The festive season can be a time of joy, but it’s also a period that brings plenty of stress—from managing shopping lists and coordinating holiday plans to keeping the family entertained. Thankfully, there are some fantastic apps that can help you stay organised, relax, and make the most of the Christmas period. Whether you’re looking for shopping deals, recipe inspiration, or ways to keep the kids entertained, these 10 apps are sure to make your festive season smoother and more enjoyable.
1. Todoist: Stay Organised
December can be chaotic with so much to plan and organise. Todoist is a task management app that helps you keep track of everything from buying presents to planning Christmas dinner. You can create to-do lists, set deadlines, and even collaborate with others if you’re delegating tasks. It’s a lifesaver for those who need to stay on top of their holiday plans.
Available on: iOS, Android
2. Stocard: Your Digital Wallet for Loyalty Cards
With Christmas shopping in full swing, Stocard allows you to store all your loyalty cards in one digital app. No more fumbling through your wallet at the checkout—you can access all your cards with a single tap, helping you make the most of holiday sales and offers without the hassle.
Available on: iOS, Android
3. Headspace: Find a Moment of Calm
It’s easy to get overwhelmed during the festive season. Headspace offers guided meditations that can help you unwind, manage stress, and stay present. From quick breathing exercises to longer relaxation sessions, this app can bring some much-needed calm to your Christmas period.
Available on: iOS, Android
4. BBC Good Food: Christmas Recipe Ideas
For those hosting Christmas dinner or attending festive gatherings, BBC Good Food is packed with recipe ideas to suit every taste. From classic roast dinners to vegetarian feasts and festive desserts, you’ll find everything you need to make your holiday meals special. The app also includes step-by-step guides to help even the most novice cooks prepare delicious dishes.
Available on: iOS, Android
5. Christmas Radio: Festive Tunes on the Go
What’s Christmas without a bit of festive music? Christmas Radio offers a variety of holiday stations, from classic carols to modern Christmas hits. Perfect for setting the mood whether you’re wrapping gifts, hosting a party, or driving to visit loved ones.
Available on: iOS, Android
6. Elfster: Simplify Secret Santa
If you’re organising a Secret Santa gift exchange, Elfster takes care of everything. It helps you set up the exchange, draw names, and even allows participants to create wish lists. No more stressing about buying the perfect gift—everyone will know exactly what to get!
Available on: iOS, Android
7. Trainline: Hassle-Free Travel Planning
Travelling across the UK during Christmas can be stressful, especially with busy schedules and potential delays. Trainline helps you plan your journeys, book tickets, and track train times, so you can get to your festive destination without a hitch. It also offers live updates, so you can stay informed if there are any disruptions.
Available on: iOS, Android
8. Giftster: Keep Track of Gift Ideas
Finding the perfect gift for everyone can be daunting. Giftster allows you to create and share wish lists with friends and family, so everyone knows what their loved ones really want. You can also use the app to keep track of your own gift ideas, making holiday shopping much easier.
Available on: iOS, Android
9. Cineworld: Plan Festive Movie Outings
Christmas is a great time to catch the latest blockbuster releases, and Cineworld makes it easy to find film times, book tickets, and check out trailers. Perfect for families looking for a festive film outing or groups of friends wanting to see the latest releases.
Available on: iOS, Android
10. JustEat: Relax and Order In
Sometimes, you just need a break from cooking. JustEat allows you to order food from a wide range of local restaurants, so you can enjoy a cosy night in without the hassle of cooking or washing up. Ideal for those lazy evenings between Christmas and New Year when all you want to do is relax.
Available on: iOS, Android
Conclusion: Stress Less, Enjoy More
The holiday season can be a busy time, but with the right tools, you can make it through December with less stress and more joy. From managing your holiday plans and keeping on top of gift buying to finding ways to relax, these apps offer simple solutions that make the festive period smoother. Download a few and see how they can help you have a stress-free Christmas this year!
