you can turn leftovers into simple meals such as turkey sandwiches, bubble and squeak or a festive toastie. If you know you won't get through everything in time, freezing suitable leftovers can also help them last longer, while saving you money and reducing food waste
Gifts
Finding the perfect gift for everyone can be one of the trickiest parts of Christmas, and one of the most expensive! A little planning can go a long way, helping you find thoughtful gifts without blowing your budget.
Plan your budget:
Plan your gifts and budget in advance, and try to stick to this - if some of the items you planned to buy are reduced between now and Christmas, you can put the money towards another gift or save it for later!
Make a list of everyone you need to buy for, including any Secret Santa gifts and pets, so nobody gets forgotten,
Don't forget the wrapping:
Check you've got enough wrapping paper, gift bags and tags - there's nothing worse than running out halfway through wrapping. You could even repurpose those old gift bags you've kept from gifts you've received.
Make sure you check for sellotape too! There's nothing worse than running out, but it's also frustrating to find multiple half-used rolls throughout the year!n Keeping this in one designated place can really help!
Beat the Christmas crowds:
Shop early! This gives you more time to get the gifts you need, meaning you're more likely to stick to your budget and won't get caught out by any delivery delays. Events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday are a great opportunity to save money, and many stores also do 'gift of the week' savings and promotions. Look out for deals and offers throughout the year, or consider putting together a few smaller items to make a personalised gift. You could even make something yourself if you're feeling creative!
Gifts don't have to cost a fortune:
Sometimes a small gift that shows you've paid attention to what someone likes can mean much more than an expensive present. Think about their hobbies and interests, or put together a few inexpensive things you know they'll enjoy.
Christmas doesn't have to be about how much you spend – it's the thought behind the gift that counts!.
Finally, we've put together our timeline for the Festive Season - having an oversight of everyhting that needs sorting helps us feel more organised as our calendars full up!
In the run-up to December, plan lists of food, gifts, and gift wrap, and schedule as much as you can, including your arrangements for the big day. It's also a good idea to plan when you'll be putting up your decorations, especially if you need to purchase a tree.
Throughout December - wrap gifts when you have a spare half hour, and start picking up non-perishable food items
2-3 days before Christmas - purchase your fresh food, including meat, vegetables, fruit and dairy. Check the use-by dates and make sure you have enough fridge space to store everything safely. This is a good time to double-check you've got everything else sorted, including gifts!
Christmas Eve - prep any food for tomorrow that will be safe to do so and get your kitchen essentials assembled, set the table, chill the drinks, and leave out the milk and carrot for Father Christmas - you're ready to enjoy a magical evening safe in the knowledge that you've got most of the hard work out of the way!
Most importantly, don't forget to take some time to relax and enjoy the festive season– you've earned it!
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This blog is for general information only and is not advice or a recommendation. Please do your own research before making any decisions.
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