The holiday season is here, and the excitement of Christmas is in the air! Staying organized can be the key to enjoying a stress-free celebration as the countdown begins. That’s why we’re sharing our easy-to-follow four-week Christmas checklist and planner to help you make the most of the season.
There’s so much to do between Thanksgiving and Christmas that sometimes it seems overwhelming!
**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
Please tell me I’m not the only one who feels this way!
Yes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, but with it comes a flurry of activities!
Whether you’re hosting loved ones, planning special meals, or tackling the joy (and chaos) of gift-giving, staying organized is essential.
So, to help us get ready, we developed a checklist designed to take the stress out of holiday prep, breaking everything down into manageable weekly tasks.
And, to make your life even easier, we have a Christmas planner you can print that contains the four-week checklist and other sheets you need to stay on track.
So, let’s prepare for this special holiday in record time so we have lots of time left to enjoy our family and friends!
To access our free Christmas planner, click here to join our email list.
Let the countdown to a magical Christmas begin!
Week 1: Lay the Foundation for the Holidays
This week we’ll focus on planning and time management!
Begin advent observances
The first week of December is all about setting the stage for a magical holiday season and a great way to countdown to the big day is with an Advent calendar.
You can purchase an advent calendar, make a DIY ornament calendar, or create a DIY calendar that holds small treats for each day.
Prepare guest lists and Menus
Fill out your Christmas guest list, plan the holiday menu, and consider meals for the days before or after Christmas.
Create detailed grocery shopping lists based on your menus.
Contact guests and assign dishes to share the workload.
Shopping & Organizing
Make gift lists for all the people you will be shopping for, prioritizing out-of-town gifts.
Use our gift guides and take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
Purchase Christmas cards and stamps.
Purchase wrapping supplies and Christmas cards.
Set up a dedicated gift-wrapping station.
Mailing Gifts & Cards
Mail out-of-town presents early to avoid shipping delays.
If you send a Christmas letter draft and print it.
Sign the inside of your cards, add the letter, if applicable, and seal the envelopes.
Family & Service
Decide what family traditions you will observe and consider adding a new one, do a family wardrobe check to ensure everyone is set for special occasions, and brainstorm family service projects to give back to others.
Decorating & Cleaning
Start decorating your home and prepare guest areas to ensure a warm welcome for visitors.
Week 2: Deck the Halls and Finalize the Details
It’s week two and it’s time to dive into the details and wrap up our holiday decor!
Decorating
Finish decorating your home this week.
Christmas Cards
Address your cards, add stamps and return labels, and get them in the mail.
Holiday Baking
Plan your holiday baking with the baking printable, and add ingredients to your shopping list.
Household Inventory & Seating Arrangements
Take stock of your plates, utensils, linens, serving pieces, and cookware, and consider borrowing any extra items.
Organize your seating arrangement and make or purchase place cards, if needed.
Shopping & Wrapping
Start purchasing local gifts and wrap them as you bring them home.
Shop for alcohol, soft drinks, disposable items, and other party essentials to round out your menus.
Stock up on foil, freezer bags, and leftover containers.
Week 3: Wrapping Up and Getting Ready for Guests
Christmas is approaching, and week 3 focuses on final preparations for guests and gifts!
Shopping & Baking
Finish purchasing and wrapping gifts.
Shop for all non-perishable items and baking supplies, and start baking treats to freeze for later.
Guest Arrangements
Plan airport pickups and finalize sleeping arrangements and activities for out-of-town guests.
Catch-Up & Clean
Clean out your refrigerator to make room for holiday groceries and leftovers.
Check off any remaining tasks from Weeks 1 and 2.
Week 4: Celebrate and Savor the Season
The final stretch is here, and it’s time to bring everything together for a festive celebration!
Cleaning House
Clean your house, prioritizing rooms guests will spend time in.
Groceries & Food Prep
Shop for perishable groceries, and pick up flowers and ice.
Prepare any food or desserts that can be made ahead of time.
Set the Scene
Set up a drink station and arrange the table(s) to create a welcoming ambiance for your guests.
Enjoy the Holidays
With all the planning done, it’s time to relax, enjoy the festivities, and make cherished memories with your loved ones!
Conclusion
With our Countdown to Christmas Checklist and Planner, you’ll be ready to celebrate the season with less stress and more joy.
By breaking tasks into manageable steps, you can focus on what truly matters—spending time with loved ones and savoring the magic of the holidays.
Imagine how easy the holidays will be from now on because you have your plans, recipes, and checklists all in one place to use again and again!
Here’s to a merry, bright, and beautifully organized Christmas!
If you enjoy the blog and want access to our Christmas Planner, please sign up for our email list here!
Until next time, follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram!
Blessings, Donna and Rich
More Holiday Inspiration
- Make Christmas Easier With an Organized Wrapping Station
- How to Choose the Best Artificial Christmas Tree
- Tips to Start a Family Keepsake Ornament Tradition
- Great Tips to Organize and Store Christmas Decor
Pin It For Later
**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
Leave a Reply