So, you waited until the last month. Here is a countdown that will get everything done.
- Four Weeks Before Christmas
- Mail packages that are going away
Finish the Christmas card list and mail it by the end of the week
Complete at least 1/3 of the Christmas shopping list by the end of the week
Purchase emergency gifts
Begin holiday decorating-decorate outside, doors, shelves, and mantles.
Reserve babysitter for Holiday parties
If you haven’t already done so, sort through your child’s toys and books-donate barely used toys to charity.
Make an appointment for Christmas photographs
Find and play Christmas music
Set up a jigsaw puzzle to work on during the month of December
Set up a gift wrap area - Prepare your advent activity
Purchase and burn Pine and Cinnamon candles
Make an appointment with a hairdresser and manicurist for the Holidays
Write Santa letters (save a copy)
Have each family member select an activity they would like to do during the holidays, e.g., caroling, advent wreath, etc.
Order special foods planning to serve during the Holidays
Check on the status of ordered gifts and expected delivery dates - Order or buy Christmas plants or flowers check ads for Christmas decorations that may have already gone on sale
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Three Weeks Before Christmas
- Set out family photograph albums
Donate unused Christmas cards to nursing homes, VA centers, Rehab centers, etc.
Finish Holiday decorating
Complete at least 2/3 of the Christmas gift list
Purchase fruits, nuts, candy canes, etc., to set out for snacks
Plan kid’s shopping day
Purchase child’s exchange gifts for school and clubs
Check family clothing for planned events-clean and mend. Check if you have everything, e.g., socks, ties, or hosiery.
Make a marketing list for the Christmas menu.
Purchase staples for the Christmas menu.
Check for linens, table settings, and serving dishes needed for Holiday meals-purchase or borrow needed items.
Polish silverware and candlesticks
Clean glassware
- Two Weeks Before Christmas
- Complete Christmas gift list
Purchase stocking stuffers
Wrap and deliver gifts
Frost cookies
Buy poinsettias and Christmas cacti
Plan an activity for a shut-in or person living alone
Write up Christmas Menu and expected cooking times for each dish. Post on refrigerator
Make and refrigerate in a tight container cranberry sauce for a Christmas meal
Buy frozen foods for Christmas meals, e.g., rolls, pies, etc.
Work on centerpieces for Holiday tables.
Wash and press Holiday linens
- One Week Before Christmas
- Finish anything on the previous week’s list you haven’t gotten done
Purchase remaining food items for Holiday Meal-don’t forget beverages
Purchase film, camera batteries, videotapes, etc.
Wash china plates and serving dishes
Make 3 x 5 cards with instructions for each dish and place them in serving dishes and serving utensils.
Santa visit
See Christmas decorations around town
Borrow dishes and extra chairs
Bake rolls, pies, etc., can freeze for Holiday meal
Purchase candles, napkins, nuts, etc., you will need for Holiday meals
Double check gift list
Place frozen turkey in the refrigerator allowing 5 pounds of weight/day ahead. For example, if the turkey weighs 20 pounds, set out four days ahead.
- One Day Before Christmas
- Set out guest towels
Clear closets for coats
Chop and prepare vegetables, nuts, and cheese
Purchase ice
Chill beverages
Set table
Stock firewood in a fireplace
Get cameras and recorders ready. Insert film and new batteries
Insert batteries into toys, etc.
Assemble gifts
Measure dry ingredients and spices for each dish and place them in a baggy inside each serving dish
Attend church services
Set out Santa goodies
Cook onion and celery for stuffing
Check on Santa to see if stockings have been stuffed and if he enjoyed his snack.
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