Quick AnswerA Christmas countdown keeps you on schedule: four weeks out, mail faraway packages and Christmas cards; three and two weeks out, finish shopping and wrapping; the last week, bake, clean and get ready for guests.
For busy families, the holiday season can sneak up fast. This Christmas countdown helps you get everything ready in time, with practical steps for each week leading up to Christmas.
📅 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
💡 Quick Tip: Start a Christmas playlist early. It sets the mood and gives you plenty of time to find all your favorite songs and discover new ones too.
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🎁 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.
💡 Quick Tip: Start early with small tasks to avoid last-minute stress.
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❓ Questions People Ask
When Should I Start Decorating For Christmas?
Begin decorating at least four weeks before Christmas to enjoy the festive atmosphere early and reduce last-minute stress.
How Early Should I Start Shopping For Gifts?
Start shopping at least a month before Christmas to find the best deals and avoid the rush.
What Are Some Must-Have Items For Christmas?
Must-have items include a Christmas tree, stockings, wrapping paper, and a festive tablecloth. Don’t forget to check our gift wrap area for more ideas!
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