How to Survive Christmas as a Busy Mother

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: If responsible for hosting Christmas Day for a large group of people and anyone offers to help: TAKE IT!

   Have a list of jobs ready to delegate to each person or if you are having more than the immediate family over for dinner, allocate each family part of the meal to bring.
   
   Give them plenty of notice so they can plan what they are going to bring.
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   Step 2: Plan your day and prepare as much in advance as possible.

   Buy non-perishable food, decorations etc early, so there is no last minute rush.
   
   Have a cold buffet rather than a hot lunch if this will work better for you and lessen your workload. , Use them to save having to beat the sink half of Christmas day.
   
   Aluminum foil trays are also great for baking roasts. , That way any defects will be picked up before it is too late. , all the children get puzzles or sporting equipment and all the adults get a book or music gift.
   
   This cuts down the number of shops you need to visit to get presents.,, This helps spread the cost.
   
   Take advantage of the toy sales that occur in the middle of the year, but where you don’t pick up the gift until Christmas Eve. , Also have spares on hand for any toys your children may be given. , Remember to label them too, so that you aren’t doing it all Christmas Eve.
   
   Keep a record of what you have wrapped and bought, and where you have hidden it.
   
   Keep Christmas present receipts in a separate container so they are easy to access if you need to return something. , Maybe do Boxing Day with one half of the family and feast on leftovers.
   
   Or make a tradition of having a Christmas in July with certain close friends. ,,
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   Step 3: There is a vast variety of festive paper plates

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   Step 4: cups and the like.

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   Step 5: When buying a present that requires assembly make sure you check all the components prior to putting it together

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   Step 6: if leaving the assembly to Christmas Eve.

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   Step 7: Choose a theme for presents e.g.

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   Step 8: When giving a gift that has many little pieces

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   Step 9: such as Lego or puzzles

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    Step 10: to give a container that they can be stored in as well.

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    Step 11: Buy presents throughout the year to save the end of year rush or lay by big items.

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    Step 12: Remember to buy batteries for any toy which requires batteries and also give some spares.

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    Step 13: Wrap presents as you buy them.

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    Step 14: Spread the Christmas gatherings and visits out

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    Step 15: to reduce the rush to see everyone on Christmas day.

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    Step 16: If you have a large family rather than buying everyone a present try drawing names out of hat so each person gets one big present (set a price for each present) rather than lots of smaller ones.

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    Step 17: Do something for someone who won't be having a special Christmas - place a gift under a wishing tree

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    Step 18: have an elderly neighbour over for dinner giving to others is always a good thing.

Detailed Guide

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