WEEK 5: NOV. 29 TO DEC. 5
Exterior
Put up exterior decorations like wreaths, garlands and swags, and outdoor lights. (The first week of December is when this is usually done; however, it's a question of personal taste.) TIP: There are no hard and fast rules about the order in which you decorate the outside of your house and garden with the exception that lights go up first.
Cards
Write five to 10 cards each night this week and mail them the next day.
Take out china and clean if dusty.
Polish silverware, if necessary.
Wash fine glassware.
WEEK 6: DEC. 6 TO 12
Decorate
Host your decorating party. The day before, ensure you have all the supplies you'll need, like hooks, wire, a hammer, nails and so on. TIP: For easy entertaining, buy frozen appetizers, veggie and dip plates, bakery-made sweets, and a few beverages.
Decorating on your own? Set aside an area in a corner of the living room or family room where you can bring out everything. Decide which area you'll decorate first (mantel, banister, front door, windows and so on), and bring the appropriate decorations to that area. Complete one area at a time. TIP: Set aside at least half to one day if you're decorating on your own.
WEEK 7: DEC. 13 TO 19
Tree
Buy a tree the day before you plan to decorate it; remove the netting or plastic bag and let it open for 24 hours in a protected area outdoors or in an unheated garage. When ready to trim, cut an inch off the trunk and bring the tree inside, placing it in room-temperature water. TIP: It's a good idea to have a traditional date for the annual tree-trimming event. For instance, Dec. 18, my sister's birthday, was the annual day when I was growing up. I try to keep this tradition with my family now.
Presents
Wrap everything over a few nights.
Decorate
Add fresh greenery to indoor decorations (turn down the thermostat at night to keep greenery fresh longer).
WEEK 8: DEC. 20 TO 25
Decorate
Pick up floral arrangements, if you ordered them. If making your own, buy fresh flowers and any other necessary supplies.
Tidy up
Spot-clean, declutter and practise FlyLady's crisis cleaning strategy.
Set your holiday table one or two days before Christmas, if possible. Enjoy!
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