7 Tips to Get Organised for Christmas (And Actually Enjoy December)
> Discover our 7 tips for a less chaotic december.
Christmas is sold to us as “the most wonderful time of the year”, but for many people it’s also one of the most overwhelming.
Money worries, family dynamics, grief, loneliness, extra social plans, the pressure to “make it magical” it’s a lot for one month.
This isn’t a productivity challenge or a “do more” checklist. Think of it as seven gentle ideas that can make December feel a little more organised, softer on your nervous system, and more like your version of Christmas.
Pick what resonates, leave the rest.
1. Do a December brain dump (get it all out of your head)
At some point in November (maybe when the tree goes up for some of you ;)) Grab a notebook (or your notes app) and write down everything that’s swirling around your head about Christmas:
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People you want or need to buy for
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Events, school things, work do's
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Food you want to make or buy
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Travel plans and family logistics
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House bits (guest bedding, cleaning, decorations etc.)
Once it’s on paper, you can:
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Circle what’s truly essential
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Cross out anything that’s pure pressure or perfectionism - anything that you may not have time for.
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Turn the rest into smaller, kinder lists
Your mind doesn’t have to hold it all alone anymore, and even that can bring the stress level down a notch.
2. Keep a present box - and slowly start feeding it early.
Instead of trying to buy everything in one exhausting, expensive rush, create a present box (or drawer) and quietly add to it over time.
Think of it as your little stash of:
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Beautiful soy candles (I often pop in a Christmas Spice or Mistletoe from my own collection).
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Skincare minis or sheet masks.
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Pretty notebooks, pens or bookmarks.
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Cosy socks or scarves you find while out and about.
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Jewellery, hair clips, simple accessories.
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Nice teas, hot chocolate sachets, festive treats.
Two things make this really work:
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Start early (even if “early” is just now).
You don’t have to be that person shopping in August, but picking up one or two little things in late october, November or early December spreads out the cost and the decisions. -
Keep a simple gift ideas list.
In your notebook, make a page for “Gift Ideas” with the names of family and friends. Throughout the year, jot down things they mention: favourite brands, scents, hobbies, “I’ve always wanted to try…”. When you spot something that fits, it goes straight into the present box.
By the time December comes around, have a look, you’ve probably got:
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Teacher gifts.
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Stocking fillers.
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“I’ve been meaning to get you something” back-ups.
…without a full-blown shopping panic.
3. Put December on a calendar (with rest pockets built in)
A lot of Christmas overwhelm comes from trying to hold dates, deadlines and “don’t forget…” notes in your head.
Once you’ve done your brain dump:
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Pop all fixed dates into a calendar - digital or paper.
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Add reminders for yourself too (order food, send cards, last posting dates, finish shopping).
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Then... most importantly, block out rest pockets.
That might look like:
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One or two evenings a week marked as “nothing nights”
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A slow weekend morning with no plans
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A day between big social things where you purposely don’t book anything
You’re allowed to say no. “I’d love to, but I’m keeping December really gentle this year” is a complete sentence.
Balancing plans with recovery time is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself in a busy season.
4. Do a tiny bit of advance food prep (only if it helps)
You absolutely don’t need to cook everything from scratch to have a lovely Christmas. But if you enjoy pottering in the kitchen, a little light prep now can really support December-you.
Think simple, not chef-level:
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Batch cook a basic gravy or cranberry sauce and freeze in portions so you can take them out later and use what you need.
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Use a Sunday evening in november to make and freeze things that handle freezing well: stuffing balls, crumble topping, soup, cookie dough.
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Keep one master food list in your notebook and take a photo of it, so it’s always on your phone when you’re in a supermarket or add it to your phone notes!
The goal isn’t to become a festive domestic goddess it’s to remove a few “what on earth are we eating tonight?” stressors from a busy month.
5. Create a simple evening ritual to calm your nervous system
December is busy and full-on. A tiny, repeated evening ritual can give your body a consistent “you’re safe, you can decompress now” signal.
Keep it super simple:
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Soften the lights – lamp instead of the big light, maybe a candle or pop a wax melt on.
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Add something warm – herbal tea, hot chocolate, hot water bottle, blanket.
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Take 5 slow breaths – in for 4, out for 6, repeat.
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Put your phone away for 30 minutes. Just a short screen break.
(obviously, I'm biased!) but there is something so calming about a subtle, non artificial smelling scent swirling around the living room of an evening. If you love scent, this is where your favourite candle can become part of the ritual - maybe a comforting Gingerbread, a gentle Mistletoe fragrance, or a hot-chocolate-style Frosted Cocoa for movie nights.
6. Make a “little joys” list: movies, lights, a christmas puzzle etc.
There’s so much pressure to make Christmas elaborate: big days out, expensive activities, perfectly decorated everything. But a lot of the real magic comes from small, repeatable things.
Create a simple “little joys” list, such as:
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A Christmas movie watch list of your favourites plus one or two new ones
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An evening walk to see the lights with a takeaway hot chocolate
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A proper movie night with blankets, popcorn and
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Baking one thing (even if it’s ready-made cookie dough)
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Playing a board game, or doing a christmas puzzle.
- An hour set aside to wrap gifts beautifully with festive music, maybe some mulled wine and a candle glowing in the background.
7. Remember to take care of yourself
In the middle of planning, lists and to do’s, it is easy to forget the basics. Your body still needs looking after, especially if you are prone to colds, flu or feeling run down at this time of year.
You could:
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Support your immune system by taking any daily multi vitamins or supplements that you know help you, or that have been recommended to you. If you are low in something like vitamin D, speak to your GP or pharmacist and build it into your routine before December gets very busy.
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Build daylight and movement into your day. Even a short walk, stepping outside on your lunch break, or sitting by a window for a while can help you feel more grounded. If you use a light therapy lamp, this can be a gentle part of your morning ritual too.
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Make simple, nourishing lunches in advance. Preparing something the night before means you are less likely to skip meals or rely only on unhealthy snacks when work or life gets hectic.
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Keep a few calming options close by, such as herbal teas, a water bottle on your desk, or a comforting snack that makes you feel good.
- Use a calming meditation app first thing in the morning or 10 minutes before bed (or both!) to help with sleep or wellbeing.
These are small choices, but they add up. When your body feels a little more supported, it is easier to enjoy the parts of Christmas you are looking forward to and cope with the bits that feel more challenging.
A softer kind of December
You don’t have to follow all seven tips. Honestly, even two or three can make December feel less like a runaway train: a brain dump in your notebook, a little present box, one quiet candlelit ritual in the evenings.
Christmas doesn’t become peaceful because everything is perfectly planned. It becomes more peaceful when you give yourself permission to do it in a way that actually fits your life, your budget and your nervous system.
If you’re already searching for thoughtful gift ideas, here are a few from us: Christmas Spice, Santa's cabin or Frosted Cocoa soy candles all make beautiful, non-toxic Christmas gifts for the people you love (or even to get started on your own present box). We also have wonderful, non toxic, botanical wax melts that make excellent stocking fillers.