Getting ready for the Holidays can be stressful. Here is a Christmas Countdown to help you simplify the job. By breaking down your preparations into small, easy-to-take steps over a six week period, you can enjoy a stressfree Christmas season.
Seven – Eight Weeks Before (early November)
- Begin your Holiday Card List – How many cards do you need and do you have updated addresses.
- Ask older, tech-savvy kids to set up online wish lists.
- Buy (or order) Christmas cards, stamps, and gift wrapping supplies.
- Schedule carpet cleaning, window washing, or other professional cleaning services.
- Start a Master Holiday shopping list and begin shopping in earnest.
Six Weeks Before
- Establish a Holiday budget.
- Start addressing your holiday cards.
- Sort though your holiday decorations. Replace burned-out bulbs.
- Shop for out-of-town friends and family.
- Pick up a few “just-in-case” gifts (scented candles, bottles of wine, etc).
Five Weeks Before
- Continue shopping and wrap gifts as you buy them.
- Continue addressing your holiday cards.
- Take stock of your pantry and baking staples. Add flour, spices, and sugar to your grocery list, as needed.
- Plan your holiday menus.
Four Weeks Before (Directly after Thanksgiving)
- Shop Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Finish online shopping.
- Send any Holiday outfits and coats to the Dry Cleaners.
- Start picking up items for stocking stuffers. Need ideas? Here’s a list of 125+ items.
- Schedule family hair appointments.
- Start decorating your house.
- Finish addressing Holiday cards.
Three Weeks Before (1st week of December)
- Mail cards and any packages/ presents to out-of-town friends and family.
- Buy and trim your tree this week.
- Decorate inside of house and hang outside decorations.
- Finalize menues. Order a turkey or ham.
- Stock up on non-perishables.
Two Weeks Before (2nd week of December)
- Shop for nonperishable items and freezer items.
- Buy fresh wreaths and garland.
- Make sure your bar is well-stocked. Don’t forget mixers and garnishes.
- Take platters and serving dishes out of storage and clean them, as needed.
One Week Before (3rd week of December)
- Deep clean your house.
- Buy batteries for toys.
- Shop for fresh ingredients.
- Prepare make-ahead dishes as far in advance as possible.
Sources: RealSimple.com, Flylady.net, christmas.organizedhome.com, womansday.com
