It’s early in December. Have you already completed all your planning for the season and started on your holiday tasks? No? Neither have I. So let’s just make our peace with that and move forward into the most wonderful time of the year! Here are some tips for last-minute Christmas planning.
First things first: let’s make some lists. Use paper or use an app, but start making lists. The lists do not need to be perfect – you can always add to them later. It helps if you keep all these lists in the same notebook or planner.
Some lists to make (choose what works for you):
~gift lists (who you need/want to give gifts to, some ideas for those gifts)
~divide up gift list – how many gifts to purchase or make per day or per week until done. I try to make December 16 my deadline for gifts.
~gift purchase places (local stores, online options)
~gift making needs
~gift wrapping needs
~Christmas movies or music you want to use to get your family (and yourself) in the holiday spirit
~church events for Advent/Christmas – when, what
~other parties/events for December – when, where
~Christmas Eve plans
~Christmas Day plans
~house guests – who, when, what you need to do to prepare for guests
~holiday events with extended family – who, when, where, what you need to do to prepare
~holiday card things to do (choose photos, order from Minted or Shutterfly, address envelopes, mail -maybe make this a Happy New Year card instead? Or send it digitally?)
~ideas for short but sweet holiday activities to do with your kids daily. Watch for a future post with some suggestions!
~other holiday events or tours or other special activities that you might want to try this year
~quick, easy, delicious meals for December meal planning
~baking lists (if you like to bake) – who will you give gifts to? What supplies do you need to purchase?
~decorating projects (inside the house, outside the house, Christmas tree)
Feeling better already? Still feeling overwhelmed? The good thing is that now you have more control since you have an idea of what needs to be done. You may also choose to eliminate some things and focus on what is most meaningful for you and your family. Now let’s plan for when those tasks will get done!
Week 1 – first Sunday of Advent week
Plan blocks of time (even short amounts of time) to complete the following tasks:
~make those lists!
~decorate inside house
~decorate outside house? (you could also do this throughout the next week)
~begin an Advent prayer list and devotional readings with lighting an Advent wreath
~begin daily holiday activities with kids
~attend a church event?
~buy some gifts (easiest ones to buy). Gift cards? Food shipments? (Some favorite food shipment places:
Omaha Steaks, Wolferman’s, Harry & David, Southern Season)
~work on your holiday card, if you’re sending one
Week 2 – second Sunday of Advent week
~attend some holiday event around your town?
~continue Advent prayer list and devotional readings with Advent wreath
~daily holiday activities with kids
~attend a church event?
~holiday baking
~decorate tree
~more gift shopping
~buy gift wrapping supplies
~begin gift wrapping
~buy some new decorations?
~make/buy gifts for work friends?
~work on holiday card (if sending)
Week 3 – third Sunday of Advent week:
~more gift shopping!
~more gift wrapping!
~more baking?
~try to set December 16 as your deadline for shopping
~attend some holiday event around your town?
~continue Advent prayer list and devotional readings with Advent wreath
~daily holiday activities with kids
~attend a church event?
~buy/make gifts for neighbors?
~work on holiday card (if sending)
Week 4 – fourth Sunday of Advent week
~attend some holiday event around your town?
~continue Advent prayer list and devotional readings with Advent wreath
~daily holiday activities with kids
~attend a church event?
~buy stocking stuffers
~finish gift wrapping!
Week 5 – deadline: December 26!
~Christmas Eve – enjoy!
~Christmas Day – enjoy!
~Day after Christmas – consider staying in pajamas all day, eating simple meals, playing board games, enjoying holiday gifts and relaxing with your family!
Keep an eye on this blog for future posts on how to make this a wonderful time of year for yourself and your family! Even if you are planning at the last minute.
