Count-Down to Christmas
- Four Weeks Before Christmas
- Mail packages that are going away
Finish Christmas card list and mail by the end of the week
Complete at least 1/3 of Christmas shopping list by end of week
Purchase emergency gifts
Begin holiday decorating-decorate outside, doors, shelves, mantles.
Reserve baby-sitter for Holiday parties
If, haven't already done so sort through child's toys and books-donate barely used toys to charity
Make appointment for Christmas photographs
Find and play Christmas music
Set-up jigsaw puzzle to work on during month of December
Set up a gift wrap area
Purchase and burn Pine and Cinnamon candles
Make appointment with hairdresser and manicurist for Holidays
Write Santa letters (save a copy)
Have each family member select an activity they would like to do during the holidays e.g. caroling, advent wreath, etc.
Order special foods planning to serve during the Holidays
Check on status of ordered gifts and expected delivery dates
- Three Weeks Before Christmas
- Set out family photograph albums
Donate unused Christmas cards to nursing homes, VA centers, Rehab centers, etc.
Finish Holiday decorating
Complete at least 2/3 of Christmas gift list
Purchase fruits, nuts, candy canes, etc. to set out for snacks
Plan kid's shopping day
Purchase child's gift exchange gifts for school and clubs
Check family clothing for planned events-Clean and mend. Check if have everything e.g. socks, ties or hosiery.
Make marketing list for Christmas menu.
Purchase staples for Christmas menu.
Check for linens, table settings and serving dishes needed for Holiday meals-purchase or borrow needed items
Polish silverware and candlesticks
Clean glassware
- Two Weeks Before Christmas
- Complete Christmas gift list
Purchase stocking stuffers
Wrap and deliver gifts
Frost cookies
Buy poinsettias and Christmas cactus
Plan an activity for a shut-in or person living alone
Write up Christmas Menu and expected cooking times for each dish. Post on refrigerator
Make and refrigerate in a tight container cranberry sauce for Christmas meal
Buy frozen foods for Christmas meal e.g. rolls, pies, etc.
Work on centerpieces for Holiday tables
Wash and press Holiday linens
- One Week Before Christmas
- Finish anything on the previous weeks list you haven't gotten done
Purchase remaining food items for Holiday Meal-don't forget beverages
Purchase film, camera batteries, video tapes, etc.
Wash china plates and serving dishes
Make 3 x 5 card with instructions for each dish and place in serving dishes along with serving utensils
Santa visit
See Christmas decorations around town
Borrow dishes and extra chairs
Bake rolls, pies, etc can freeze for Holiday meal
Purchase candles, napkins, nuts, etc. you will need for Holiday meals
Double check gift list
Place frozen turkey in refrigerator allowing 5 pounds of weight/day ahead. For example, if the turkey weighs 20 pounds set out 4 days ahead
- One Day Before Christmas
- Set out guest towels
Clear closets for coats
Chop and prepare vegetables, nuts and cheese
Purchase ice
Chill beverages
Set table
Stock firewood in fireplace
Get cameras and recorders ready. Insert film and new batteries
Insert batteries into toys, etc.
Assemble gifts
Measure dry ingredients and spices for each dish and place in a baggy inside each serving dish
Attend church services
Set out Santa goodies
Cook onion and celery for stuffing
Check on Santa to see if stockings have been stuffed and he enjoyed his snack
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