The Ultimate Christmas Prep Planning List: Your Month-by-Month Guide
Are you ready to make the run up to Christmas your most organised and stress-free one yet? I've put together a comprehensive Christmas prep planning list that covers everything you need to do in October, November, and December. Plus, I've got a free printable PDF version for you to download and use as your go-to Christmas planning guide.
When should you start planning for Christmas?
Let's face it, no two Christmases are the same, so everyone's planning is going to be a little different. But after years of hosting and planning, I've found that starting in early October is the way to go.
This gives you a full 12 weeks to get everything in order before the big day. And I am a firm believer that planning ahead is the key to keeping stress levels down and making sure you have the energy to enjoy actually enjoy the holiday season.
Plus, starting early can help you save money by avoiding last-minute panic buying at inflated prices. It's a win-win!
Here's a quick breakdown of what I tackle each month:
- October: Budgeting and main planning
- November: Buying gifts, writing cards, and getting the shopping list ready
- December: Decorating and wrapping presents
Your Complete Christmas Preparation List
Let's dive into the details of what needs to be done each month. Feel free to pick and choose what works for you and your family.
October:
1. Define your holiday budget
2. Agree on your Christmas plan (who's hosting, where you'll be)
3. Book annual leave
4. Make travel arrangements
5. Start your gift list and add ideas
6. Update your Christmas card list
7. Book tickets for Christmas events
8. Send out save-the-dates or invitations for your Christmas party
9. Add events and activities to your diary
10. Check what you need for overnight guests
11. Make sure you have enough crockery and cutlery
November:
1. Book a visit to Father Christmas
2. Reserve your supermarket delivery slot
3. Sign up for a wreath-making class
4. Plan your decor theme and buy supplies
5. Take a photo for your Christmas card
6. Order family photo Christmas cards and buy additional cards
7. Order Christmas postage online
8. Get your Christmas stockings or sacks ready
9. Buy or make an Advent calendar
10. Plan your Christmas menus
11. Order your Christmas turkey (or alternative)
12. Put together your Christmas delivery order
13. Make your Christmas cake and pudding (Stir-up Sunday is 24th November 2024)
14. Shop Black Friday sales for gifts (29th November 2024)
15. Buy Christmas gifts
16. Write and send Christmas cards
17. Stock up on wrapping paper, gift tags, and Sellotape
18. Do a pre-Christmas declutter
19. Take donations to charity
December:
1. Wrap and post gifts that need sending
2. Buy and decorate your Christmas tree
3. Put up your Christmas decor
4. Buy stocking stuffers and Christmas Eve box fillers
5. Make or buy a Christmas wreath and hang it
6. Get some fun Christmas puzzles and games (download our Christmas games bundle)
7. Stock up on batteries, bin bags, and matches
8. Don't forget the extra-wide foil for the turkey!
9. Wrap gifts and stocking stuffers
10. Place gifts under the tree
11. Do a final check of your shopping list
12. Put together your Christmas Eve boxes
13. Do your big Christmas shop or take delivery
14. Decorate your Christmas cake
15. Create a beautiful Christmas table centrepiece
16. Put together a Christmas Day timeline
17. Hang those Christmas stockings
18. Leave out a mince pie and brandy for Father Christmas, and a carrot for Rudolph!
Download your free printable planner
Simply pop your email address in the form below the image and you will magically be sent the PDF to download.
So, there you have it, your complete Christmas preparation planning list. Remember, the key is to start early, stay organised, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Happy planning, and Merry Christmas!
Before you go...
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