Its 20 days to Christmas. What? But how? How did the year go by so quickly? Today I realised with a bang that the end of the year is only 27 days away and I haven’t even finished reading that stack of books I bought last year. I didn’t do half the stuff I planned to do this year. I still have to do Christmas shopping, my Christmas tree is somewhere in a box, the decorations are… well, I don’t know where they are. I think my heart rate just went up to 200 beats per minute. I need water… my palms are sweaty. My head is spinning; there is still so much to do. Leave the water, get me some wine!! Aaaah, now I feel better…
Do you feel like this? Relax. It's just Christmas. You survived it last year didn’t you? I have a checklist for you to follow to make sure your Christmas in Namibia is … Christmassy.
Day 1: Today is planning day. Set a Christmas budget. It’s the best way to prevent you from maxing out your credit card. Sit down and make a gift list. Christmas is not about the fancy big gifts you buy, but rather about family and friends getting together. They are not supposed to be so flashy and expensive. Save the fancy gifts for birthdays.
Get an idea of what you want to prepare for Christmas and who will be attending. Make sure you decide on dishes that can be prepared well in advance. If you have no clue as to what to dish up for that special lunch / dinner - consult Dr. Google for advice. Make a list of what you will need to buy. Split the list in two categories: Perishables and non perishables. If you are looking for ideas, go to our: What to eat blog post
Day 2: Put up that Christmas tree. If you don’t have one or any decorations, include this on the shopping list.
Day 3: It's shopping day. Get up early, put on some comfortable flat shoes, and let's get spending. Buy all gifts and non perishable items like crackers, rice, herbs etc. Remember to buy batteries for items that require these, as Santa usually forgets to include batteries in the gifts he brings. Buy one extra gift. You must decide if it's for a girl/boy or for a woman/man? Keep the gift somewhere close by. Local perfume is a great gift idea for the ladies.
Day 4: Sort out your house. Old toys and gifts and any unwanted items in your house should be placed in a box and donated to charity.
Day 5: Bake some cookies to hang on the tree. This is a good way to get everyone to together for some fun. Don't just bake cookies for the tree; use this opportunity to fill up the cookie jars with a variety of cookies. Try out some new recipes.
Day 6 : If you are planning on spending Christmas elsewhere or going camping, check social networks and websites for last minute deals. Did you know that Gondwana Card holders can experience the Kalahari from N$ 343-00 pp/night this festive season until 30 June 2014. For inquiries send an email to Anthea: prmarketing@gondwana-collection.com. You can also visit Etosha for a mind blowingly low deal.
Day 7 : On the 7th day you are to rest. Get some Christmas movies, popcorn and soda. Make a big family bed in the living room and have a movie night.
Day 8 : Make Christmas cards for your colleagues and neighbours before they go on leave for the holiday season.
Day 9 : Wrap Christmas gifts and make sure every one has a gift.
Day 10 : Today you have the chance to buy last minute gifts if there is someone you have forgotten about. If you want some inspirational ideas, visit Pinterest.
If you are not up for cooking and entertaining guests, why not visit Canyon Roadhouse / Village or Lodge for a spectacular 3 day stay. Canyon Roadhouse will be serving the most delectable Christmas lunch on 25 December from 12h00 till 14h00 for only N$180-00 for adults and N$90-00 for children.
Day 11 : Make personalised gift tags. This makes the gifts so much more special
Day 12 : Put up all outdoor decorations. Pour yourself a glass of wine. You have earned it after all the hard work you have done.
Day 13 : Invite friends over to enjoy the Christmas lights outside your house.
Day 14 : It's resting day again. Get together for some reflecting on this past year. Make a big bowl of punch and sit outside reminiscing about what happened this past year.
Day 15: Drive around town looking at Christmas lights. Buy some ice-cream on the way.
Day 16 : Last minute shopping day. Go shopping for any last minute things you need and for all perishable items.
Day 17: If you are going away for Christmas, do most of the packing today, and clean the house thoroughly. Here are some tips when travelling.
Day 18 : Remember that extra gift you bought. Today you have to find someone to give that to. A random act of kindness.
Day 19 : Make a list of everything you still need to do. Do all the preparations of dishes that can sit for a day or two. If you are planning to make a dish like potato salad, you can already cook the potatoes today.
Day 20 : Prepare all side dishes, precooking and everything that can be done today. If you are having a cold spread, all meats can be cooked, baked and grilled today.
Christmas day: Merry Christmas! Today you need to do as little as possible. Set the table, pick fresh flowers from the garden and voila. Sit back and relax. Hope you receive lots of presents and you get to enjoy quality time with your friends and family.
What are you doing to beat the Christmas in Namibia rush? Any tips for me? Comment below.
Compiled by :
Jessica Schoombee is a local freelance writer. She is an eccentric young lady who has a love affair with writing. Get on board her journey of discovery.
