It’s the most wonderful time of the year… but it can also be the most stressful! So if you’re looking to make things a little easier on yourself this holiday season, why not try following my Christmas to-do list? This way, you can ensure that everything gets done in a timely and organized manner.
I have provided an easy checklist below that can be downloaded or printed for convenience.
Download this checklist.
8-7 WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS (NOV 6TH)
Set a Budget:
The first step for Christmas planning is to make a holiday budget that you can commit to. When planning your budget, consider the prices of gifts, holiday cards, decorations, travel, and Christmas Day and Christmas Eve meals. Looking at prices online is an easy way of gauging how much everything will cost.
Brainstorm Gift Ideas.
This is the fun part! Make a list of everyone you need to buy for, and start brainstorming what kinds of things they would like. If you’re stuck, think about their hobbies or interests.
Start shopping! Once you know what you want to get everyone on your list, it’s time to start shopping. Look for sales and compare prices to get the best deals. You can also start making homemade gifts to save even more money. Finally, don’t forget about black Friday and cyber Monday deals.
Schedule your Family Photo for Cards.
If you’re sending out holiday cards, now is the time to take a family photo. You can either do it yourself or hire a professional photographer. Book your times and arrange what time is good for everyone to participate.
Decided Who is Hosting
Determine who among your family or friends will be in charge of hosting the Christmas celebration. If you are not the one hosting Christmas, you should be ready for the holiday by purchasing a ticket as soon as you can if you will need to travel to get to your host. You should also make any additional trip preparations that you may require, such as finding a pet sitter and adding packing to your list of things to do before Christmas. If you are the host, you should begin planning the guest list. Suppose there is a remote possibility that you may have overnight visitors in your house. It would be best if you made accommodations for them by deciding where they will sleep and whether further preparations are necessary.
6-5 WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS ( NOV 20th)
Get a head start on your Holiday Card by doing one of these:
Decide on the design of your Christmas card. Do you like a smart and fashionable postcard, a BookletteTM with all the latest trends, or a traditional and elegant 5″ x 7″ card? You can learn more about these and other Christmas card options with the online services offered. It’s possible to choose a greeting card that fits your desired aesthetic, whether it’s something straightforward and minimal, cool and contemporary, or elegant and classic.
Book Santa Claus Visit and Holiday Activities:
If you have small children, booking a visit from Santa Claus is a good idea. This is typically done by visiting the mall or another location where Santa is set up for visits. It’s essential to book your child’s visit early so that they aren’t disappointed on Christmas Eve when they don’t get to see Santa. It would also be the time to book skating activities and sledding outings, and don’t forget to mark them on the calendar.
Make a Holiday Calendar:
Make a detailed holiday calendar for yourself to ensure you don’t get behind in your Christmas planning. Utilize this schedule often to ensure that your time is being spent effectively. If you want to know when days will be free to get some of your critical planning done, it’s a good idea to write down things like family meals, school recitals, and business parties. You may customize one of Minted’s lovely calendars with all the important dates for the Christmas season.
Decorate Your Home:
Get into the holiday spirit by decorating your home with festive Christmas decorations. You can put up a Christmas tree, string lights around your house, and make homemade wreaths and garlands. Light up your outside and bring the spirit of Christmas to those in the neighborhood and passing by.
Christmas Bake-Off!
The delicious food is one of the best parts of the holiday season. Get your friends and family together for a Christmas bake-off where everyone brings their favorite holiday treats. Don’t forget to make some yourself and freeze them till needed. They also make great gifts because I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t like homemade treats.
Plan Christmas Food Menu.
Planning the menu for Christmas dinner can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to accommodate different dietary restrictions. Make things easier on yourself by scheduling a menu that everyone will enjoy. Plenty of online resources can give you some great ideas if you’re unsure what to make. Once you’ve decided on the menu, list all the ingredients you need and pick them up ahead of time.
Order your Turkey or Ham.
If you have turkey or ham for Christmas dinner, it’s important to order it ahead of time so you can be sure to get the size and type you want. Most butcher shops and grocery stores will take orders for holiday meats well in advance, so be sure to put your order in early.
Get Kids to Write a Letter to Santa, Gift Wish List.
One of the best parts of Christmas for kids is writing a letter to Santa and making a list of all the presents they hope to get. If you have young children, it’s a good idea to help them with this so that their letters are legible and Santa can understand what they want. You can also use this opportunity to teach them the importance of being polite and respectful when asking for gifts.
4-3 WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS (DEC 4th)
Take Advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shopping.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great times to do your Christmas shopping because you can find some fantastic deals on gifts. Just set a budget for yourself, so you don’t overspend. There are also plenty of sales leading up to Christmas, so if you miss Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you’ll still have plenty of opportunity to snag some great deals.
Buy Stocking Stuffers.
One of the best parts of Christmas is finding little stocking stuffers for your loved ones. This is an excellent opportunity to get creative and personal with your gifts. You can fill stockings with anything from candy and sweets to small items like socks and gloves. Just be sure to check the recipients’ stocking size so that you don’t end up with a stocking full of goodies that won’t fit.
Start Wrapping Presents.
Wrapping presents is one of the most tedious parts of Christmas, but it’s also one of the most important. No one wants to see their carefully chosen gift sitting under the tree with no wrapping paper, so be sure to start early. You can also use this opportunity to get creative with your wrapping paper and make each present look unique.
Write and Send Christmas Cards.
Sending out Christmas cards is a great way to stay in touch with friends and family you rarely see. You can either buy pre-made cards or make your own. If you’re making your own, start early so you have enough time to make them all. You can also save money by sending e-cards instead of traditional cards.
Send all Outgoing Gifts.
If you’re sending gifts to friends and family who live far away, it’s essential to send them out well in advance so that they have time to arrive before Christmas. Be sure to account for shipping times when making your plans so that your gifts don’t get lost in the mail.
2-1 WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS (DEC 16th)
Place Gifts under Tree/Hide Gifts
One of the most exciting parts of Christmas is watching your loved ones open their gifts on Christmas morning. If you’re hiding the gifts from everyone until then, be sure to find a good hiding spot where they won’t be able to find them. You can also use this opportunity to wrap any last-minute gifts that you may have.
Finish any Last-Minute Shopping.
If you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping, now is the time to do it. Be sure to account for shipping times if you’re buying anything online so that your gifts arrive on time. You can also check out local stores for any last-minute items that you may need.
Finalize Your Guest List.
If you’re having people over for Christmas, finalize your guest list and changes. This will give your guests ample time to RSVP and make travel arrangements. If you’re sending out physical invitations, include all the important information, like the event’s date, time, and location.
Make Your Grocery List and get the Food Needed.
Christmas is a time for feasting, so do your grocery shopping in advance. This will allow you to get any specialty items you may need and avoid the crowds at the supermarket. If not done already, you can also use this opportunity to bake any Christmas cookies or treats you plan on serving.
Assemble the Christmas Table Centerpiece and Decorations.
If you’re responsible for decorating the Christmas table, now is the time to do it. You can either use store-bought decorations or make your own. Include a centerpiece that will wow your guests and makes the table look festive.
Create Your Christmas Eve/Day Timeline.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day can be hectic, so planning is essential. First, decide what you want to do each day and make a timeline so that you can stay on track. This will help you make the most of your time and avoid any last-minute scrambling.
Pack Suitcases for Travel if Going Outbound.
If you’re traveling for Christmas, pack your bags well in advance. This will help you avoid any last-minute packing and ensure you have everything you need for your trip. Also, don’t forget to account for any weather conditions you may encounter while away.
Clean House Before Guests Arrive.
If you’re having people over for Christmas, now is the time to start cleaning your house. This will help you avoid any last-minute stress and ensure that your home is ready for guests. You can also use this opportunity to decorate your home for the holidays.
CHRISTMAS EVE (DEC 24th)
Make a Christmas Eve Dinner.
Christmas Eve is a time for family and friends to get together and celebrate. If you’re hosting dinner, start planning early so you’re not rushing around at the last minute. You can also ask your guests to bring a dish to share so that you don’t have to do all the work yourself.
Attend Christmas Eve Service.
If you’re religious, Christmas Eve service is a must. This is a great way to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and spend time with your loved ones. Most churches offer multiple services, so check the times and pick one that works.
Set Out Cookies and Milk for Santa.
One of the most important parts of Christmas Eve is setting out cookies and milk for Santa. This is a tradition that your kids will love, and it’s sure to put a smile on their faces. So be sure to set out enough for Santa and all of his reindeer!
Put out Presents from Santa.
If you’re giving your kids presents from Santa, now is the time to put them out. This way, they’ll wake up to them on Christmas morning and be excited to open them. Just be sure to check that they’re all wrapped up tightly, so Santa doesn’t have trouble getting them into his sleigh!
CHRISTMAS DAY (DEC 25th)
Wake up Early on Christmas Morning.
Christmas morning is always exciting, so wake up early to enjoy it to the fullest. This is the time to open presents, eat a delicious breakfast, and spend time with your loved ones. So make the most of it!
Cherish the Time Spent with Family and Friends.
Christmas is a special time of year to be with those you love. Cherish the time spent with your family and friends, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Merry Christmas!
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