We’ve waltzed into December and – just like that *finger snap* – the year is over. I’m a little dumbfounded to say the least. Just where have all those weeks gone? It doesn’t seem two minutes since we were looking forward to the six-week summer break and thinking about getting a gardener because the heatwave had made everything grow twice as fast.

Given that time’s flying so fast it’s giving Santa’s sleigh a run for its money, I seem to have a little clump of anxiety up in my chest. The days are running away with me right now, and I can’t help but wonder how I’m going to cram everything in that I have to do before the end of 2018.

As my littlies keep reminding me, it’s only 21 sleeps ‘til Christmas. So, if you’re feeling the same way I am, here’s a handy checklist to keep us mum’s sane and plans in place throughout December.

• First things first, if you do your grocery shop online, book a slot ASAP. Fill your basket up with a few bits to meet the minimum spend to secure your preferred delivery date and time.

• If you haven’t already – deck the halls with your children! It will put you in a magical mood for everything else you need to do.

• Stock up on Christmas cards, gift wrap, tissue paper, bows, bags, and all that jazz.

• Arrange a couple of Christmassy days out, e.g. Santa’s grotto; snow park; reindeer farm; pantomime or go for something really fancy at the Christmas party venues in London.

• Write down said family fun days in your diary and actually remember to go!

• Book in a babysitter, pull out all the presents and wrap! The sooner the better.

• As you’re wrapping, make a list of what you have, and anything else you need. This is guaranteed to make you feel on-top of the whole gifting situ.

• Speak with family and friends, plan in when you will get together for some festive fun.

• Check last post delivery dates, and be sure to send out cards and gifts in time.

• Revisit your online food shop to finalise your order, or plan in a time when you’ll hit the supermarkets. Eeeek. Don’t forget Christmas dinner ingredients, Christmas cake, nibbles, cheese and biscuits, and traditional tipples.

• If you have the time Christmas weekend, plan in a baking day. Schedule out some time to make cupcakes, a chocolate yule log, and decorate your Christmas cake with the children.

• Alternatively, if you’re pushed for time or so stressed your hair’s turning a glorious shade of Santa Claus snowy-white, scratch that. No one knows. You just didn’t Insta-it. A Christmas present from you, to you.

• Prep the veg, pre-heat the open, pop open a bottle of something sparkling, and relax.

You did it!!

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