By Glenda Wise
“It’s the holiday season so whoop-de-do and hickory dock…” By the time you are reading this, Thanksgiving is less than three weeks away! That means that all holiday festivities and planning are in full force right…now! You all know that I am a big list-maker and calendar coordinator; I mean after all there are only so many weekends between now and then and a lot of things to squeeze in. Plus, the more you can do on the front end, the less overwhelmed you will feel, thus, the more you will truly enjoy the holiday season.
November 1 – 15
- If you are hosting a holiday party, determine the date and send invites.
- If taking pictures for a holiday card, do that now giving you enough time to decide on a photo you all agree upon and get your cards ordered. If you are doing traditional cards, go ahead and purchase those.
- Stock up on wine, bottled water, and other drinks.
- Buy non-perishable items along the way, so it’s not so expensive all at once.
- Check table linens to make sure they are cleaned and pressed. If not, now is the time to do it.
- Decorate for Thanksgiving.
November 16 – 21
- Wash all items you will need for preparing and serving Thanksgiving dinner.
- Begin prepping food items that can be prepared ahead of time.
- Set the table, unless you have crazy cats like me and then you will need to wait until five minutes before the meal is served.
Thanksgiving Day
- Set the table, unless you were able to do it before now.
- Cook that bird and all the other delicious foods.
- Enjoy your Thanksgiving!
- Thanksgiving evening—watch Christmas Vacation.
November 23
- Clear fall/Thanksgiving décor and plants.
- Prepare garlands and wreaths. Jazz up ready-made wreaths with berries and branches.
- Watch a Hallmark Christmas movie.
November 24 – 30
- Use some of the pre-purchased wine from above and get those Christmas cards addressed and mailed.
- Get your Christmas decorating on!
- Watch Hallmark Christmas movies.
December 1 – 15
- If using a live tree, purchase or cut down your tree and get it situated just right in your home. Be sure to keep it watered. Even if you are not using a live tree, you should plan a trip to the Christmas tree farm anyway. It will get you in the holiday spirit in a hurry.
- Let the gift-wrapping begin!
- Holiday baking and candy-making is full steam ahead.
- Mail any packages that need to be mailed.
- Prep for any parties you might be attending or hosting.
- Watch Hallmark Christmas movies.
December 16 – 23
- Finish up all the last minute items.
- Prepare any dishes that can be made ahead of time.
- Give co-workers, neighbors, etcetera gifts.
- Watch Hallmark Christmas movies.
December 24
- Final preparations for meals.
- Enjoy this beautiful and holy night with family and friends.
December 25
- Wake up early and have a Christmas breakfast in your PJs.
- Do any final meal prepping/cooking.
- Enjoy this day with your family and friends and worry about the mess tomorrow.