Whilst distant seasonal events may currently feel like another day’s concern, starting to prepare early for these important occasions is your best shot at everything going smoothly, ensuring everyone has a fabulous time, and saving heaps of time and stress!
If you’re spinning one too many plates and want to make sure your upcoming seasonal events unfold flawlessly, read on for our top tips and tricks for planning early for all of your favourite seasonal events and special occasions.
Christmas
Christmas Tree
It’s no surprise that companies hike up the price of their Christmas products around the festive season. That’s why the summer and autumn months are the perfect time to get ahead of this year’s Christmas styling and setup.
Often, companies will have sales on their Christmas items around this time of year in order to keep sales going. This means that, if you’re savvy enough, you could snag some absolute bargains in a Christmas tree sale or on other Christmas decorations if you’re looking nice and early on!
Christmas trees are designed to last years and years and, in the interests of sustainability, should not be replaced unnecessarily. However, if your tree is growing old and no longer has the same Christmas spirit it once possessed, now could be a great time to purchase a new one, perhaps along with some new twinkly lights and shiny baubles.
Christmas Dinner
Planning Christmas dinner well in advance takes the stress out of the big day and ensures your festive feast goes smoothly. Start by choosing your menu; deciding now means you’ll have plenty of time to source the best ingredients.
One of the most popular choices for the Christmas table is the bronze turkey, known for its traditional flavour and succulent texture. These slow-reared birds are in high demand and often sell out early, so it’s wise to place your order in the autumn. On top of this, be sure to consider your side dishes, puddings, and drinks.
Consider preparing in stages. Stock up on non-perishables and start making anything that freezes well ahead of time, such as gravy, Yorkshire puddings, or festive desserts. Also, if you’re catering for vegetarians or guests with food requirements or intolerances, now is the time to find recipes that suit everyone. With a well-considered plan, Christmas dinner becomes a joyful occasion, rather than a last-minute scramble.
Family Activities
If Christmas is about anything, it’s about making time for the festive family experiences that matter most. December can get hectic, so planning activities in advance ensures you and your family can truly enjoy the season, rather than rushing through it.
Start by listing your favourite family traditions, such as decorating the Christmas tree, watching Christmas films, or baking festive treats. If you enjoy seasonal outings, now is the time to look into local events like Christmas light trails, markets, or pantomimes, as tickets for popular ones often sell out early. You could also schedule in time for crafting homemade decorations, advent calendars, or personalised cards, spreading the festive spirit throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Christmas is also a lovely time to focus on giving back. Volunteering at Christmas or supporting local charities as a family can be an incredibly rewarding way to share the season’s joy with others.
New Year’s
Confirm Your Celebratory Plans
Whether you’re planning a showstopping house party with all of your friends or a cosy night in with your nearest and dearest, deciding your New Year’s plans early allows you to organise something memorable without any added stress.
If hosting a big bash is your speed, consider your full guest list and any plus ones, send out invitations early, and plan your food, drink, and entertainment well in advance. On the other hand, for peaceful nights in with a smaller crowd, think about the perfect cosy snacks and drinks to see the new year in with and prepare a lineup of feel-good films.
If you’re booking a restaurant or event, be aware that popular spots fill up quickly, often before December even arrives. Booking early not only secures your spot but can also help you to take advantage of early bird prices or discounts.
Travel & Accommodation
If you’re planning to travel or visit friends or family for New Year’s, booking transport and accommodation early is essential. Prices for flights, trains, and hotels can skyrocket closer to the date, and availability often becomes limited. Whether it’s a mini getaway or a big trip abroad, sorting your travel now will save money and make everything much easier as the year draws to a close.
Even if you’re staying local, consider how you’ll get home after midnight, especially if taxis are involved. Making travel arrangements in advance can prevent any unnecessary stress at the end of the night.
Intentions & Traditions
The New Year is the perfect time for reflection and fresh starts, making now the perfect time to start to consider your goals and resolutions for the new year. Planning early gives you a better chance of choosing meaningful, realistic intentions rather than rushed resolutions made on a whim, which will also increase your chances of sticking to and achieving your goals in the following year.
You could plan a new tradition with family or friends, such as a New Year’s Day brunch, nature walks, journaling your hopes for the year ahead, or something else. Starting your new year on a mindful, intentional note perfectly sets the tone for a great new year.
