In an effort to help you have an organized Holiday Season I am sharing my 5 weeks till Christmas plan. Getting organized is a very personal and customized act, so this is meant as a guide to help you through the season, as everyone has different traditions and plans. Take this a a starting point and make it your own. If you do not bake then remove that from the plan, if you do not send cards then forget that part, if you have company that comes to stay then add preparations for their stay to your plan. by taking some time to think about all that you want to do and making a plan of action to break it down into manageable bite, will reduce the stress and frustration in trying to get it all done.
Hope this helps,
5 Weeks till Christmas (Sample Planner)
Week 1 (November 21-27)
• Make master gift list and holiday budget.
• Take inventory of gift closet and match gifts with giving list.
• Set up Calendar- include events, entertaining, house guests, travel, babysitters needed.
• Set up Christmas planner.
• Quick de-cluttering of toys and clothes that are out of date.
• Make master list of card recipients and purchase cards/stamps.
• Make any online or catalogue purchases.
• Decorate outdoors.
Week 2 (November 28-December 4)
• Prepare menu for holiday entertaining.
• Start Christmas baking if you do any.
• Prepare one group of cards (ones that will be sent farthest away).
• Purchase gifts for recipients farthest away.
• Wrap and post gifts that are being sent by mail.
• Purchase major gift items.
• Decorate main living area.
• Send out invitations for entertaining plans.
• Make menu for holiday week.
Week 3 (December 5-11)
• Finalize any entertaining plans
• Pre-purchase any supplies for entertaining.
• Precook items that can be frozen and continue Christmas baking.
• Shop for teachers, paperboy, co-workers, hostess gift etc.
• Prepare another set of cards.
Week 4 (December 12-18)
• Purchase stocking stuffers and any other gift left on list.
• Wrap major gift items.
• Purchase non perishables items needed for holiday menu.
• Prepare for drop in visitors
• Prepare rest of card, for people that are local.
Week 5 (December 19-24)
• Last minute plans for entertaining.
• Wrap remaining gifts
• Shop for Perishables
Week 6 HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Week 7 Un-Decorating week- stay tuned for info on one of the most important parts of having an organized Christmas- the Un-decorating plan.
Happy Planning,
Kim
Christmas Baking
