Countdown to Christmas – your stress-free guide

There are just 42 more sleeps until Christmas and although that might seem like plenty, the demands of the festive season have a habit of catching us off guard. To make sure your finances, c prezzie shopping and Christmas h lunch are in order this year, t

Budgeting for the festive season

We’re sorry to start with such a sensible notion, but Christmas can be expensive. So if you haven’t already done so,o, sort out a festive budget quick ick smart.

Herald business expert Liam Dann says s the key to avoiding debt is to budget well and realistically.

“You need to do a total,al, ballpark-figure budget that you can work towards.”

Whether it was $1500, $1000 or much less, it didn’t matter as long as it was manageable to work toward over the next month or so, Dann said.

“Once you have that ballpark figure you can decide how to divvy it up and how you’re going to get there.”

Putting aside a portion of pay every week was one option. Racking up huge bills on the credit card should be avoided, Dann said.

“You don’t want to go over on a credit card to the point where you can’t pay it back in a few months or else you’re going to start paying much higher interest.” Low- cost activities like going to the beach and enjoying walks could help with paying back the debt over the summer months, Dann s said. “It ’s really hard to see, whenwh you look at the spirits of Christmas, what’sw the point of goingg into debt on a creditc card that’s with youy for half the year.”year. Talking withith exte extended family ly about expectations s for spending was a wise idea as well, he said. Families could set rules about number of presents, or maybe buying just for kids. “Where it really starts to add up is when it ’s all the siblings, all the cousins, all the nieces and nephews. “Some people are more inclined to do that even if they don’t have the money. Talk to your family and that way you’re thinking of everybody’s needs.” Transport costs and the costs of hosting Christmas lunch or dinner should be considered as well, Dann said.

Getting your gifts in the post

Making sure your prezzies are in the post on time is crucial, and luckily for last-minute shoppers, gifts within New Zealand can be sent within a week of the big day and should still arrive on time. StandardStanda Post, ParcelPost, Parce ParcelPost Tracked pac packages must be sent by December 20, butb people sending presentsp by FastPost, CourierC Parcel, Courier anda Signature Parcel haveha until December 22. If you’re shipping goodies overseas, the times are a bit tighter. Gifts to Australia need to be sent off by December 7 if you’re using international air, December 12 if by international courier and at the absolute latest December 14, if you’re using the international express courier. Presents to the South Pacific, Asia, North America, the UK and Europe can be sent by December 12 at the latest if using express courier, or 10 days before that by international air.

Anywhere else in the world and gifts need to be sent by the end of November, or by December 9 if using express courier.

What to eat for Christmas lunch

Herald Canvas magazine food writer Annabel Langbein recommends a menu that’s all about indulgence and minimal hassle, celebrating the fresh flavours of summer. Start with a glass of bubbles and an antipasto

platter to pass around followed up with a fresh seafood platter.

“The main course is focused on a big platter of fresh seafood, a bit like those amazing tiered platters in restaurants in Paris, using whatever fresh seafood you can lay your hands on from the sea or the supermarket,” Langbein said.

“Oysters or mussels on the half shell, barbecued crayfish or whole prawns, little seafood fritters, maybe some grilled scallops wrapped in prosciutto or salmon kebabs. Serve it up with my famous Aquafaba Aioli to drizzle and dip.”

Partner the kai moana with spring veges like asparagus, baby carrots and zucchini with herb butter, waxy baby new potatoes, cherry tomatoes with basil, fresh mozzarella, really good olive oil, and the freshest green salad.