How Many Shopping Days Left Before Christmas?! And What This Teaches Us About Managing Change

Whether we’re ready or not, the countdown to Christmas is officially on. We’re in November, the clocks have gone back, and the airwaves are filled with early Christmas adverts.  So, how many shopping days do we have left before Christmas? For the meticulously organised, this is the ultimate countdown. For others… panic sets in. There are some surprisingly valuable lessons here that relate to my own field of change management.

Lesson 1: Planning Makes Perfect… Or at Least Prevents Panic

Starting early keeps the stress at bay. When we approach a change project, we often start with a clear, detailed plan to keep things on track. Similarly, if you’ve started making your list, checking it twice, and maybe even doing a bit of shopping already, you’re well on your way to a stress-free holiday.

Takeaway: Early preparation pays off, whether you’re leading a project or simply trying to avoid the Christmas Eve rush.

Lesson 2: Flexibility is Key – Especially in the Face of Unexpected Gifts

Sometimes, despite our best planning efforts, things go awry - remember the must-have toy shortages last year? In project management and Christmas shopping, flexibility is everything. If the perfect present for a loved one is out of stock, be ready with a backup idea or two—same as in a project plan. Having contingencies in place makes everyone gets what they need, even if it’s not quite what they envisioned.

Takeaway: Flexibility in the face of change helps us adapt smoothly and deliver success, no matter what surprises come our way.

Lesson 3: Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Journey

In both Christmas shopping and managing change, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the tasks and deadlines. But we often miss out if we’re too focused on the finish line. The holiday season—and any major project—is an experience. Take a step back, breathe, and find the joy in the journey. This year, instead of stressing about the remaining shopping days, I’m taking my own advice: slowing down a bit, enjoying the lights, the holiday cheer, and even the queues. Because ultimately, the holidays (and our work) are about celebrating achievements and enjoying the people around us.

Takeaway: Change management, like holiday planning, should be about making the process meaningful.

Happy Christmas shopping, everyone!