As the week before Christmas approaches, you may be wondering how you’re supposed to get everything done.
That’s why It’s so important to plan ahead as much as possible. If there is anything that you know you can do ahead of time, make sure you do it.
For the rest of the things that need to be accomplished, you’ll need a manageable plan. Otherwise you may feel overwhelmed and stressed.
Feeling that way will only lead to frustration and tears which is not what you and your family need at Christmas.
Do This a Week Before Christmas
Make a list.
Sit down with a hot drink and some quiet space that allows you to think about everything on your to-do list.
Write down everything you can think of that you would like to do before Christmas.
Prioritize the most important tasks.
Now that your list is made, it needs to be broken up into a few different categories by priority.
I like to use the following lists: must do, should do, could do.
The must do things will probably be things like gifts, food, and travel or guest preparation.
Things that aren’t a must but are still important to you would be things that fall under the “should do” category. For me, these are things like extra treats, extra decorating, special clothes, or events.
Could do things are things that won’t make that big of an impact if they aren’t done even though it would be nice to do them. This may be things like making gingerbread houses or getting extra stocking stuffers.
Plan for your Christmas list.
Once you know what must get done, write those top priorities down on a calendar. Pick specific days for each task.
Then once those tasks are filled in you’ll see if you have enough time on your calendar for the other items that were part of your “should do” and “could do” lists.
Whatever doesn’t fit in your calendar for the last week before Christmas, can simply be crossed off your list.
Week Before Christmas Checklist
Now, you may be wondering what you need to put on your list. I’ve come up with everything I could think of.
In this list I’ll break down what you’ll need to do the days before Christmas and dates to go along with each item on your to-do list.
Get a printable checklist of all of these things here: Week before Christmas checklist printable
1. Finish gift purchases.
December 19
Hopefully, you’ve gotten some of your gifts purchased already. If you’re not sure what you have left to get, then make a list of everyone you have left.
You may be able to order online, but you’re cutting it close! If the online gifts won’t arrive on time, then you’ll need to schedule a day this week to get the rest of the gifts on your list.
Some last minute gift ideas: giftcards, chocolates, candles, body spray, food gift boxes.
2. Wrap gifts.
December 20
Once you’ve purchased all of your gifts, it’s time to wrap them. I like to do this with some Christmas music playing or a Christmas movie.
It’s also fun to include your kids when possible. My kids get gifts for each other from Dollar Tree, and they love wrapping their gifts for each other.
3. Fill Stockings.
December 24
I usually do this on Christmas Eve after the kids have gone to bed. However, I like to do a trial run a few day before, just to make sure I’ve got everything I want to add to their stockings.
We keep stockings pretty simple: toothpaste and toothbrush, small toys, socks, coloring book, ect.
4. Finish purchasing food and baking items.
December 21
Go through your final meals, treats, and drinks for the following week and especially Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Go through your fridge and pantry and make a list of anything you still need to pick up from the store.
If you can use grocery pickup or delivery services, do it! They’ll make your life so much easier and you’ll have more time to spend with your loved ones.
5. Make food gifts.
December 22
If you are giving food gifts, this is the week to get those made and delivered so they are fresh.
Make it a family activity. Depending on your children’s ages, they could help with different things. When my kids were really little, they did things like putting sprinkles on cookies or chocolate covered pretzels.
Little kids can also color pictures to attach to the food gifts.
6. Prepare guest bedrooms.
1-2 days before guests arrive
If you are hosting guests, be sure to get the guest room ready a day or two before they arrive.
Change the bed sheets, dust, vacuum, and declutter the room so it is inviting to your guests. Add extra blankets and towels to their room.
7. Throughly clean your house.
December 23
It feels so good to have a throughly cleaned home for Christmas Day. Tidy up your kitchen, clean the bathroom, do a quick dust, and mop and vacuum the floors.
8. Pack bags for traveling.
1-2 days before leaving
If you are heading out of town, pack those bags a couple of days ahead of time, that way you won’t feel rushed and you’ll be less likely to forget items.
9. Defrost the Turkey.
December 21
Not everyone has turkey are Christmas, but if you are having it, be sure to put in the fridge at least 3 days before you will be cooking it.
You don’t want a frozen turkey on Christmas morning!
10. Prepare Christmas Eve treats and food.
December 22-24
Refer to your meal planning sheets and think ahead about any foods that could be prepared ahead of time.
11. Prepare Christmas day desserts and casseroles.
December 23-24
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.
12. Go to a Christmas Eve service.
December 24
One of my absolute favorite Christmas activities is a candle light Christmas Eve service. After all the hustle and bustle of the season, it so refreshing to sit down and take in the quiet.
I’m reminded once again of my savior’s love by coming to earth to be born in human flesh so that He could die for my sins.
If you want to focus on the Savior this Christmas season, here are 25 Bible verses to read this Christmas.
I hope this list helps you organize the last week before Christmas, so that you can enjoy the holiday. Merry Christmas!
Get a printable checklist of all of these things here: Week before Christmas checklist printable