Your Ultimate Holiday Season Prep Guide: Stress Less, Enjoy More!

The holiday season is around the corner, and I know how overwhelming it can feel to juggle all the festivities with everything else going on. Between school awards nights, work functions and the endless to-do list, it’s easy to lose sight of what the season is all about. But with a little prep and planning now, you can save time, money and a whole lot of stress, leaving you free to actually enjoy the holiday with your loved ones.

Here are my top tips to help you get organised, stay sane and make this holiday season one to remember (for all the right reasons!).

Let’s start with what will be one of the most important places in your home during the holidays: the kitchen. It’s going to be even more the heart of your home over the next few weeks, so make sure it’s ship-shape and ready to go.

• Pots and pans – Less is more. Clear out the ones you rarely use and make space for the essentials. You’ll want your most-used baking trays, roasting pans and other pans within easy reach.
• Glassware and table settings – Check that you have enough glassware, plates and cutlery for all of your guests so you can borrow or buy what you need. Check if crockery is chipped to see you have to replace anything. Throw table cloths and cloth serviettes in the wash if needed.
• Serving dishes – Pull out your serving platters and bowls, especially the ones that haven’t seen daylight since last holidays. Wash, dry and check if they’re still in good shape.
• Tupperware/food storage containers – Leftovers are inevitable, so now’s the time to check your Tupperware/food storage container stash. Make sure you’ve got enough airtight containers to store everything properly and avoid food waste.
• Barbecue – If your holiday plans include outdoor grilling (which is very likely if you’re in Australia), save yourself a last-minute panic by giving your barbecue a good clean now.
• Fridge – Now is the time to give the fridge a good clean. Toss any expired items, wipe down the surfaces and get familiar with what you have and what you still may need. Make sure you leave enough space for items you intend to add during the holidays, especially on the big day, and maybe some unexpected items, such as edible gifts from friends and family.
• Freezer – As for the fridge, give it a good clean, remove expired items and leave room for what’s to come!

This is a game-changer when it comes to staying organised. Before you even think about hitting the shops, grab your calendar and map out your festive plans.

• Christmas/holiday breakfast/lunch/dinner at your place?
• A picnic with friends?
• What is happening on Boxing Day/the day after the main event?

Once you’ve locked in what’s happening, you can plan your menus for each occasion. This will help you:

• Avoid overbuying – Stick to your list and reduce waste.
• Alleviate mental load – No more last-minute scrambling to figure out what to cook!
• Prep in advance – You’ll have more time to enjoy the lead-up to the holiday instead of spending it in the kitchen.

One of the most helpful things you can do right now is get ahead with pantry staples and freezer-friendly items. Think:

• Drinks
• Grains, pasta and rice
• Nuts and fruit
• Canned goods like tomatoes and beans
• Christmas pudding, mince pies or other festive fare that you usually serve
• Condiments and sauces
• Crackers and chips (crisps)
• Frozen vegetables
• Ice cream

By buying these items now, you’ll avoid the last-minute supermarket madness and save valuable fridge space for fresh produce closer to the big day. Plus, you’ll be ready for any unexpected guests who drop by.

Skip the stress of missing out on those must-have ingredients by pre-ordering where possible. Butchers, fishmongers and grocery stores often let you reserve:

• Turkey, ham or pork roast
• Seafood platters
• Specialty items like duck fat or fancy cheeses

You’ll have peace of mind knowing the essentials are sorted and waiting for you.

There’s nothing worse than running out of basics during the busiest time of the year. Stock up now on:

• Paper towels and serviettes
• Foil and plastic wrap
• Garbage bags
• Dishwashing liquid and sponges

These are the small things that can make a big difference in keeping your kitchen running smoothly.

Let’s be real – December is chaotic. Between end-of-year awards nights, Christmas and holiday parties and last-minute catch-ups, it’s easy to fall into the takeaway trap.

• Keep a list of “core meals” your family loves that can be whipped up quickly, rather than leaning in to the temptation of takeout.
• Plan a few freezer-friendly meals now to save yourself from the dreaded “what’s for dinner?” question on busy nights. I’ve put together a list of my Top 20 Freezer Friendly Meals to help you out. These recipes are simple, delicious and perfect for reheating when you’re in a pinch.

Above all, the holiday season is meant to be fun! Don’t leave everything to the last minute. A little preparation now means you’ll spend less time stressing and more time enjoying what matters most: the people around you. So, take a deep breath, make your lists and tackle one thing at a time. Be realistic and only plan what you think you can achieve without total burnout. You’ve got this – and if you need inspiration, my website is packed with recipes and tips to help make this holiday season your best yet.

Nic x