PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS!! ULTIMATE GUIDE TO GETTING ORGANISED FOR CHRISTMAS. Lara Joanna Jarvis

[@deboradantas91]

When you said “Alexa, how many weeks until Christmas?” my Alexa responded 😁 I was in a completely different room too.

[@Louisepentland]

Loved all these tips! Time to get cracking on the christmas shopping! xx

[@samc299]

My favourite lead up to Christmas event is going to our local costa or McDonald’s and getting a Christmassy drink, then driving round looking at the Christmas lights in our area. Even my 16 year old son still loves to come along for this

[@vertober4300]

no matter the age it’s always the best. i’m 19 and still can’t think of anything better

[@PollyCG]

I’ve done most of my Christmas shopping already, and had discussions with family and friends about budgets for gifts or about not giving gifts this year. I have lists of what additional wrapping supplies I need in addition to leftovers from last year, and a list of food items to buy (some cupboard items have already been bought) and booked a Christmas day out to see Santa for my children already. Am I Christmas mad? Maybe 🤔

[@lauracaskie730]

We do a family secret Santa with my mum/dad,siblings and partners. We have a £50 budget as we are buying for one person instead of 8. We each write our own name on a slip and a couple of suggestions of what we would like. Takes the stress out and saves a fortune.

[@katytrott8315]

Great video - it’s never made sense to me having Christmas planning videos out in December. I always get excited and start thinking Christmas thoughts in September. Autumn is my favourite time of year as it starts to get cozy with such beautiful colours on the trees. Having the Christmas season at the end of it is the cherry on the cake. There was such a beautiful autumnal mist this evening sitting on the countryside as the sun was setting here in the south of England - so romantic! I came home and cracked open a new hot chocolate jar, and then found this video……perfect timing!

[@hayjay1130]

Omg your comment felt like the start of a novel... 👀 sounds bliss

[@keishayacub7312]

Love your comment

[@nataliesmith2458]

I’ve already started shopping, the biggest game changer for me ( I have a lge family ) and instead of buying for each which costs a fortune we do a secret Santa we set a budget and open it on Boxing Day when we’re all together x All videos will be gratefully received you can never be to organised x Tfs and take care x

[@Rstar5987]

I shop for Christmas all year round. I buy loads in the sales in Jan like crackers, napkins and loads of other stuff. Just then put them away till the following year. I also present shop all year around.

[@Aapple123]

The first Christmas video I’ve seen. Never clicked so fast and I haven’t even watched it yet. So excited to get started, especially as I’ll have a one year old this Christmas who can understand that little bit more 🥰

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Ah I love this!! Thank you so much for watching and being as excited as me this year! X

[@staceypethybridge]

I always start planning Christmas as soon as the kids go back to school. More so this year with everything going on. Some great tips 🤍

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Ah that is super organised, well done! Yes it seems so busy already this year, so much to fit in! Xx

[@LuLuBeeBah]

Thank you for addressing shortages as a result of the Brexit shambles. So many people are in denial about this, saying there's no problem. So much missing from shops. I'm going to plan earlier this year. Great video, and laughed at Stu being a mince pie connoisseur 😂😂

[@aclark903]

I remember there being no electricity in London on certain evenings in the 70s under a Labour govt. Just saying.

[@LuLuBeeBah]

@@aclark903 Umm... that was 40 years ago?!! Surely in a decent society the aim should be for life to get better for the average person, not worse. Also in the 70's you could buy a house for your family on one income. Just saying.

[@georginaCsweeting]

It's so easy to pick up random bits like labels, the odd wrapping paper, baubles when you can go shopping in you own cupboards! I have so much random stuff I find I don't need to add anything this year!

[@EricaJoy005]

I have three boys ages 2-9 so right now I’ve already picked up their “big ticket” gift and some other fun pieces. I found with each child I found myself purchasing earlier so with everything going on it’s better to be prepared!

[@elainhayter9144]

I always start my Christmas shopping in the January sales for the following Christmas 🎄 I've been doing this for decades and It's amazing how much you can get for not a lot of money. I normally set a limit of between £10-£20 per person (excluding my children) and the amount of really nice stuff you can get in the sales is unbelievable 🙂. I have a book that I write it all down in so I know who's got what and how much I've spent and I keep the goods in stacking box's in my wardrobe. I buy all my wrapping paper in the sales and dare I say it, I spent the August bank holiday Monday wrapping them. Christmas really doesn't have to be expensive especially if you go bargain hunting through out the year xx

[@hayjay1130]

Now that’s organised 👀

[@eileend2673]

I'll save that tip for next January, that's so clever

[@kerrybee1327]

Me too!!! And I buy something every week from a charity shop and store all the freebies I get throughout the year to make multiple beauty calenders:)

[@Linziescozyworld]

I can't believe how quickly Christmas is creeping up, I sat and made a start to my list of things I've seen that I would like to get my kiddos for Christmas a couple days ago

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

It really will be here so quickly! That sounds great, I’m glad you’re getting sorted too! X

[@taradoyle6121]

Thank you so much for the reminder to not just concentrate on Christmas day. I often get caught up preparing for it and as a result don't get around to all the nice evenings for the adults that I had planned. Subscribed! 🇮🇪

[@georgi8281]

We have amazon lists for the kids and for me (mine only has one thing on it!) and people love them. Means that we get what we want the kids to have and people still get to choose. Loved these tips, I'm in full planning mode now!

[@mariar2870]

Great tips! I blanch my carrots and parsnips and put them in the freezer a week or two before the big day. I work in retail so being organised is key! I find that they cook better and quicker in the oven doing them that way too!

[@kimbers1238]

Yes for Christmas menu

[@thewilsons5570]

Forgot to say that I’m very excited for yours and everyone else’s Xmas content this year, as well as creating my own. I can’t wait

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Yes!! So funny you should say that as I filmed my first Christmas TikTok yesterday!! xx

[@thewilsons5570]

@@LaraJoannaJarvis ahhhhhhh oh my gosh! So exciting. I’ve seen Halloween stuff in the shops already!!x

[@SustainableSierra]

Nice tips but am I the only person who doesn't think Christmas should be such a production? The past two years we've one gift/person from each person in our immediate family. At the family party each family gave some kind of basket to each family. It was cheaper, much less stressful and it didn't feel any less special.

[@sunflower7766]

Started Christmas shopping already. Bought some gifts for my son yesterday in smyths and stocking stuffers. After work this week I'm getting some wrapping paper, crackers and non perishable food items. I usually start in September anyway. My other half thinks I'm crazy but come December I'm usually done.

[@stinarenea9947]

I started my shopping about two weeks ago and I’m almost finished.

[@princesskaitlinhazelwood4703]

Yes meal plan video and Christmas Eve bkx , stocking stuffers and hamper gifts videos.

[@roslynnblane6477]

This got me so excited for this year☺️❄️, I don't have kids I'm 24 but this was still really helpful as its such a fun but expensive time of year

[@manbagmike4478]

I love Christmas. It truly is so magical. Just subscribed

[@hayjay1130]

Thanks for this x it’s a reminder for me to get cracking... and yes it’s all about the lead up x even going to buy prezzies and stopping for a nice drink and cake somewhere is what I look forward to x

[@hayjay1130]

Also something I feel is important to include is giving to others x I do two shoe boxes and make a large food box for the local food bank x even if you can just stretch to donating a selection box it all helps x to me that’s also the spirt of Christmas x

[@karamcfall837]

Love this video ❤️ I am actually decluttering my house now so I can enjoy my Christmas decorations more and have my freezer ready for food items purchased/baked ahead of time

[@sharonfernandez2739]

Hi Kara! I think probably we have to go through " the production," so that later you can filter what matters to you and then streamline it to taste. I do begrudge doing the production if no one notices!

[@browqueen8536]

Never clicked so fast on a video! I’ve already started my Christmas shopping 😂

[@cynthiasavovic8446]

I’m totally putting up my tree on Oct 1 actually so thank you!😊🙏

[@lorikorstanje2964]

Thanks so excited for Christmas

[@lindsayswift8789]

Love the video! I don’t do a Christmas Eve box but do a 1st December box. I put similar things in like advent calendar , pj’s, socks hair accessories, some sweets, xmas decoration , Santa hat from previous years . I liked the idea of the kids getting use out of all the bits over the weeks leading up to Xmas! 🎅🏽

[@hayjay1130]

That’s such a good idea..,

[@Curraaaan]

I like to prep everything on Christmas Eve - pop it all in Tupperware with the timings on labels and even number everything in order of what needs to go first! I find that way it’s not all my responsibility either because it’s nice and easy so my partner can easily help!

[@thewilsons5570]

Hi Lara love your videos. I always start in December for the year after! There’s a method to my madness. I’ll be doing a planning series this year as well. There’s so much to cover. As for this year, I’m almost done with all the gifts. Pretty much there with planning the food as I’ve had a great few years ironing out all the Perfect recipes for us. Can’t believe it’s almost that time again but so excited

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Ahh, 5 months today!!! It will come around so quickly. xx

[@thewilsons5570]

@@LaraJoannaJarvis when do you start doing your Xmas puds and cakes? I start soaking the fruit in august! Lol

[@andream6079]

Yes please Lara, would love to see what you've already bought💕

[@DB-fx5oo]

Yes to a Christmas meal plan!! Thanks for sharing

[@annijewiss3142]

Thanks Lara I really enjoyed your vlog, i love lists. I have already started, I keep lists on my phone in notes (with a lock on) and as I buy things I put a tick against them I also use a Christmas app which track all my gifts for people, and I’m adding bits to shopping each week. I also have weekly lists from October for card writing (after bonfire night) and visits with grandchildren to see Santa etc and wrapping gifts this keeps me on track and I have no stress. Looking forward to all your Christmas vlogs. I’ve already decorated house for fall/autumn so we are all nice and cozy then it turned to nice weather lol but as it’s getting dark at 8pm now we are enjoying cozy evenings. You help so many people and although I’m an organised person I still love to see your ideas. Take care and stay safe xx

[@clairepetitt920]

Also a teachers Christmas present ideas video that you could do yourself and save money?

[@lorainefagg7727]

Great video, great tips! 🎅🤶🌲⛄ You set my 'Alexa' off, she said "Thank you" lol! 😂😂😂

[@staceyb8876]

Please could you do a video on ideas for budget things to do at Christmas time. My sister has 4 kids 7 and under, I want to do a few things with them but on a budget xx

[@samc299]

Making and painting salt dough decorations is always fun and cheap

[@jacquielewis1426]

Loved this video. Like the idea of the secret Santa, saving money, not having to go hunting for lots of presents instead of just the one. Can you please do a video on how to set up Secret Santa with the family, I.e list of gift suggestions without being cheeky. 😉

[@barbaradevaney4904]

Tip for next year - I set up a direct debit for £10 per week into a deposit account. This gives £520 to spend at Christmas Done this for years and it is a life saver when trying to budget xx

[@lauraelliott1592]

I absolutely love this 😍😍 I’d love a gift sneak peek video 😍😍

[@AfricancoolChic]

This is a much needed video. Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@tracywaring3769]

Never seen your videos before today, when you asked Alexa how many weeks till Christmas ,my Alexa answered 12 weeks xx

[@elizabethhalliday8568]

I always start my Christmas shopping in January. We Love mince pies in our family. Brilliant video thanks

[@amandarussell6298]

I get gifts all year round and it works great !

[@ayeitskiraa]

I thought I was the only one I’ve already started shopping all mosh dome actually!

[@princesskaitlinhazelwood4703]

I start off my doing inventory of what I ave and what I need. You always forget some things you tucked away. I am also a HUGE after Christmas clearance shopper for wrapping paper, boxes ,bags and ribbons. Because as I see family , I try to deliver wrapped gifts. Especially the last hear and probably this year, there may be lockdowns

[@jackieoconnor4926]

Love this. Yes! We want to see what you’ve already bought please ☺️

[@carolscammell3592]

Thankyou for this video very helpful and good tips ,I have got most of the Christmas gifts already I get them in the sale or but the gifts when I see them take care xx

[@sunshine-bs2jx]

Lara it's still summer in my head !

[@hayleyrichardson3343]

I use brown paper and I crossed stitch Xmas cards xx

[@niamhthornton5991]

Hi Lara can you please do these videos on KZbin in August/September for Christmas. Thank you so much. Your videos are just wonderful! Love From Ireland

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Thank you, I will! x

[@lyndseyj100]

Love this, I can't wait for a hopefully normally Xmas this year. I've already done private amazon lists for each family member of what I'm buying, then once bought my kids what I'm getting I send their lists to family members who ask for ideas xx

[@princesskaitlinhazelwood4703]

Haha. We are going to a family wedding this weekend. I will be delivering four nieces and nephews gifts to their parents. So I don't have to ship or worry about shortage s.

[@kukuruze7]

Thanks a lot, looking forward to more Christmas videos!

[@GorillaGamingChannel]

Started in jan - can’t deal with the stress x

[@budgetlifeincandyland4861]

Thank you for all these ideas!!.. and the great tips!.. it will be here before we know it

[@dionneireland2947]

Great video giving me some motivation, I like to do a 1st of December box 🎅 xxx

[@tarat26]

I'm reluctant to do or buy anything at the moment. We're so hoping to move (but keep losing out to cash buyers or developers). As fast as I'm trying to declutter, I also don't want to buy too many large gifts / toys as its more to store etc. Would pref to buy after moving. I agree, some stores are running out of essentials already.

[@nete1209]

Fantastic video, some great ideas. Would love to see what you have bought so far, and mince pie taster video.

[@lauraholness2854]

Feeling proud of myself for starting so early this year. Being in Kent, we didn’t get Christmas at all last year so I’m determined to fill this one with fun. Outings are booked and the present list is nearly finished 🙌🏼 love this video and can’t wait to see more xx

[@emmag6255]

Would LOVE an idea of what you’ve bought already, I am desperate for ideas xxx

[@beckyward6564]

Hi Hun I really enjoyed this video I love Christmas ♥ and love the planning and build up to it I would love more videos like this they are super helpful and I'm excited for Christmas now ☺ take care ♥

[@naomipatton6976]

Great video! I just love your style of vlogging. You are so natural and I really felt as if I was sitting with you talking about Christmas. ❤️ from California

[@kirstyworden8041]

The Smyths Toys catalogue arrived in the post today so we've started- I had no choice with a 5 year old in the house! Lots of people are saying that the santa visits are getting booked up quickly this year, so need to book ahead so as not to miss out 🎅🎄🎁

[@pennypink-dw6vi]

Ohh just found you this video is gonna be so helpful

[@catherinesnow4871]

Love this video, thank you for sharing. I have been buying the kids presents over the last few months to spread the cost. Have also booked some Christmas outings, I can’t wait. Also our village is doing a Christmas street market which will be fantastic. Looking forward to more Christmas videos x

[@sunflower7766]

To keep costs down I just buy the children. With my partners family we do secret Santa and set a budget we can all afford. Cuts down also the amount of shopping needing to be done and what is coming into my home.

[@homegrownchildmindingsenmu7552]

What is the eye shadow you have on please? Love it x

[@kimt8162]

FOr the holidays, unfortunately. If I don't cook, it doesn't happen. So my Christmas list is to get gift cards so I can take my vacation after the holidays. The most "wonderful time of the year" for me is when kids go back to school, and when the holidays are over.

[@Justme_elizabeth]

Who won the best Christmas video of 2021? You did, smashed it 👏

[@stellamurphy4938]

I always put so much money away each month from wages as soon as its payday, I draw it out and stick it in a tin then open it in september or October to go and buy xmas stuff xx

[@victoriahorne7528]

Great video! So glad I’m not alone in my Christmas planning in September 🙌. Can I ask what eyeshadow you’re wearing? It’s lovely & shimmery - reminds me of a Charlotte T one I used to have 🤔 xx

[@amymurkett5856]

This is exactly what I needed today! X

[@rowannedyson2920]

This has made me so excited to get planning and not get overwhelmed! Also to stay on budget as I tend to go overboard on entertaining and then wrack up the credit card *cries* I have tried to download your christmas planner sheets but there doesn't seem to be an option to add to cart...sorry if im being dense! Video was fab!! x

[@beth1129]

Yes to the mince pie reviews!

[@kirstyhibbert3119]

Love the video! Could you do any website you find deals on? I always miss them!

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Yes I will! I love finding bargains! Xx

[@stephheath4858]

Love this video, thank you for the tips 🎄Sweater Weather is my all time favorite B&BW candle scent - I’m quite glad they’re not easy to get in the UK, as all of my money would be going there🤣

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Haha 😂

[@sfbdurand]

My Alexa responded lol

[@lisarobinson4066]

I love your videos

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Thank you for watching them! x

[@laurinda9009]

Great video Lara ! Thankyou. 14 weeks 🙈

[@TamsynKent]

This is great! Thanks Lara. The prices really get hiked so much over the actual period. So looking at lights and stocking up on wine, Glühwein etc... I love the idea of looking at local events too.

[@louisebolton5087]

Love the intro 🥰🎄

[@phylissbrassey8431]

Mince Pies!! YES but not so easy to locate in Georgia.

[@happy_housewife193]

Steve Owens has videos on making your own mince meat if you can't find it.

[@ashwinapatel109]

Hi Lara Cannot find your video when you made candles (recycling), would to make candles for Christmas gift this year. Could you please send an attachment of that videos, I have scrolled down your Christmas Gifts, DIY and decorations but cannot find it. Ashwina

[@midnightsxx4624]

Last year I started planning from July lol

[@laura_hylton]

Yes please mince pie taste test!

[@phuongkim7925]

Love

[@lizturner9644]

Hi Lara, I can’t find an option to ‘add to basket’ your Christmas budgeting sheets? Am I doing something wrong or is it a glitch?

[@AfricancoolChic]

Yes please to mince pie review 💕🌲

[@hayleyrichardson3343]

We have our Xmas drinks meats and chocolates xx

[@frugalitystartsathome4889]

Honestly, I haven’t noticed any shortages in supermarkets. I have absolutely NO brand loyalty, and I will go wherever I feel like going, so maybe that has something to do with it - but the only gaps I’ve seen on shelves have been deliberate, while they shuffle everything around to make room for the new stuff they’re expecting…I think you’re very sensible to plan ahead but I’m not entirely sure that giving out the idea of potential shortages is a reason to do it, as I feel it will just lead to unnecessary panic- buying again, like we had at the start of the ‘Rona…

[@LaraJoannaJarvis]

Thanks for your comment. I’m glad youve not had issues with empty shelves, I really hope we get no where near the levels we did back last year. I absolutely don’t support people panic buying but like I said just buying what you need but doing it sooner rather than later, or as and when you see things you need. I heard on the news today that toys will be in low availability this year which is what I was saying in this vid. I hope it doesn’t encourage the wrong behaviour but it’s good to be aware of it at least.

[@chasingbeauty630]

Have you bought a house yet? I watched your videos on this years ago xxx

[@Goddessluv6]

You have beautiful eyes. And kudos to your husband, mince pies are the best!!!😋

[@thesesweetpages]

I can’t believe we were all like ‘ah, eat out to help out but we can’t see our families at Christmas, okay!’ Now we’re all bending over for a tax increase that won’t touch the rich. It’s depressing x

[@ourlittlebluehouse3060]

💖

[@tatianaragland4007]

Honesty....am black and my family thinks am CRAZY for wanting to plan holidays earlier then later. My family loves to do things last minute with everything hence why our Christmas are never amazing or positive