It’s that time of the year. As everyone starts to get ready for the holidays, it’s too easy to forget something that needs to be done. Use this checklist to stay on track and ensure you get everything done in time to relax and enjoy the holidays.
Start Hanging Up the Lights
Hanging up the lights can be done whenever there’s a free weekend. Hate putting up the lights outdoors? Consider installing permanent christmas lights this year so this step can be skipped from now on.
Set a Budget for Christmas
Start early and create a budget for Christmas to avoid overspending. This should include everything, from holiday supplies to food and gifts. Leave a little extra room in the budget for anything that was forgotten.
Start Planning and Purchasing Gifts
Start planning and purchasing gifts as early as possible to make sure it’s easy to get gifts for everyone and to make sure everything arrives in time. Plus, starting early means it’s possible to shop the sales and save money.
Create Christmas Cards
Those who want to send out Christmas cards will want to start early to ensure they get mailed out on time. Start thinking about the outfits to wear, where to take the photos and other details, then find the perfect photographer.
Purchase the Holiday Supplies
Purchase any holiday supplies that are needed to decorate the home. It may be a good idea to choose a theme, but it’s not required. Find things that will look great in the house and create a winter fun feeling.
Order Wrapping Paper
Order wrapping paper early to make sure there is plenty of it when the gifts start arriving. Don’t forget to order extra tape, too, and to make sure other supplies like scissors are on hand and ready to go.
Decorate the Christmas Tree
A few weeks before, start decorating the Christmas tree. Picking out the perfect one can be a fun family activity, as can decorating it while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate.
Enjoy Christmas Activities
Don’t forget to set aside some time to enjoy Christmas activities. Check with local resources to find nearby activities or create some fun at home with a number of different things to do.
Wrap the Presents
Wrap the presents and label them all at once or as they arrive at home. Once wrapped, they can be hidden away or be placed under the Christmas tree. It may be helpful to use a different wrapping paper for each person to make it easier to tell who gets which gift on Christmas day.
Order Food for Christmas Dinner
For those who are having Christmas dinner at home or hosting a dinner for friends and family, don’t forget to order or purchase all of the food that’s needed. Some can be purchased well ahead of time to make sure the stores don’t run out.
Get Ready for Christmas Eve
In the last few days, take the time to get ready for Christmas Eve. Prepare for any Christmas Eve or Christmas Day traditions, make sure any food that can be precooked is made, and do the finishing touches to get everything prepped.
Preparing for Christmas can be a lot of work, but it can be a lot of fun, too. Use this checklist to make sure everything is done so you can just relax and enjoy the holiday.