I've started a list, well, more than one really.

If you write it down, it's like it's done.

Which is good for reducing stress, but only if you remember to consult the list now and again to see what still needs doing

Marthjolly1

Good grief. I can't believe what I'm reading here. I do like Christmas but it is only for one day, or maybe 2 at the most. Nothing gets done before 10th December. As its always a repeat of the last 50 years, it's rehearsed well enough to need little effort. And always very enjoyable 🎄

Yes, I was wondering whether to panic or not.
Perhaps I'll buy a new notebook for lists.

There are other events happening before Christmas that need attention.

As long as I buy the Baileys and some mince pies I’m one happy bunny.

Good grief. I can't believe what I'm reading here. I do like Christmas but it is only for one day, or maybe 2 at the most. Nothing gets done before 10th December. As its always a repeat of the last 50 years, it's rehearsed well enough to need little effort. And always very enjoyable 🎄

No Christmas list here but they are so useful for other situations.

My list will be short.
Bank transfers to adult DC who don't want "stuff".
Card to elderly neighbour.
Pack to go to the coast for a week.

That’s sad Floradora but others aren’t to know are they?
This thread isn’t discussing Christmas plans and parties, just about lists of what to do or buy.

I haven’t made a list yet but must get on and start one next week if poss.
Am not all that great in the kitchen so don’t cook or bake things but you can buy good stuff in supermarkets.
We don’t have Christmas cake usually or Ch pud but love a mince pie.Not that many to buy pressies for either thankfully
Am cutting down on cards this year cos of postage and think many will do the same.
DD’s and DGC are easy to buy for, but men are just about impossible so what DP will get on Ch morning may just be a kiss.💋

I’m looking out for single ornament type things, perhaps wooden rather than a set. I gave the DDs too much. Enjoy their WhatsApp banter about where they put things and who has the reindeer with a broken leg that used to go on the hall window sill. But I want to have my own again.

I'm impressed by all these lists. I know our daughters do some list-like things in a type of phone diary ?? - no lost papers.

MrA nagged me into putting lists on my phone as I was always forgetting what I meant to buy when I was out. Sadly to this day I've never remembered I have a list on my phone. It's probably quite a long list now of all the things I've bought...

Norah the family, all 6 send us wish lists for presents, from those we decide what to buy, which becomes my list, I just shop for MrJ. Everyone has wrapped presents, not money and rarely vouchers.
Our weekly shopping delivery is on the 23rd December, I add and subtract items from that as the weeks go on. Christmas cards to post, or be hand delivered and any wrapping bits that need replenishing is another list.

Christmas books for the grandsons were bought today. I had picked most of the individual Christmas cards and had them in my hand when the fire alarm went off. We were told to vacate the shopping centre. I hung about for a while until two fire engines appeared and decided to leave. No patience, I know. So another trip is needed tomorrow morning.

Two hours!! I thought they were meant to take the work out of it .

I know what you mean about leftovers. The groaning fridge and the knowledge that from Boxing Day onwards it is 'help yourself, everyone' is such a good feeling after all the rushing around in the lead-up time.

I took delivery of a new pre-lit tree on Monday.
Supposed to be easy set up.
On reading the instructions online, tree is still in its box, I was horrified to read, get friends to help as it takes up to two hours to set up a new tree.
So one list is to organise a Sunday when I can get family to help.
I have lots of toiletries, picked up here and there to go into the “ to open box” as all my family have money as a main gift.
We go out for Christmas lunch, not my choice and hideously expensive so meals for after Christmas have to be planned as we have no leftovers.
Although my H is no longer here I still anticipate and enjoy.

M0nica our eldest AS is in the armed forces, wherever he and the family are stationed they have Christmas the family way

Decorations have travelled the world, with new ones added from different countries/continents.

Doodledog Re decorations - I have some that the children made when they were little (one with a photo of my daughter and Mr Dog which is stuck to a cardboard Christmas tree), and others that have been around for years. I suggested getting a new set of more co-ordinated ones a while ago, and it did not go down well grin. They have their own houses and trees, but mine has to remain a record of their childhoods. (I don't mind at all, of course, but their reaction was hilarious).

I'm most amused at all 4 daughters spouses, who say when they see the 60 year old cardboard and photo items, "now who is this? And your mum actually saved it from the bin for 60 years?"

No lists. But, nice for those of you who don't lose lists!
That's the beauty of spreadsheets, and refillable notebooks .

I also plan and add, winterwhite. I book a slot on the first day they open and revise the list a million times as I juggle the menus.

Re decorations - I have some that the children made when they were little (one with a photo of my daughter and Mr Dog which is stuck to a cardboard Christmas tree), and others that have been around for years. I suggested getting a new set of more co-ordinated ones a while ago, and it did not go down well . They have their own houses and trees, but mine has to remain a record of their childhoods. (I don't mind at all, of course, but their reaction was hilarious).

Doodledog Lists of things to make lists of - that sort of thing

I've 'in my head list' of when to change the bed linens for all beds and dishes for all meals - must be beyond 11/11 for such vast changes!

I'm impressed by all these lists. I know our daughters do some list-like things in a type of phone diary ?? - no lost papers.

nandad

As to my own planning, I’ve written a list of the lists I need to write.

Loving this

Only just discovered this joyful thread. I have to get moving early because it’s my birthday at the end of the month
and our 3 DDs come for lunch On Their Own - treat in itself - but bear away wrapped presents for their families, 15 people in all.
My lists are in my head but I do keep track of the budget on a spreadsheet.
Re food DH and I will be alone as usual by choice. I book a Waitrose slot in Sept and plan and add. This year a small turkey and advance planning for several leftover meals. This is where I ought to be more list-ful.
I’d like an extra decoration or two - gave away too much to the DDs when we gave up the big indoor tree but can’t make lists for that.

M0nica

Norah: 'make mincemeat.' I do this myself because 2 members of my family have nut and other allergies and making it myself is easier than searching the shelves trying to find mincemeat without any allergens.

Like GrannyGravy, I love Christmas. As an army brat I led a very peripatetic life, rarely had 2 Christmases in the same place, often in different countries, however, no matter what, we always celebrated Christmas day in exactly the same way, did the same things, ate the same food, had the same Christmas decorations. Fixed unchanging rituals in a constantly changing world

We always celebrated Christmas in almost the exact same manner every year. There were so many of us that there were inevitable variances, but overall we still have the same rituals, foods, etc as when I was small. Mum made mincemeat, I make mincemeat - different recipe now (no suet) as vegans.

No lists. But, nice for those of you who don't lose lists!

That's lovely, M0nica. I can see how that must have been a comfort.

Norah: 'make mincemeat.' I do this myself because 2 members of my family have nut and other allergies and making it myself is easier than searching the shelves trying to find mincemeat without any allergens.

Like GrannyGravy, I love Christmas. As an army brat I led a very peripatetic life, rarely had 2 Christmases in the same place, often in different countries, however, no matter what, we always celebrated Christmas day in exactly the same way, did the same things, ate the same food, had the same Christmas decorations. Fixed unchanging rituals in a constantly changing world

I’ve been asked for the hardest list I write each Christmas, by my AS who wants to get organised. My wish list. So far I’ve come up with yoga socks. He thinks I’m being lavish as he bought me two pairs about 6 years ago!

As to my own planning, I’ve written a list of the lists I need to write.

I've got one list of cards which are posted abroad and the dates they must be posted by. Another list of cards to post in the UK, another list of local cards I can deliver. And the same for gifts. I write down everyone's name and then ideas for gifts and tick them off when I've bought them.
Must admit the food list is not really started yet.
I quite like Christmas shopping. Although I'm not keen on Christmas itself.

Well I've got a very short list of cards that actually need posting (just as well, looking at the price of stamps) I buy cards in the January sales. I've got two birthdays to go before Christmas and two right after (including one on Boxing Day) so I just collect up anything I see that looks as if it will be a suitable present for someone. Hopefully it will all even out by the time they have to be handed over. Christmas dinner has been streamlined since DH died - just concentrating on what will be easy and what people are going to like. Small turkey joint instead a massive whole turkey for instance.

Norah

Out of interest - what is on Christmas 'lists' on November 7th. Just curious, do continue listing whilst I dawdle gardening.

Ideas, mainly. Ingredients to add to my food order when I think of a starter or remember that someone prefers one thing over another. Present ideas - I still do stockings for my children and partners as well as their presents. Chores that need to be done, eg create space in wardrobes and drawers for guests. Lists of things to make lists of - that sort of thing