Avoid the December Panic

Are you one of those people who HATE it when the shops are full of Christmas stuff when we have not even had Halloween yet?

Well, I’m not… in fact the sooner we can start talking about Christmas, the better (although I draw the line at talking about Christmas in the summer months!).

I do get it, though. It can feel a bit much, like the festive season is creeping in earlier every year. But planning for Christmas in October isn’t about rushing through autumn or skipping over Halloween. It’s about giving yourself the time and space to actually enjoy December and the festivities when it arrives.

Whether you’re someone who delights in twinkly lights and festive playlists, or someone who approaches December with a bit more caution, there’s one thing we can probably agree on: no one likes a last-minute panic.

So yes, I’m a fan of getting organised early. And if you run a business, October is the perfect time to start thinking about your team Christmas party, and any gifts or cards you’d like to send to clients or suppliers. Here’s why.

Why Planning Early Makes Sense

The festive season gets busy, quickly. Venues get booked, delivery slots fill up, and suppliers hit capacity. Leaving things until late November or December often means having to settle for what’s left.

By planning in October, you can:

• Avoid the last-minute scramble and enjoy a calmer December
• Have your pick of venues, caterers and entertainment
• Choose thoughtful, personal gifts rather than rushed purchases
• Ensure cards and gifts arrive on time, with none of the postal panic

It also means you can actually look forward to your end-of-year celebrations, rather than seeing them as yet another thing on the to-do list.

What to Consider

Start by asking yourself a few key questions:

• What kind of celebration fits your team? Would they enjoy a relaxed lunch, a big evening out, or perhaps a virtual quiz for remote teams?
• Who do you want to thank this year? Clients, collaborators, suppliers?
• What’s your budget? And what’s realistic in terms of timing and capacity?

This doesn’t need to become a massive project. A bit of clarity and some early decisions will go a long way.

How a Virtual Assistant Can Help

If the thought of adding Christmas planning to your already-packed schedule makes you want to hide under a blanket, that’s completely understandable. The end of the year is full-on enough without having to chase RSVPs or hunt for gift ideas.

This is where a Virtual Assistant can step in and take the pressure off. For example, a VA can help you:

• Order bespoke Christmas cards that feel true to your brand
• Research and book venues that suit your style and budget
• Source and send thoughtful gifts to your clients and suppliers
• Keep track of key dates, dietary requirements, and RSVPs so nothing gets missed

Think of it as delegating the faff so you can focus on the fun stuff - whether that’s wrapping up client work, spending time with your team, or taking a well-earned break.

You Don’t Have to Do Everything Yourself

So, if you’ve been putting off Christmas planning because it feels too early or too much, let this be your gentle nudge. October is a great time to get ahead. You’ll save yourself stress, make more thoughtful choices, and head into December with a bit more breathing space.



If you’d like a hand getting things sorted, I’d love to help. I have limited capacity for one-off project support in the lead-up to Christmas, so do get in touch soon if you’d like to chat.

Together, let’s make your Christmas planning simpler, calmer, and a little bit more joyful!