Planning
October 27, 2022
Christmas Planning Calendar - What to Do Now
Here's your Handy Holiday Helper Christmas To Do List
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Brent Watts and João Lucas Rocha
It’s hard to believe that the most magical time of year is once again upon us! Before you know it, our homes will be filled with Christmas decorations, the inviting aroma of a holiday feast, and wrapping paper…lots of wrapping paper. Perhaps last year, you made that silent (or not so silent) vow to yourself to get ahead of all of the preparation that goes into giving your family memories they’ll treasure for years to come. We know it’s not always easy to accomplish all that goes into creating a holiday filled with love, laughter, and the perfect gifts, so Santa.com is here to help!
With the right preparation, you can absolutely make these holidays the best ever! Below you’ll find our handy week-to-week guide, designed to help you get in front of many of the things most of us postpone until the last minute. Remember, the best approach to the holiday season is a gradual one and a strategy that helps you stay focused and on budget. We hope you enjoy these helpful tips on preparing for the big day as we support you in making happy happen this Christmas and all through the holidays.
One Week Later
Shop the sales on holiday decorations for next year!
Reminder - What Was Completed:
Eight Weeks - 10/30
Created your holiday budget. A plan will help keep everything in control.
Created a holiday calendar. With so many events and to-do’s, it will keep you organized and prevent you from double booking.
Booked family holiday photos if you do not have one from earlier in the year. Give everyone in your family advanced notice in order for those haircuts in time, or to coordinate wardrobes
Started knitting projects that you may plan to give for Christmas. (If it’s a new pattern, check complexity to ensure you can be done in time!)
Seven Weeks - 11/6
Update your holiday card list and check addresses. And while you are at it, don’t forget to update emails and phone numbers too!
Finalize your gift lists. You know who has been nice!
Pick up wrapping paper and supplies while the best selection is still available.
Stock up on baking essentials. You never know when you’ll need to whip up a batch of cookies!
Do you have a vision of matching PJs for the family? Order them now before they are sold out!
Personalizing any gifts this year? Now is the time to place those orders to ensure they arrive on time.
Six Weeks - 11/13
Purchase or order holiday cards. You can never do this too early. Otherwise, you may end up sending New Year’s cards!
Plan to hand address cards? Make sure you have plenty of new pens, markers, or tips. Making hand-crafted cards? Now is the time to purchase all your supplies and get started! Start shopping (especially for gifts that will need to be mailed). Checking items off your list feels great!
Bake items you can freeze. Having extra items on hand for the unexpected visitor or to bring to a gathering is peace of mind.
Purchase Advent Calendar. There are so many fun options these days!
Order holiday accessories to refresh key rooms. From embroidered hand towels to holiday-themed pillows, changing up small details can really create a warm holiday feel for your home.
Deep clean the house. You can plan this in stages over the next two weekends if necessary.
Don’t forget the baseboards!
Five Weeks - 11/20
Purchase stamps. USPS has so many wonderful options, including a new collection of The Peanuts!
Start addressing envelopes or creating mailing labels. Also, remember extra envelopes or labels for the occasional do-over.
Pull out last year’s decorations to determine what you may need. Something may need fixing! Need new stockings?
Order any new decorations or ornaments now. You’ll want them in time to display! Evaluate your dishes, plates, linens, and glasses. Do you need to order anything new?
Make a plan for any Black Friday shopping to avoid the crowds.
Four Weeks - 11/27
Mail your holiday cards to ensure delivery before Christmas.
Time to buy your tree. The early birds get the most fresh cut!
Support Small Business Saturday by shopping local!
Visit your budget for peace of mind when shopping on Cyber Monday!
Support Giving Tuesday. Charity is an important component of the holidays.
Start to refresh any rooms that you want to spruce up for the holidays, especially if you have house guests coming and want time to relax before they arrive.
It’s time to bring out the Advent calendar (12/1). Only 25 days til Christmas!
Plan your Christmas movie nights in advance! Research local listings, how to view, or order online, and don’t forget the snacks!
Have fun decorating this weekend. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Three Weeks- 12/4
Plan your Christmas movie nights in advance! Research local listings, how to view, or order online, and don’t forget the snacks!
Plan your holiday menus. This will make it easy to shop too!
Create your holiday playlists. There is nothing better to channel the Christmas spirit than a wonderful holiday tune.
Order your Christmas Ham or Turkey to avoid the last-minute rush, or worse, lack of availability.
Mail out-of-town gifts and make sure to keep the tracking receipts.
Stock up on alcohol for your home and for gifting.
Consider picking up a bunch of bottle-wrapping supplies as well!
Two Weeks Out - 12/11
Stock up on last-minute gifts for unexpected situations
Check final shipping deadlines, you don’t want to order gifts that will not arrive on time.
Shop for non-perishable foods to be prepared in advance.
Purchase stocking stuffers so you’re not running around last minute at the drugstore!
Prepare guest rooms for visitors. This way you can relax before their arrival and not be scrambling to make the beds.
Pre-make Christmas brunch foods that you can freeze.
One Week Out - 12/18
Finalize your gift wrapping so you’re not up all night on Christmas Eve. And, don't forget to hide any excess wrapping paper that you may not want your kids to discover.
Gift your mail carrier, newspaper delivery person, and other key service providers you appreciate
Complete food shopping so you’re not rushing the days before.
Clean the house. You never know who will show up unexpectedly over the Christmas holidays.
Two Days Prior
Pick up last-minute items before it’s too late.
Start cooking! Make a schedule of what to cook and when.
Purchase fresh flowers for your home or table and enjoy them for a few days! Remember to change the water and cut the stems to make them last longer!
Christmas Eve
Hang the stockings with the family in anticipation of Santa’s arrival.
Put out cookies for Santa and don’t forget carrots for the reindeer!
Fill the coffee pot and set it to automatic brew. Wake up to freshly made coffee to watch the kids open their gifts!
Wrap last-minute gifts… but first, make sure the kids are off dreaming of dancing sugar plums!
Christmas Day
Enjoy the magic of Christmas morning!
Keep a list of gifts for thank you notes in the event a card or tag is lost in the unwrapping excitement.
Congratulate yourself for making happy happen! Merry Christmas!
