The Ultimate Christmas Checklist Planning Guide
This post is all about the ultimate christmas checklist.
As the festive season draws near it is prudent to start getting organized for the activities that often take place. Early preparation is key to having more holiday cheer with loved ones and avoiding mistakes that may lead to stressful episodes this holiday season. The best way to get organized is through an elaborate Christmas checklist so you can have a stress-free Merry Christmas with your family.
The Ultimate Christmas Checklist
Every year, you should start getting your holiday planning in order with this Christmas checklist as your guide. Starting your Christmas planning early will ensure you have a great time with friends and family. I also attached a printable that you can download and print out from the comfort of your own home. Cheers to a successful and stress-free holiday season!
1. Christmas Checklist: Before October
Consult family and friends – This is the time for you to get in touch with various family members and agree on how you are going to spend the festive season. Take everyone’s opinion into consideration because it will help you make more informed decisions. Consider talking to your friends if you are planning to spend some time together.
Make reservations – If you are going for a vacation in a different destination, it may be prudent to make hotel reservations or book airplane tickets in advance for Christmas break. This will help you get discounts and possibly save a lot of cash.
2. Christmas Checklist: October
Create a calendar – As you find out relevant dates regarding activities such as school pageants and closing dates enter them into a calendar. Keep the calendar in an easily accessible area so you can refer to it whenever you are making newer plans.
Update cards – Go through your holiday cards and update them accordingly depending on any rearrangements that may have occurred.
Go shopping for cards and wrapping paper – Select stores put up cards and gift wrapping papers on sale as early as Halloween and this gives you a good opportunity to get some of the best bargains on ideal products.
Consider overnight plans – If you expect to get overnight guests, it may be prudent to make plans for them at this time. This may mean getting more towels, new sheets and blankets to ensure comfort and convenience.
Start baking – Start preparing any meals and baked goods that can be kept under refrigeration without any risk of spoiling. Nut breads, cookies and bars are a few examples of things you can bake early so as to free up time when the festivities get closer.
3. Christmas Checklist: November
Create a master gift list – At this time it may be wise to put together a list of all the gifts you may have to get for your husband, wife, daughter, son and their little ones. Write names of loved ones alongside the most ideal gifts you have in mind. This master gift list is subject to change but ensures you never forget anyone while you are shopping for gifts.
Create a budget – Spending without knowing your limits may easily land you into financial problems before or after the festive season. It is a good idea to start making a holiday budget that will help govern your spending.
Start shopping – Do not wait until the last two weeks to start shopping as the needs may overwhelm you. Have your shopping list ready and start picking up anything that may be important at this time so as to free up your time and schedule in the future.
Download This Free Christmas Planner
4. Christmas Checklist: Four weeks before Christmas
Shop online – If you are planning on purchasing anything in store or online shopping this is the ideal time to do so as it allows time for shipping and you’ll find many discounts offered from retailers especially around Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Start wrapping gifts – At this stage, everyone is obviously starting to get curious about their gift which is why you should wrap them up to avoid spoiling the surprise.
Start addressing cards – It is a good idea to start addressing cards one month prior to Christmas especially if you have a long list of people to send cards to. This envelope stencil from The Lettermate has been a lifesaver for me. I bought mine from the Grommet but you can also find it on Amazon.
Consider glasses and dishes – This festive season you may have an influx of friends and relatives to your house especially in you’re throwing a Christmas party and the last thing you want is to have too few utensils. Take a quick stock of your dishes, utensils and coffee mugs for hot cocoa just in case you need to buy more.
Take stock of decorations – Some of the Christmas decorations you need to take stock of include ornaments, Christmas lights, wreaths and lawn ornament. Find out if anything is broken or needs to be updated. You can add to the stock if it seems less than ideal.
5. Christmas Checklist: Three weeks before Christmas
Send cards – This is an ideal time to mail Christmas cards to friends and relatives. If you have little ones, have them write cards to Santa Claus so you can mail those out too. If you have a busy schedule at this time you can as well put off this exercise and do it soon after the holiday rush.
Start decorating – Just to get everyone in the mood for the festive season start putting up all your holiday decorations in every room if you want. This will allow you to find out if anything is missing and get it on time.
Buy a live tree – This is the right time for you to go shopping for a fresh Christmas tree. Consider buying fresh greenery or garlands while at it.
Go over menus – Go through your menus for Christmas dinner and finalize everything so as to be fully prepared.
Order your turkey, chicken or ham – If your centerpiece is a turkey, chicken or ham, ensure you make your order at this stage.
6. Christmas Checklist: Two weeks before Christmas
Ensure mails are sent – Mail gifts or cards that are likely to end up out of town should all be sent by the 10th of December. This allows enough time for them to get to their destination.
Shop for non-perishables – Make a to-do list of non-perishables. Alcohol, hot chocolate, canned products or pantry staples are some of the things you need to buy at this point.
7. Christmas Checklist: A week before Christmas
Perform thorough cleaning – Your decorations will look even better when the house gets a deep clean and the rooms are well organized. The last week before the big day, put away any items that may be cluttering space and wash the windows to allow for better view. Make room in the refrigerator for bigger dishes and important ingredients. Thorough cleaning will ensure your home does not have any bad odors and that drainage systems in the compound are working in an optimal manner.
READ: How To Minimize Holiday Cleaning Stress
Check children’s toys – If some of your guests will be kids, it is wise to organize some toys for them. Buy new batteries for the toys and ensure they are age appropriate.
8. Christmas Checklist: Three days before
Get fresh ingredients – Make a grocery list of fresh ingredients. This is the right time to go shopping for fresh ingredients. Onions, fruits, garlic, pepper, and onions are some of the things you should buy at this point.
Set the table – Set the table in the dining room or wherever you will have the family gathering. Arrange the chairs and any other accessories necessary for a successful event.
9. Christmas Checklist: Two days before
Start cooking – Prep main courses and remove frozen dishes from the refrigerator. Start cooking anything that can stay good over two days.
10. Christmas Checklist: A day before
Finish up wrapping – If you bought any last minute gifts, Christmas Eve is the perfect time to wrap them up and place them under the tree. Finish cooking and prepare a schedule for the next day: Christmas.
Recharge Batteries – The last thing you want is to miss any happy moments during family gatherings. Recharge batteries you will use in your digital camera or video recorder. Check that your audio and video systems are working.
Free Printable!
Click image to download the FREE Christmas Countdown Checklist printable.
Don’t be caught up in your arrangements that you forget to enjoy every moment you spend with loved ones. Once you’re done, you can sit back, have fun and enjoy the holiday spirit. Don’t forget to print out this Christmas checklist.
Happy Holidays and New Year!
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