It’s time to start planning for Christmas! The best thing you can do to make this a more enjoyable time is to plan ahead with a Christmas planning checklist.
Otherwise, you’ll be running around like a crazy person the last week of December and be exhausted.
And nobody needs that!
Now is the time to start your Christmas planning so that you can be prepared for all the activities in December. A little preparation now will allow you to be more present with your family and really enjoy the Christmas season.
So here is a Christmas checklist that gives you all the specific things to do to get ready for Christmas.
5-6 Weeks Before Christmas
Set Christmas budget.
Decide how much you will be spending on gifts, food, travel, and activities. Use this post with a free Christmas budget printable to help you set your budget.
Start looking for and purchasing gifts.
Make a list of ideas so that you know what to look for, and start purchasing Christmas gifts now, so that you don’t have to be out shopping at the last minute.
If you are making Christmas gifts, begin purchasing your gift supplies.
Decide on holiday baking and food.
Think about what meals you will be hosting and start gathering recipes. Make lists of holiday sweets and treats your family likes to have at Christmas. This way you can start looking for sales on these foods.
Purchase Christmas cards and postage.
You’ll want to send your Christmas cards out in early to mid December, so finalize your Christmas cards now. That will give you plenty of time to address, stuff, and mail your cards.
Gather addresses.
While you are thinking about Christmas cards, be sure you have up to date addresses of everyone on your mailing list.
Stock up on baking and pantry sales.
During November and December, your local grocery stores will have lots of good sales on baking supplies. Be sure to take advantage of these sales, so that you stay within your budget.
Add events and activities to calendar.
There is usually so much going on during Christmas time. Plan ahead and write down any events or activities that you know your family will want to do. That way you can easily keep track of them all.
Buy an advent calendar
My kids love counting days to Christmas! If you do too, make sure you purchase one before December 1. Here are 25 advent Bible verses to add to your countdown.
4 Weeks Before Christmas
Mail cards.
Since you already purchased them, this will be an easy task!
Put up Christmas decorations.
Pull out those bins and start putting your decor up. As you go through your Christmas decorations, set aside any that you don’t use or love anymore. Be sure to donate these instead of packing them back up.
Continue purchasing gifts and/or making gifts.
If you are giving handmade gifts, this is the week you’ll want to get started so that you don’t run out of time. Also, check your gift list again and make sure you have included everyone you need to give gifts to.
2 Weeks Before Christmas
Finalize your Christmas meal plan and make a grocery list.
Make lists of all the meals leading up to Christmas and actual Christmas Day meals. That way you won’t have to make extra trips to the grocery store.
You can use this free Christmas dinner planner to stay organized.
Finish purchasing gifts and stocking stuffers.
Double check your lists to make sure you haven’t forgotten anyone. Hopefully, you’ll be able to complete your shopping and won’t have to worry about getting any gifts the week of Christmas.
Use this Christmas gift list tracker to keep it all organized.
Wrap gifts.
Put on a Christmas movie and enjoy a hot holiday drink while you wrap gifts! Make it a fun activity.
Mail out of town gifts.
If you have gifts that need mailed, be sure to get them in the mail this week!
Confirm travel plans and/or confirm plans with guests.
If you are traveling, check with your hosts about anything you should bring or prepared for. And if you are doing the hosting, make sure you know when your guests are arriving, in order to be prepared.
Here’s a helpful list things your overnight guests want in a guest room.
Week of Christmas
Finish purchasing food and baking items.
If you can use grocery pickup or delivery services, do it! They’ll make you life so much easier and you’ll have more time to spend with your loved ones and enjoying a Christmas tradition at home.
Make food gifts.
If you are giving food gifts, (which is a great idea), this is the week to get those made and delivered so they are fresh.
Prepare guest bedrooms.
If you are hosting guests, change the bed sheets, dust, vacuum, and declutter the room so it is inviting to your guests.
Throughly clean your house.
It feels so good to have a throughly cleaned home for Christmas Day.
Pack bags for traveling.
If you are heading out of town, pack those bags a few nights ahead of time, that way you won’t feel rushed and you’ll be less likely to forget items.
Prepare Christmas day desserts and casseroles.
One of the best ways to save time and energy is to prepare as much as possible ahead of time. Look through your meal plan and recipes.
There are lots of desserts and casseroles that can easily be put together a day ahead and then cooked on the day of Christmas.
Download Your Christmas Planning Checklist
Enjoy the Christmas season!
