Create a Christmas checklist
To avoid holiday mayhem, you need to remain organized in the days and weeks leading up to the main event. Here’s a checklist that will help you keep track of everything that needs to be done before Christmas.
ENTERTAINING
• Choose a theme for your party if you’re having one.
• Make reservations (e.g. caterer, event space, restaurant, cleaning crew, Santa Claus).
• Send out invitations.
• Decide on a menu. (Don’t forget to consider your guests’ allergies and dietary restrictions.)
• Make separate grocery lists for what can be purchased weeks in advance and what must be bought in the days before.
• Start cooking, make dishes in advance and freeze them.
• Make a seating plan and choose the table decorations.
• Obtain any extra dishes, napkins or chairs you need.
• Choose the music and plan party games.
• Clean the house from top to bottom.
• Prepare a room for overnight guests.
• Make sure your driveway and walkway are clear.
GIFTS
• Organize a gift exchange.
• Start shopping early to avoid crowds.
• Make note of what to buy for each person on your list.
• Write Christmas cards and send them out
early to ensure they arrive before the holiday.
• Help your kids write their letters to Santa and send them off.
• Buy wrapping paper, ribbons and bows.
• Wrap gifts as you buy them to avoid doing it all at once and hide them until the big day.
DECORATING
• Go through your decorations and throw out and replace anything that’s broken. • Hang outdoor decorations before the cold weather arrives.
• Decorate the inside of your house.
• Don’t set up your natural Christmas tree until a week or two before the day (or it will be dry by the time Santa arrives).
GET YOURSELF READY
• Make your appointments early (e.g. hair, esthetics, makeup and/or nails) to be sure you get the time-slot you need.
• Shop for your party clothes and visit the tailor if adjustments are needed.