'I hack Christmas as a solo parent in 3 specific ways.'

Thanks to our brand partner, COLES

As a solo parent to teen and tween boys, December arrives each year like a runaway train. Between managing work, coordinating end-of-year school commitments, and navigating multiple Christmas parties, I've learnt that the key to surviving this season isn't perfection — it's strategy.

The mental load of the festive period is real. Over the years, I've figured out the three non-negotiable hacks I always return to, that genuinely save me time, effort, and mental capacity during the festive chaos. These aren't just "nice" ideas — they're the strategies that truly help me actually enjoy December rather than just… well, survive it.

Hack 1: Hand over the grocery shopping to someone else (sort of).

I almost always feel like I am playing catch-up. And if I'm being honest, grocery shopping has never been my idea of quality time well spent — especially during the festive season when everything feels more urgent and overwhelming.

A decision I've made for months now that's genuinely changed my life: I've handed over my grocery shopping to Coles Deliver More.

I'm talking about doing my entire weekly shop online, from wherever I happen to be, whenever it suits me. I've had a good run at this hack for most of 2025, so it's a tried-and-tested recommendation guaranteed to take me into the new year.

Image: Supplied.

Before I even start compiling my list, I lock in my delivery slot. I usually schedule this during a quieter period — say, while I'm working from home or, even better, a Sunday morning. There is no greater feeling than when you're nailing life by having your weekly shop sorted and on your doorstep while you are still in your PJs on Sunday morning.

The flexibility of Coles Deliver More is genuinely game-changing. I choose the one-hour delivery slot that works around my actual life — not the other way around. With flexible cut-off times, I can order late at night for next morning delivery.

Image: Supplied.

And here's what really sold me: they deliver with next-to-no substitutes. I can't tell you how frustrating it used to be ordering specific items and receiving random alternatives. When you're planning for the week ahead — or for the Christmas lunches I've committed to bringing stuff to — this reliability matters.

The other feature I absolutely love is the minimum day shelf life indicator. I can't be having the cream I ordered mid-week for my weekend pavlova be short-dated! It completely takes away that guesswork of whether items will last, which means I can plan ahead properly without food waste worries.

Plus, shopping online just means there's also more access to their bigger extended range, given not all brands and products will always be stocked at my local store. When you're trying to cater to different preferences (and dietaries), having that expanded choice genuinely helps.

But the real win here isn't just about convenience — though reclaiming those hours is huge. It's about mental load. One less physical task to coordinate. One less thing to mentally juggle. One less reason to feel like I'm falling behind during the busiest time of year.

That kind of support is genuinely priceless. It's given me back time and headspace to actually enjoy December, rather than spending it stressed about logistics.

Hack 2: Kris Kringle for extended family gifts.

Here's something I wish someone had told me years ago: you don't have to buy individual Christmas gifts for every… single… extended family member.

I know it feels almost wrong to say that out loud. But a few years back, as I found myself late on Christmas Eve wrapping present number 15, I had a revelation. This wasn't bringing me joy anymore. It had become a checkbox exercise, and I was spreading my budget so thin that none of the gifts felt particularly 'meaningful'.

Now, instead of buying multiple generic presents, I can put genuine thought (and a proper budget) into one really nice gift for one person. There are websites that randomly assign who buys for whom and keep it anonymous until Christmas Day. The surprise element is back. The stress is gone. And gift-giving feels meaningful again.

For the kids in the family, we still do individual presents — they're the priority. But for the adults? This change has been genuinely liberating. It's slashed my Christmas shopping time massively, freed up the mental energy I was using to brainstorm gift ideas for people with full houses already, and made Christmas morning more fun because everyone's excited about the reveal.

And here's the beautiful part: better quality gifts, less financial pressure, and everyone's happier.

Hack 3: Create a Christmas lunch food roster.

I'm hosting Christmas lunch at my place again this year. In the past, this would have meant weeks of menu planning, marathon shopping lists, and two solid days of cooking while simultaneously trying to keep the house presentable.

Not anymore.

The minute I confirm I'm hosting, I create a WhatsApp group with everyone attending and organise a food roster. Everyone brings one dish — whether that's a salad, a dessert, some seafood, a side, whatever they enjoy making or do well. I coordinate to avoid duplicates (though honestly, multiple pavlovas wouldn't be terrible), and I handle the main protein and a couple of sides.

Before you think this sounds like I'm shirking my hosting responsibilities, let me explain what this approach has given us: instead of one exhausted host who's been cooking for two days straight, we have a table overflowing with dishes that everyone's contributed to.

People get to bring their signature recipes. I'm actually relaxed and present when guests arrive instead of being a stressed mess. And there's something genuinely special about a Christmas feast that's been created collectively.

This isn't about cutting corners or being a lazy host. It's about recognising that modern Christmas doesn't need to look like one person doing everything while everyone else just shows up. It's about creating a celebration that's actually sustainable and enjoyable for everyone.

That's the kind of Christmas I want to keep having.

Look, I won't pretend these hacks eliminate all festive season stress. But these strategies have genuinely transformed how I move through December. They've given me back time to actually enjoy the lead-up to Christmas rather than just white-knuckling my way through it.

And perhaps most importantly, they've shown me that doing things differently doesn't mean doing Christmas wrong. It just means doing it in a way that actually works for your life, your family, your capacity.

So here's to a festive season that's a little less frantic, a little more joyful, and powered by some seriously smart shortcuts.

Check out Coles Deliver More to take your time back this festive season.

Coles Deliver More delivers more of what Aussies love. Available in selected areas in NSW and VIC, groceries are sent direct from the warehouse to you. Plus, there's more delivery slots to choose from, and an extended range with more products to enjoy. Order groceries later in the day and still get it when you need - and all with next-to-no substitutes. For an easy Christmas, shop Coles Deliver More.