The Ultimate Christmas Countdown Checklist

As the weather starts to change and the calendar year draws to an end, the Christmas season slowly creeps into us all over again. Just like last year and the year before, the holiday season takes us by surprise in a whirlwind of gifts, celebrations, and merry-making with our beloved family and friends.

This year, the best way not to be overwhelmed by all the parties and the presents is to be prepared. We have whipped up a Christmas plan for you to take control of the holidays and to celebrate the yuletide season stress-free.

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8 weeks before Christmas

(Last Week of October)

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• Organize a family plan for this year’s holiday season.
• Put all activities on a calendar and include school events, family gatherings, company parties, etc.
• Make plans for family or friends who are coming over to celebrate.
• Start making your holiday card list.

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7 Weeks Before Christmas

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• Start freezing baking goods in advance.
• Order your holiday greeting cards.
• Shop for greeting cards, gift wrappers, gift tags.
• Book plane tickets, if you are planning to celebrate away from home.

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6 Weeks Before Christmas

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• Make a realistic budget for the holidays.
• Create a master list of all gifts.
• Be on the lookout for great deals and bargains in malls and shops.

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5 Weeks Before Christmas

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• Surf the net and online stores for presents.
• Get started in addressing holiday cards

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4 Weeks Before Christmas

(Last Week of November)

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• Check on Christmas decorations and dinnerware.
• Wrap gifts as they arrive in the mail or as you purchase them.
• Place an order or reservations on any special food item or baked goods for Christmas.

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3 Weeks Before Christmas

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• Mail all holiday greeting cards.
• Put up and decorate your Christmas tree.
• Start decorating the house.
• Finalise all holiday menu.

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2 Weeks Before Christmas

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• Send out all presents that are to be mailed to distant friends and family.
• Shop for pantry must-haves and party supplies.
• Finish all Christmas shopping
• Get batteries for children’s toys.

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1 Week Before Christmas

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• Deep clean the house.
• Finishing wrapping all the presents.
• Give out gifts for teachers, coworkers, neighbours, mailman, etc.

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3 Days Before Christmas

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• Shop for perishable items, such as fruits, produce, and meat.
• Pull out the glassware and linens.

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2 Days Before Christmas

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• Start cooking!
• Get fresh flowers for the centrepiece.
• Set the dinner table.

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Christmas Eve

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• Finish cooking and baking.
• Make a smooth timeline to be followed for the next day.
• Finish setting up the gifts and Santa’s surprises.