Christmas To Do List

With Christmas just around the corner Santa isn’t the only one making a list! 

We all need to make a list of things to do and things we want to do and cross them off as they are completed. We all have traditions that are important for our families. These are things we do. Then there are the great baking, decorating or entertaining ideas we see. These are things we want to do. Unless it’s a hack that makes something you already do even easier, resist adding it to your plate. It will likely just add stress to an already busy time of year.

Tips for making a Christmas to do list:

1. Keep it as simple as possible.
2. Make your list sooner rather than later so you have a tool to work from.
3. Mark events on a calendar so you can prioritize your list.
4. Develop a game plan.
5. Write it down.
6. Check items off as they are completed.
7. Set a completion date.  I like to have everything done about a week before Christmas so I can sit back and enjoy the season.

My thoughts on things that might be on your list:

Decorating

• Decorating takes a lot of time and effort, and everyone enjoys a festive atmosphere so do it early. 
• Although you may need to replace the odd item, the decorations you put out year after year are what make your home special at Christmas.

Shopping

• Budget – make a list of all the gifts, events, meals and donations you have planned. Set a dollar amount for each.
• Stick to your budget! You’ll thank me in January when your credit card statement comes.
• Don’t get carried away with holiday shopping. Wrapping presents takes a long time. And it can throw off your budget.

Wrapping Presents

• Designate a certain area in your house for gift wrapping. When you buy a gift, wrap it as soon as possible so you don’t end up with a mountain of wrapping to do the week before Christmas, or even worse, Christmas eve! And keep a list of what you bought for each person, so you don’t forget.

Mail

• Christmas cards and gifts for family and friends across the miles should be in the mail by the end of the first week of December. International mail should be on its way even earlier.

Baking 

• Keep it simple.
• Choose items that can be made ahead and frozen. Most cookies can be made ahead, or you can make the dough and freeze it until you are ready to bake.
• Make a list and pick away at it in the evenings or set aside a day to get it all done.
• Most baking freezes well, so you can do this two to three months ahead of time.
• Rather than making a special dessert for each meal you host, fill a platter attractively with your Christmas treats.
• Keep your favourite Christmas recipes in a box or binder so you don’t have to search for them each year.

Menu Planning

• Write out a menu for any events you are hosting.
• Plan your menu with items you can make ahead to make the day of the event less busy.
• Make a grocery list of items you need.

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