Want a more relaxed Christmas holiday? There is a serious case for making back-to-school plans before the post-Christmas rush.
Families around Australia are counting down the weeks before school is out for summer, with dreams of long, hot days, beach trips and the freedom that only the holidays can bring. It’s a time to kick back and enjoy time with our loved ones, taking a well-deserved break from the rush of school life.
However, nestled between the joy of Christmas and the excitement of New Year’s Eve lies a looming deadline that can send even the most organised parents into a frenzy: The never-ending to-do list that accompanies getting ready for the upcoming school year.
The mental toll of preparing for school, whether through online ordering or in-store visits, can feel incredibly daunting. As parents, we want the best for our children and desire to provide them with everything they need for a successful school year. This responsibility can weigh heavily on our minds, especially when combined with the demands of Christmas presents, family gatherings and New Year’s celebrations.
The good news is that instead of joining the throngs of last-minute shoppers, parents can enjoy a more relaxed Christmas holiday, knowing that they’ve taken care of school essentials.
Here are three important reasons why you might want to get on top of things early this year.
1. Easing the transition
Getting back to school ready before Christmas allows children to gradually ease into the idea of returning to school. It helps reduce the shock of transitioning from a relaxed holiday mode to a structured school routine, which can lead to a more positive start to the academic year—for parents and students alike.
This is especially true for children who are starting school for the first time or transitioning to a new school. Having the necessary school supplies, eBooks, textbooks and a structured routine in place before the school year starts allows students to begin the year on a positive note, contributing to their overall academic success.
2. Take advantage of the quiet period
When it comes to uniforms, Christmas time is the perfect opportunity to source secondhand uniforms through school Facebook groups. Many parents look to offload uniforms that no longer fit their children, offering you first dibs on quality items. Uniform shops and Campion’s stores are quieter around Christmas compared to the January rush, making the shopping experience more relaxed and enjoyable.
Just as with uniforms, early December is an excellent time to start thinking about textbooks. You can browse through your child’s booklist and see what options are available for digital versions, helping to ensure your child has all the required materials well in advance.
If you’re considering buying a textbook secondhand online, make sure you are buying the right version since school textbooks are regularly updated with different versions. Plus, if you buy a secondhand textbook you will often need to also buy a digital activation code to access the digital materials, and in many cases it may prove cheaper to buy the book new.
3. Avoid the risk of missed opportunities
Life is unpredictable and deadlines can slip through the cracks. While suppliers do their best to accommodate late orders, this may result in increased post and packaging costs, and add unnecessary worry to an already busy time. That’s why getting ready ahead of schedule cuts down on the anxiety associated with finding the right supplies, uniforms, eBooks and textbooks at the eleventh hour.
Early orders, especially with more specific or less available items, provide the peace of mind that your child will have access to the resources they need when school starts. This assurance can be a significant relief for parents, knowing they won’t have to scramble at the last minute or deal with the disappointment of unavailable supplies.
So, as your family soaks up the sun these summer holidays, why not make time to prepare for the upcoming school year ahead of the crowd? By getting back to school ready before Christmas, you’ll ensure a smoother transition into the new academic year, reducing stress and allowing your family to fully embrace rest and renewal as we head into the new year.
