Christmas carols | organised castle

I have started to get my Christmas list which was in my head, down on paper. It is not a list of what I want but a list of Christmas related activities and tasks. I need to check that nothing gets forgotten.

Over the last few years it has become an unwritten rule that nothing overtly Christmassy happens until after 3rd December. The significance of this is that it is Miss O’s birthday and I think that it is important to be able to focus on her special day and not let it become overwhelmed in the lead-up to Christmas. Our darling turned 5 yesterday so has the adventure of starting Prep and the whole new world of school next year.

But back to the list…………

Plan menu for Christmas lunch
Put up Christmas tree
Finish Christmas letter
Write Christmas cards and post
Finish hand-made gifts
Check gifts complete for immediate family
Take granddaughters to see Christmas lights
Check for carol service appropriate for granddaughters

I am sure there will be other things to add to the list but that is the main focus for us.

Christmas lunch will be for 4 adults and 4 children (aged 6, 5, 5 and 3). It will be gluten-free/ grain-free (in line with my eating plan). I will write more about this in another post.

The Christmas tree will go up on Saturday afternoon when Miss O and Izz are here.

I need to get serious about finishing the Christmas letter which is half-written. Many of our Christmas greeting are sent via email but I would like to get the cards in the mail by the middle of next week.

The gifts are an ongoing project which is coming along nicely. I think I have planned gifts for everyone – just need to check the box in the spare room again. Nothing is wrapped yet. In fact, I will not be wrapping gifts this year as I have made re-useable gift bags in assorted sizes from Christmas fabric. I won’t miss the piles of ripped wrapping paper all over the floor on Christmas morning.

We will be going the see the Christmas lights on Saturday evening when our granddaughters come to stay. Once I find the time and date of the carol service I will organise to go with Miss O and Izz.

Writing everything down helps to clarify exactly what I need to do and when. We have a fairly simple, low-key Christmas which is naturally focused on enjoying it with the children.

Over the next week or so I will post about each of the things on my list in more detail.

When do you start your Christmas preparations? How are you going? Please share your plans.

I did not post yesterday because I was spending the time with my precious family. Miss O and Izz were here so we pulled out the Christmas tree and decorated it. Here they are with the creation.

We went to look at the Christmas light displays last night and the wonder and delight on their faces was priceless.

I also took Miss O to the Carols at Twilight in Maleny. Due to a terrific thunderstorm about an hour beforehand the occasion was relocated in the hall rather than the park. Miss O could not believe her eyes and ears at the music and colour. She sat entranced during the entire event.

This morning I helped the girls make a gift for Belle. It is a string tin.

A coffee tin covered with pieces cut from a local magazine. The paper is glued on, a hole punched in the lid and a ball of string inside. I will finish the outside with some clear varnish to seal it and we have a practical gift that small hands can make (with a bit of help) at no cost apart from the ball of string.