As we know, the festive season can be as stressful as it is wonderful. But a little organization can go a long way in keeping the holiday cheer going. To make things easier, we’ve put together a handy guide on what to do at each key milestone as we tick off the days until the big event.
10 Weeks Before Christmas
- Set a Budget: Figure out how much you want to spend overall — on gifts, food, events, and decorations.
- Make a Gift List: Start by making a gift list for family and friends, and note any ideas you already have. We might be biased, but we think personalized gifts are always a hit.
- Design a Holiday Calendar: Chart all your upcoming events — like Christmas shopping, winter wonderland, and community events — in a holiday calendar that the whole family can look at.
- Plan Your Holiday Card Family Photoshoot: Fall is a popular time for taking Christmas card photos thanks to the vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds. Need some inspo? Click here.
- Book Travel: If you’re visiting friends or family, book travel arrangements to get the best deals and availability.
4 Weeks Before Christmas
- Deck the Halls: It’s time to set up the Christmas tree! Bring out the lights, ornaments, baubles and wreaths to turn your space into a festive wonderland.
- Send Out Holiday Cards: By now, it’s a good idea to write and send out your holiday cards so they arrive in plenty of time.
- Plan Gatherings: Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or a holiday party, finalize your menu and ensure you have enough mugs, coasters & napkins to set the table.
1 Week Before Christmas
- Deep Clean the House: Take time to thoroughly clean your home before guests arrive. This will make it easier to do quick cleanups later.
- Go Grocery Shopping: Purchase fresh ingredients for your holiday meals and prepare any dishes that can be made ahead of time.
- Finish Gift Wrapping: Wrap the last of your presents and place them under the tree. Don’t forget to label them to avoid confusion.
- Prepare Guest Rooms: If family or friends are staying over, make sure the guest room is ready, with fresh blankets, pillows and towels.
Christmas Eve
- Set the Table: Set your Christmas table a day early to ensure everything is ready for a festive meal.
- Bake Festive Treats: Cookies, gingerbread, apple pies, cinnamon rolls. You name it!
- Movie Marathon: Gather with family to watch your all-time favorite Christmas movies (with a cozy sherpa blanket, of course).
Christmas Day
- Enjoy Breakfast: Start the day with a festive breakfast, whether it’s pancakes, cinnamon rolls, muffins or chocolate waffles.
- Open Gifts: It’s what you’ve been waiting for! Gather around the tree, unwrap gifts, and make sure to take some pictures for your next holiday photo book.
- Embrace Family Traditions: Whether it’s putting together a puzzle, going on a holiday scavenger hunt, or spending time in the snow, take time to enjoy the family traditions that make your holiday special.
