How to Make the Build Up to Christmas Easy

Advent is officially the time to panic about Christmas because up until then people just keep on saying, “Well it isn’t even December yet!” If you have listened to them then you will realise that actually there isn’t a lot of time in those 24 days – when you factor in the Christmas Cards, Christmas School Productions (and the HOW MUCH notice for a costume), Christmas Panto, School Christmas Dinners (omg have I remembered to pay those on time!) and the Christmas Food shop – did I forget anything? Oh gosh yes present shopping and wrapping. And well done for those of you who manage Elves too!

I much rather get it planned and out the way early so that I can just enjoy the excitement of the build up to the big day with the children – but I am really not sure where time went this year! I was certainly interested in Michelle’s tips for a Stress Free Advent. One of her tips is to get the gift buying done early. I tend to start planning early but never find anything good – so it ends up with my husband helping me at the last minute. I find Gift guides help: Check out

• Teen boys Christmas gifts
• Men’s Christmas Gifts or Christmas Gifts for Men
• Teacher Christmas gifts as well as the Hot Chocolate Santas  and Santa Buckets Teacher Gifts we made previously.
• LEGO Gift Inspiration
• Gift Guide for Pokemon Fans

Of course getting children gifts is easy as you can encourage them to make a Wish list. This can be made by even young children by doing it visually – such as with the Christmas Wishlist Craft.

Christmas Crafts for Children

In fact Christmas Crafts are great for keeping children entertained in the run up to the big day and they can even make decorations such as these Salt Dough Christmas Decorations and edible treats too such as these Peppermint Snowmen 

• Christmas Printables 
• Religious Christmas Crafts or this Easy Nativity Craft
• Christmas crafts for older kids
• Magic Reindeer Dust or Reindeer Food

See my Christmas Crafts for Children Pinterest Board for more inspiration

I certainly think that Christmas isn’t about the presents that you receive on the big day, but the fun and excitement spent together in the build-up. What makes Christmas for you? Do you have any special crafts that you like to do together? Or any fond childhood memories? I remember we ALWAYS used to make snowflakes out of paper at school and watch Christmas films. And most importantly – do you have any more tips to make it as stress-free as possible?