Christmas countdown to-do list:It was the best of times, it was the worst of times: Charles Dickens wasn’t referring specifically to the holiday season at the start of A Tale of Two Cities, but this phrase seems to ring true when we balance all the hectic preparation against the enjoyment we - and our families - derive from seasonal happenings.
It's six weeks to Christmas Day - the exact moment when it's not too late to be fully prepared, but not too early to feel that sense of childlike excitement. Here’s a primer to get through the holiday hoopla with minimum stress.
Six weeks to go:
Start with a binder or notebook to make lists. Any type will do, but if it fits in your purse or briefcase, even better – you can jot down thoughts that occur to you throughout the day (and sleep better at night!).
This will hold your general to-do list, gift list, card list, grocery lists, lists of kids’ activities, a calendar for work and social events, menus, etc.
Sit in a quiet spot with your favourite beverage and start brainstorming these lists; they don’t need to be complete at this time, just make a start. Keep your binder of lists with you and fill them in as thoughts occur to you. Soon, they will be complete.
Five weeks to go:
Start shopping. It’s amazing how many gifts and decor items can be ticked off a shopping list during lunch hours and quick after-work stops.
Time to clean the house: if you give it a thorough cleaning now, quick up-keep sessions will see you through the next five weeks.
Make a list of every room, including guest rooms and extra bathrooms, and start ticking it off during your marathon clean. Enlist family members to help with decluttering and heavy lifting. Make sure they understand that it’s everyone’s job to keep the house tidy as Santa’s visit nears. Also, drink a lot of water as part of this workout; you’ll feel better and have more stamina for this big chore (and your skin will thank you too!).
Plan menus for the family the next few weeks. Pre-planned menus and grocery lists will take the pressure off when you’re trying to finish other shopping.
Four weeks to go:
If your family cuts down a fresh Christmas tree or uses an artificial one, you can now erect and decorate either of these trees because they’ll easily hold up until the big day. Wait a week or two if you purchase a pre-cut tree, as it will dry out more quickly.
Designate someone (an older child or your spouse) to water the tree daily if using a natural one.
Take out decorations and sort out only those you want to use at this time. Toss or donate the remainder to simplify this and future Christmases.
Decorate the outside of your home with lights, evergreen boughs or garlands and ribbon for an easy, festive look.
Find and sort out the holiday CDs and DVDs.
Start writing Christmas cards in the evenings when you have a few quiet moments, while watching holiday specials or listening to jazzy holiday music with your honey. Get him/her to share the card-writing duties.
Three weeks to go:
To simplify holiday baking, ask each family member to choose one type of cookie and bake that batch with him/her, unless you have the patience for a herd in the kitchen.
Schedule a night this week to relax with the family and watch a holiday DVD or two - if you don't get to spend time with them enjoying these parts of the holiday, it almost makes everything else worthless.
Continue shopping and start wrapping gifts as they are acquired. This will save you stress on Christmas Eve. Be sure to label as you go!
Two weeks to go:
Schedule an hour one night this week to have a bubble bath and de-stress.
Start buying dry goods and non-perishables for holiday dinner(s).
Put on some upbeat holiday music and spend a few minutes dancing around with your children - fun and fitness at the same time.
Take the kids to the mall to see Santa and to shop for your spouse’s gifts.
One week to go:
Purchase remainder of holiday feast food.
Pre-make Christmas morning breakfast or brunch. Quiche is a favourite that's easy to make and freezes well.
Make and refrigerate/freeze as many side dishes as possible.
Purchase stocking stuffers.
Work with one or two of your older children and/or husband/partner to spiff up the house for guests - add in decorative items that they've eyed in stores or even subtract if things are looking too busy.
Walk around your neighbourhood to enjoy lights, drive downtown or wherever the municipal light display is as a family.
Day before:
Breathe and be happy - you’re done!
(Oops - one more thing: charge the camera batteries overnight so you don’t miss a moment on the big day!)
Top tips for holiday happiness, not holiday hoopla:
1) Lists are your friends
2) Enlist family members to help
3) Pre-clean the house weeks ahead so it isn't a rush on December 23
4) Make menus for each week leading up to the holiday
5) What doesn’t get done, doesn’t get done - no regrets!
