In the countdown to Christmas, there’s no such thing as starting too early—do as much of the shopping, wrapping, cookie making, and crafting as you can before the season begins.
january (yes, really!)
□Your holiday planning starts when storing the holiday decorations (page 17)—it’s the best time to figure out what may need replacing and what you may wish to buy. Plus, you can take advantage of post-holiday discounts.
□Stock up on wrapping supplies (page 239), now also on sale.
□Prepare an end-of-year holiday gift list so you can buy gifts throughout the year.
july to september
□Make jams and pickles to give as gifts.
□While the weather is nice (or you’re on summer vacation), snap a photo for your cards. Then place the order—or design them yourself.
□Plan any major home refurbishments now, when there’s still time to get them done.
october to november
□Begin making and freezing cookie doughs.
□Update your gift and card list: Retire old contacts and add new ones.
□Prepare your home for houseguests. Make space in your entryway for their bulky coats and snow boots and winter accessories. See page 84 for more ideas.
□Plan a Secret Santa or other gift swap to limit purchases.
□Spend a few hours shopping on weekdays or after work, when stores are calmer than they are on weekends.
□Once Thanksgiving is over, clean oven; clear out refrigerator and freezer.
first week of december
□Put up an advent calendar for kids; have them write letters to Santa with their wish list.
□Pick out (or shop for) your holiday-party outfits and get every-thing ready for wearing.
□Send holiday cards.
□Plan holiday menus; order a tenderloin, ham, or other specialty foods. Choose dishes that can be made in advance and that allow you to mingle with guests rather than be tied to the kitchen.
□Take an inventory of baking staples, and replace those that are running low.
□Order a case of wine with convenient home delivery so you’re ready for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
□Unpack decorations, and inspect them for damaged ornaments and burned-out bulbs. Clear out any boxes with items you haven’t used in a while; donate these.
□Pick out the holiday tree from a tree farm, nursery, or city corner. Decorate it (page 248); you’ll have time to enjoy it, and it will stay fresh. Invite friends over for a tree-trimming party, with festive punch and snacks.
□Put up outdoor lighting and exterior decorations; greenery lasts longer outdoors.
□Ship gifts early to guarantee on-time delivery; save a trip to the post office by scheduling an at-home pickup at usps.com.
□Confirm the dates of any school concerts and celebrations.
□Set aside an afternoon to make cookies for teachers and class parties (if allowed).
second week of december
□Shop for remaining gifts—don’t forget stocking stuffers!
□Hand out holiday tips to service providers.
□Firm up any travel plans; when the time comes, check in for flights online.
□Prepare stock and freeze for use in gravy and other recipes (page 19).
□Hand-wash stemware.
□Put up interior decorations; hang stockings (but don’t fill yet).
□Take the kids to visit Santa; organize a crafting party for their friends.
□Host a cookie swap (page 242).
□Take in a holiday concert or show (a local production of The Nutcracker, for instance).
third week of december
□Clean the home (i.e., your regular weekly routine).
□Finish any last-minute wrapping.
□Get a jump start on the main meal—prepare make-ahead side dishes and other components.
□Shop for food at an off-hour (some stores expand their hours; consider having your purchases delivered).
□Take stock of and clean serving dishes and utensils if you’re hosting a holiday meal.
□See a holiday light show (at botanical gardens or even by driving around nearby neighborhoods).
Christmas Eve
□In the morning, set the table for the holiday meal (whether you’re having it this evening or on Christmas Day).
□Plan breakfast for Christmas morning.
□Before going to bed, have kids put out treats for Santa.
□Later, fill stockings and arrange gifts under the tree.
Christmas day
□Open presents!
□Sort through used wrappings and trimmings. Have a system for gathering wrapping paper (keep, recycle, or toss) as presents are opened.