Keep your calm this Christmas with real-life mum hacks for stress-free planning, budgeting, Elf on the Shelf prep, mindful activities for kids, and easy festive organisation tips.

The Calm Before The Christmas Chaos – Keeping Sane During The Festive Period.

I adore Christmas — the lights, the food, the excitement in the kids’ faces — but wow, it can get intense. Between school plays, gift shopping, and wrapping paper all over the living room, it’s easy to lose that calm, festive feeling.

Over the years I’ve learned that being organised isn’t about being perfect — it’s about protecting the joy. When I plan ahead, I actually get to enjoy December instead of surviving it. Here’s how I keep the calm before the Christmas chaos.

Christmas Presents

I start picking bits up throughout the year — sale finds, thoughtful things I spot that remind me of someone. By the end of October, about 80% of my Christmas shopping is done, which makes me feel smug for about five minutes until I realise I still need to wrap it all!

I wrap two to five presents at a time through November — one night a week with a Christmas film on. It’s a small thing but it makes a huge difference. I’ve had too many Decembers lost to frantic late-night wrapping sessions, and honestly? I’d rather be sipping hot chocolate watching Elf.

Santa Letters

We write our Santa letters in mid-November, but I already have a good idea of what the kids want by then. I subtly guide them toward things I’ve already picked up — it keeps Santa on track!

One of my favourite traditions is having Santa ask, “Would you like some of the elf’s old toys this year?” My two always say yes. It’s sustainable, thrifty, and the note that comes with those toys makes it feel just as magical as something new.

Elf on the Shelf

Who else has nearly fallen asleep at 10 p.m. only to bolt upright thinking, the elf!? I’ve been there more times than I can count.

Now, I make a list of easy ideas and store everything in one bag so I can just grab and go each night. Future me is so grateful.

Look out for my upcoming post — 20 Elf on the Shelf Ideas I’ll Actually Use This Year — because I’m done with impossible Pinterest.

Crafts and Cosy Days In

Crafts are my rainy-day saviour. I make Christmas cards, new baubles, and thank-you notes for Santa part of the fun. The kids also “help” wrap presents (mostly with sellotape stuck to their hair).

I love watching them get absorbed in something creative — it’s grounding. And if the glitter ends up everywhere, well, that’s part of the tradition now.

Planning the Festive Calendar

I book big days out early — they sell out fast — and fill the gaps with smaller, home-based things. Facebook events are brilliant for local finds. Ensure you plan dates with friends and family early, before they get booked up! Most importantly, don’t forget yourself in the plans!

I always make sure plan:

a day out with friends.
a date with Jonny.
a solo treat (usually a massage, show, night away – or sometimes all three!)

Having a loose plan makes December feel balanced, not like a race. For more on how I plan things, check out my post on How I Plan for Christmas.

Budget Without Guilt

Money stress takes the sparkle out of everything. I make three loose budgets: gifts, food, and activities. I use separate “pots” for each so I can see what’s left.

We also buy second-hand toys when we can — the elf’s “old toys” idea helps with that. I love that my children see joy in reusing things. It’s a little life lesson wrapped in magic.

Food and Hosting

Decide early who’s hosting and roughly what the plan is. Make a food list at least a week before, and if you’re hosting, plan out your day hour by hour (it sounds silly, but it works).

If people ask what they can bring, say yes! Let the kids help with small things like decorating the table or baking biscuits — they see it as fun and you get a bit of help.

Keep the House Manageable

I do small ten-minute tidies throughout December so I don’t end up cleaning like a madwoman on Christmas Eve. It doesn’t have to be spotless, just peaceful enough to enjoy being home.

Christmas Films and Little Traditions

Every night, we watch a Christmas film together. It’s our countdown to the big day. Snacks, PJs, fairy lights on — that shared, cosy moment is one of my favourite parts of the season.

Staying Calm, Not Perfect

I don’t chase “perfect” Christmases anymore. I chase peaceful ones — full of warmth, laughter and half-decent wrapping. When I’m calm, the kids pick up on it. They feel it too.

So plan early, give yourself permission to rest, and remember: calm mums make the best magic.

A Little Help Along the Way

If you need something to keep the kids busy while you finish your to-do list, try my Christmas Activity Pack — it’s full of simple festive activities: