Christmas Countdown Checklist 2022

 Christmas is the best time of year… I am sure if you are looking at this blog then you certainly are not disagreeing with me!
In that case if you are like me and want to make sure to have this sensational time of year be as perfect as possible then why wait until the last minute to do everything. Planning is everything and patience is perfection! So… let's get down to business shall we?

 

You may not have every detail filled in, but at least make sure you list everyone you’ll need to buy for, and think about what they’d like. That way you can pick up things as you see them, rather than running to the mall at the last minute. Have your children give you their wish lists.

Set a ballpark figure for how much you can spend on gifts—it will help you stay grounded when the shopping gets frenzied.

Yes, you may already be picking things up here and there, but the more you buy ahead, the better—especially if you’ll be mailing gifts. If you have big-ticket items (like electronics) that go on sale the day after Thanksgiving, you may want to brave the crowds on Black Friday—you could save substantially.

Order gifts now so you have lots of time to wrap them once they arrive.

Not only will this keep little eyes from finding out what Santa is bringing, it will save you time on Christmas Eve.

Get out your lights, ornaments, wreaths, and lawn ornaments. See if anything is broken and needs to be replaced. Is it time for an update?

Make sure you have the serving platters and wine glasses you’ll need for parties or special meals, in time to buy more, if necessary.

It can take a while, depending on how long your list is.

 

 

If you’re too busy to get them addressed and mailed during the first week of December, consider putting them off until after the holiday rush. People generally enjoy getting a card a few days late, when things have slowed down and they actually notice the mail.

This is a good time to get your tree, if you want it to stay fresh and retain its needles through Christmas. Same goes for fresh greenery or garlands.

You may be one who decks the halls as soon as Halloween has been. That’s fine, too, but by the first week of December, it’s time to get the house looking festive. 

If you’ll be serving the holiday meal make sure you know what you’ll be cooking and what family members will be bringing. Start a master grocery list.

Or whatever else is the centrepiece of your holiday meal—you don’t want to get caught short.

Try to have gifts in the mail by December 10.

Buy alcohol and any canned goods or pantry staples you’ll need.

You’ll enjoy those decorations even more if the floors are clean and the kitchen is organised. One important task: Clear out your refrigerator. Toss old leftovers to make room for big dishes and ingredients that’ll be piling up closer to the holiday.

If you haven’t stocked up while Christmas shopping, make sure you have all the accoutrements necessary for that handheld video game or remote-controlled car.

 

Hit the store for the last-minute vegetables or fruit you need for meals.

So you use those gold-rimmed goblets only once a year? Enjoy them! Go ahead and set the table. Make it even easier on the big day by putting a sticky note on each platter that states what dish you plan to serve on it. (That also allows people to help you without asking 12 times.)

 

You’ve probably socked away some things in the freezer already, but now’s the time to prep main courses and make anything that can sit for a couple of days.

Whether they are for a party or a family meal, fresh flowers should always be purchased two days in advance. Blooms have time to open up, and they’ll still be lush and fragrant.

 

And assemble toys that will be surprises from Santa.

Decide when you’ll be feasting, then count backward to determine when to put the turkey (or ham or roast beef) in the oven and what else needs to be cooked.

Enjoy your family and friends and relish the traditions you share.