Preparing for Christmas -- Countdown

Christmas Countdown -- 4 Weeks Before Christmas:

Calendaring -- Mark parties, concerts and tasks for the entire Advent and Christmas season for everyone on the family calendar. If you don't have a family calendar, make one now. Put it in a place where the entire family can see it. You won't miss a special event or party if everything is on the calendar.

Make sure to include in your planning time to clean, bake, wrap, decorate, and shop. Don't forget to reserve time to worship and spend time with your family.

Cleaning -- If time and your schedule permits, do a more thorough cleaning than usual. Get everyone in the family to help. Don't forget about items such as ceiling fan blades. Wipe the walls down with an extended handle cleaning tool to get the dust bunnies off the walls. Don't forget to clean out your pantry, freezer and refrigerator.

Gift Wrap -- Go through your gift wrap stash and take note of what you have on hand. Make a list of what you need to purchase. Throw away torn wrapping paper and bags. Get rid of crumpled bows. Purchase a gift wrap organizer to keep bags, wrap, bows, etc. neat and ready for use. Have everything all in one place and ready to go. It will help you breeze through the task with time to spare.

Food & Recipes -- Plan what you will be cooking this holiday season. Get out your recipes. Check your pantry for ingredients you have on hand. Make a list of what you need to purchase. Purchase non-perishable items as far in advance as possible.

Get your baking pans and other cooking utensils out. Make sure they are clean and ready to use. Put them where they are easy to reach.

Gifts -- Make your gift list and check it twice! Read advertising fliers. Search online for coupons. Shop early to get the best selections. If you purchase items online, make sure to do so far enough in advance to allow for slow delivery due to the holiday rush.

Purchase as much as possible in advance. Wrap gifts immediately. If your tree is already up, put the gifts under the tree. If not, be sure you put the gifts in a safe place (but remember where you put them)!

Consider Others -- In the spirit of Christmas, don't forget about those less fortunate. Get involved in an Angel Tree project for less fortunate children. Donate food to your local food bank. Make a thoughtful gift basket and visit an elderly neighbor who may be over-looked during the holidays. Make a cash donation to your favorite charity.

Lights & Decorations -- Begin your decorating as soon as possible. Get out your decorations and sort through them. Get rid of lights that don't work. Throw away broken (non-sentimental) ornaments. Replace non-functioning bulbs on light strings. Replace the entire string with a fresh set, if necessary. Don't take chances! Many homes have been ruined by fire during the holidays by faulty lights and unattended candles.

Christmas Countdown -- 3 Weeks Before Christmas:

Bake Ahead -- Many items can be baked and frozen ahead of time. Check freezer charts and freezer storage guidelines for help. Get out your recipes, ingredients and baking utensils. Make sure to have good quality freezer containers to store your baked goods in. Have plenty of aluminum foil, plastic zip bags and wax paper on hand. If frosting cookies, etc., make sure frosting is completely hard before stacking. Place wax paper between layers of cookies prior to freezing.

Deck The Halls & Trim The Tree -- Get out those decorations. Put on some holiday music. Have hot chocolate or spiced cider on hand. Make it a family event. Get everyone involved . . . dad, mom, kids, grandparents, grandkids. Now deck those halls!

Carry On -- Keep shopping and wrapping gifts, baking and freezing. Make sure to get plenty of help from family members. Don't forget to set aside time for special family events. Gathering around an Advent Wreath weekly to recall the events of Christmas and make beautiful memories for everyone.

Christmas Countdown -- 2 Weeks Before Christmas:

Fill The Freezer -- Prepare as many "make-ahead" dishes as possible and freeze them. If unexpected company arrives, you'll be prepared.

Fridge Follies -- Give your refrigerator another quick clean. Get rid of anything old and outdated. Wipe down the inside. Check out the tips on refrigerator cleaning for help.

Grand Standing -- Make your front entryway special. Hang a wreath on the door. Sprays of greenery and bows make a pleasant display on fireplace mantels. Hang your up Christmas stockings. Put out some Poinsettias. Free up space in your hall closet for guest coats. Set out some Christmas scented potpourri. If using candles, don't leave them unattended.

Christmas Countdown -- 1 Week Before Christmas:

Halt -- If you've planned ahead well, your shopping should be finished. Wrap those remaining gifts and set them under the tree.

Finish -- Your deep cleaning chores. Complete your holiday baking.

Complete -- Your holiday decorating.

Christmas Countdown -- 2 Days Before Christmas:

Defrost -- If you've purchased your turkey or ham frozen, defrost now in the refrigerator. Don't defrost in the sink. See meat storage guidelines for tips on handling meat and defrosting.
Caroling & Lights Go caroling with family, friends and church members. Take your family to see Christmas light displays.

In the Mood -- Deliver charitable items to food bank, toy donation stations, etc. Play Christmas music along the way.

Christmas Countdown -- Christmas Eve Day:

You should be ready except for those last minute details:

Last minute cleaning -- Spray some air freshener. Light some candles.

Have your Christmas music on hand to play in the background.

Recheck packages for missing bows and tags -- replace if needed.

Set the table tonight to save time tomorrow.

If traveling to different houses for gift exchanges, divide the presents into areas by the locations they will be delivered to. Put the smaller items in tote bags so they won't be misplaced.
Take out frozen baked goods to defrost. See freezer charts and freezer storage guidelines for more information.

Attend Christmas Eve Services with your family.

Christmas Countdown -- Christmas Day:

Your Christmas countdown is done, so . . .

Celebrate!

If you didn't attend Church on Christmas Eve, worship with your family today. You're prepared, enjoy time with your family.

Consider adding some celebratory activities for the next 11 days and enjoy the "season" of Christmas.

Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!