As soon as December hits, most of us get caught up in the whirlwind that is the holiday season. This time of year usually requires a lot of planning, not to mention great organizational skills. To help you have a happy, healthy, and stress-free holiday, we’ve created a holiday checklist, filled with simple, time-sensitive reminders that will help you stay on track.
3 weeks before
• Create a holiday budget.
• Make a list detailing all the gifts you want to buy and for whom. Keep a copy of the list on you at all times (you never know when you’ll pass by a store that has the perfect gift for Uncle George). Start shopping right away.
• Make an appointment with your stylist, (and/or manicurist, massage therapist, etc.). The holidays are an extremely busy time of year for salons, so book early to reserve your spot. Try to schedule your appointment as close to the event as possible.
• If you choose to decorate your home, now is a great time to start. Holiday decorating sometimes requires time and effort so plan ahead. You’ll also appreciate having a few weeks to enjoy the decorations.
• Buy season’s greeting cards and make a list of all the people you wish to send them to. Keep this list even after you’re done sending out cards; it’ll come in handy next year. Write about 10 cards each night of the week.
• Send presents to recipients outside of Canada.
If you are hosting:
• Make a list of the guests you wish to invite and send out invitations.
• Decide on the menu for the evening. Opt for recipes you feel comfortable preparing and are confident will be a success. Don’t forget to take into account any of your guests’ food allergies.
2 weeks before
• Send out all the greeting cards. Now is also the time to ship all the presents destined for Canadian friends and relatives.
• Buy a holiday outfit, if you don’t already have one.
If you are hosting:
• Make a food and drink shopping list.
• Make space in your fridge and cupboards for all the extra food.
7 days before
• Wrap all the gifts.
If you are hosting:
• Buy non perishable foods and drinks.
• Cook all the dishes that can be frozen.
3 days before
If you are hosting:
• Wash and check all the dishes, cutlery and glasses.
• Clean your home from top to bottom.
2 days before
If you are hosting:
• Do all your dessert baking; cookies, cakes, etc.
• Buy all perishable ingredients.
• Get your hair and nails done and try to squeeze in a massage, if you can.
• Take some time to pamper yourself; take a warm bath, give yourself a facial, anything to rejuvenate your mind and body.
If you are hosting:
• Pick up flowers for your home.
• Prepare all other dishes that can be made in advance.
• Thaw all frozen dishes.
On the big day
• If you’ve followed this checklist, all you have left to do today is relax and get yourself dolled up.
• If you are a guest for dinner, make sure to allow sufficient time for travel. Also take holiday traffic into account.
If you are hosting:
• Finish preparing the food.
• Tidy up your home and set the table.
• Aim to finish everything at least 30 minutes before your guests arrive. Take this time to relax and enjoy all you have accomplished over the past few weeks.
The week after
*Take advantage of post-holiday sales and buy wrapping paper, ribbon, greeting cards, decorations, etc. for next year.
*Take down, carefully wrap and store all holiday decorations.
*Jot down a few notes on how the holidays went this year; what worked, what didn’t, and what you’ll do differently next year.
Happy Holidays!
