“Christmas is a race to see which gives out first – your money or your feet.” This wry observation from an unknown source expresses the stress and strain that the holidays can bring. But it doesn't have to be that way. Use our eight-week holiday countdown checklist, and you'll be busy in November, but by mid-December, you should simply be keeping your home in order and enjoying the season. What could be better than that?
WEEK 1: NOV. 1 TO 7
Theme
Pick a theme like French country or rustic for decorating and gift wrap; use a colour scheme that works with your decor.
Decorations
Make a decorating schedule for your home. List the areas to be decorated and what you'll do there.
Put together a list for outdoor decorating.
Do an inventory of your decorations, leaving out pieces that don't work with this year's theme. Make a list of new decorations you'll need and shop for them (don't forget candles). This can be your master plan for years to come, so it may be time well invested; however, this step can also be optional. TIP: Start a new tradition and make holiday decorating fun by hosting a decorating party. Plan it now for the second week of December and send invitations.
Wrapping supplies
Shop for materials. TIP: Choose items like tissue paper that can be used year-round. Purchase three colours that complement your Christmas colour scheme; splurge on ribbons and artificial berries or greenery from a craft store, or gather fresh ones or purchase them from a florist (get them as close as possible to the time you'll give the gifts).
Decorate
Order floral arrangements.
WEEK 2: NOV. 8 TO 14
Cards
Computerize your Christmas-card address list. Microsoft Word for Mac and PC users has the capability to generate mailing labels; check under the Tools heading. TIP: Use regular labels (available at stationery or office supply stores) and a nice font, such as one that makes the type look like handwriting.
If you haven't already bought Christmas cards, now's the time. Buy postage for all the cards and gifts you'll be mailing. Send overseas items. TIP: Shop for next year's cards and gift wrap during Boxing Day sales.
Presents
Finalize your list and hit the stores. If you're making simple gifts, get cracking.
TIP: Limit craft, gift-making, wrapping and baking projects to what's realistically doable.
WEEK 3: NOV. 15 TO 21
Lights
Test interior and exterior lights.
Tableware
Assess what special serving pieces you'll need and add pieces, if necessary.
Launder and press linens. TIP: If you have a guest room, lay the unfolded tablecloth on the bed after ironing to prevent creasing.
WEEK 4: NOV. 22 TO 28
Tidy up
Don't organize, simply maintain. Devise a system for clutter. Visit flylady.net, the site of FlyLady, for tips on crisis cleaning, and daily and weekly cleanup schedules.
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2 Comments
"Set your holiday table one or two days before Christmas, if possible. " How I wish I could do that. But I own two cats, and there would be little kitty cat paw prints all over the dishes and glasses if I set the table ahead of time. Not to mention that the centerpiece would be torn to shreds.
I have a friend who sets her table and then tosses a big sheet over the whole thing - I wonder if that would work for you... You could then just put your center piece out before dinner. I have a cat and two dogs and I wish that dog hair tumble-weeds were more decorative. :)