Christmas Checklist

I follow the same timeline checklist every year and it makes my life so much easier!

8 weeks–Take the family photo, even if that means just you and your cat. Order custom-made orders at this point (even earlier if you can).

7 weeks– Start building a list for your Christmas shopping–start planning which stores you are going to go to and what, if any, online shopping you will do. Order your Christmas cards so they will be here 30 days before the big day.

6 weeks-If someone in your family usually hosts Christmas or you take turns, this is the time to solidify who is doing what for Christmas dinner, eve, etc. this year. Start making your lists!

5 weeks– Take an inventory of your wrapping paper, tags, and bows. Double check your Christmas baking supplies at this time. Check the dates on baking supplies and buy them fresh if necessary. Start setting out recipes and going over instructions and ingredients. Discuss what you’re bringing with family members hosting, office parties, etc.

4 weeks– Send out your Christmas cards and it’s decorating the Christmas tree and house time. I do mine two months before Christmas, but many, many people wait until the last 30 days. Start mailing gifts to friends and family, especially those overseas.

3 weeks– Start planning Christmas Eve and Christmas Day outfits for yourself and your family, especially ones you’ll be wearing in family photos. If you’re the one hosting Christmas dinner, email guests’ arrival time, meal time, gift exchange time, coffee and dessert times. Be sure to ask or reiterate special food accommodations like food allergies, vegetarian or vegan offerings, and other special diet concerns.

2 weeks– Plan your menu, order food, order specialty items, set your table, tablescape, and clean plates, utensils, and glasses. Make a seating arrangement for your guests. Email your menu to all of your guests for their consideration. Plan your day/days of cooking—make a reasonable timeline of all your prep work, cooking, and baking for the holidays.

1 week– Go grocery shopping, make a Christmas music play list, wrap gifts, and start the last of the Christmas baking. Plan Christmas Eve festivities for your family. Hang up stockings.

It’s Christmas.

Merry Christmas and Enjoy!

xoxo

Rest

Rest–a very underrated activity. When was the last time you took a nap?

Nap facts:

Naps 20-30 minutes in duration are the most beneficial
Napping can help lower your blood pressure
Napping can later help you to fall asleep and stay asleep
Napping can help you be more alert and less stressed

Meditation helps with being more:

Mindful
Focused
Present
Aware

Looking Ahead:

I am uncertain whether Black Friday is still relevant today. There are several times a year that deals are available from all the big box retailers. Most of our shopping is done long before November, and this year and last we’ve purchased most gifts from local small businesses. I know not everyone can do this, but when you can, it really is a special moment created for both you and for the small business owner.

Shopping days until Christmas: 35

My husband and I are doing things differently this year. We decided to create gifts by looking for things like fall/winter photography sessions or a professional photo for our Christmas card or a ticket to a local museum or opera next year. The holidays for us this year are going to be very intentional; they will also include whatever we can do for our community at this time and lots of time together at home creating lasting memories. That said, every year we look forward to Small Business Saturday. Until next time,

Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season! 🎄🎅🏻☃️🎀