Last Minute.com. Planning And Organising For Christmas And The Holidays

Wondering how to navigate the festive whirlwind with dyslexia on board? If you’ve ever found yourself in a frenzy of last-minute gift-wrapping, forgotten cards, and misplaced reminders, you’re not alone. In the latest episode of the podcast (player at the top of this page), I shared a few stories from my own life with dyslexia, and ways I’m learning to embrace the Christmas spirit without drowning in stress.

We touched on all sorts of tips and ideas. From reflecting on where past holidays went off the rails to using visual reminders and social accountability, there’s a ton of practical advice here. Most importantly, we chatted about cutting ourselves some slack and finding joy in the moment. After all, what’s the point of Christmas if you can’t laugh a little along the way?

The Christmas Chaos

Christmas planning can feel chaotic, especially when you’re juggling dyslexia or ADHD. I’ve learned that if I don’t break things down into smaller chunks, I end up with a heap of half-finished tasks and a tidal wave of overwhelm. It’s like trying to wrap a dozen gifts with no sticky tape — you keep discovering something important is missing.

Making a plan is a good first step. Even if it’s a simple list of must-do tasks, such as ordering the turkey or booking travel, having it in one place can keep your mind from spinning. I like to put it on the fridge or somewhere I’ll see it every day. That visual cue helps me stay on track.

Looking Back to Move Forward

I used to dread Christmas. I’d remember the frustration of missing secret Santa deadlines or turning up at the shops with no clue what to buy. Over the years, I’ve tried to take a closer look at what triggers those feelings. Was it lack of time management? Disorganisation? Trying to do everything solo?

When we reflect on the past, we notice patterns. Maybe you tend to forget sending Christmas cards, or you lose track of your shopping list. That self-awareness is powerful. It helps you focus on the solutions that will actually make a difference. If you know you always leave gift-buying until the last minute, set a reminder in November. If you know you forget to book that Christmas party venue, rope in a friend to remind you.

“Sometimes embracing imperfection is the most important strategy. Because the real magic is in those small moments of shared laughter and joy.”

Tools and Tricks for Better Time Management

Let’s talk about strategies that can help. One of the best tips I’ve found is setting a phone alert for the big tasks. If I rely on my memory, there’s a good chance I’ll forget something crucial. By popping an alert on my phone to buy wrapping paper or send out invites, I stay one step ahead.

For those of us with dyslexia, visual aids can also be a game-changer. Sticker charts aren’t just for kids, you know. A nice colour-coded chart that might say “Order Gifts,” “Wrap Presents,” “Send Cards,” can feel surprisingly satisfying once you start ticking things off. If you prefer something more discreet, a simple list on the wall can do the trick.

You might also lean on people around you. A friend, family member, or colleague can be your accountability buddy. If you’re both aiming to finish Christmas shopping by a certain date, you can send each other quick reminders. Not only does it help you keep on track, it can also turn a usually lonely chore into a shared experience.

Embracing Imperfection

Here’s the real heart of it: the holiday season doesn’t have to be perfect. It never is, anyway. Some of my favourite Christmas memories are the ones where things went a bit wrong. Like when the turkey ended up burnt because I got distracted by an old Christmas movie. Or the year we forgot to label half the gifts, and everyone had to guess what belonged to whom.

The truth is, the messier moments create the funniest stories. If you have dyslexia, you might find your creative problem-solving side shining through. You may think of new ways to decorate, come up with handmade presents that wow people, or turn a small hiccup into a quirky tradition. Give yourself permission to experiment and fail. That’s what the season’s about: celebrating, adjusting, and enjoying the ride.

If you catch yourself focusing on every detail, remind yourself to look at the bigger picture. Is it really worth fretting over a mismatched table setting or a slightly crooked tree? Christmas is about connecting with the people around you, not making the entire house look flawless. So take a deep breath, laugh at the little stumbles, and keep going.

• Break your tasks into smaller steps so you don't feel overwhelmed.
• Use visual cues like lists, phone reminders, or sticky notes to stay on track.
• Lean on friends or family when you need a helping hand or accountability.
• Remember that a little imperfection makes the day more memorable.

When you focus on these simple approaches and let go of the need to do everything flawlessly, Christmas can feel more like an adventure and less like a chore.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

• Planning for Christmas can feel messy, but small steps bring big relief.
• Looking at past Christmas fails can point you toward future wins.
• Reminders, visuals, and social support make holiday prep simpler.
• There’s a hidden strength in dyslexia that shines through creativity.
• Embracing the imperfect moments brings you closer to the real spirit of the holidays.

Curious to hear more? If you'd like a deeper dive into these ideas and extra tips, make sure to listen to the full episode at the top of this page. I share more personal stories on growing up with dyslexia, and how I’ve learned to roll with the festive punches. And if you want further guidance on living with ADHD or dyslexia, check out Andrée Kenny’s work or head to truthaboutdyslexia.com for more resources.

We also have an amazing online community waiting to welcome you. Join our Facebook Group at facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia to share stories, tips, and that extra bit of encouragement. Click the play button above to hear the stories in full, and let’s embrace the fun of the holiday season together.