Are you sick and tired of losing your mind when the holiday season rolls around? If you easily get overwhelmed during the holiday season, a December to-do list is a must-have.
Now, I understand why some people start holiday shopping and buying Christmas decorations in July. By December 1st, you’re always left wondering why all the cute home decor has disappeared.
The early bird gets the worm, and it’s no different when the holiday season hits. Try to prepare in November for optimal results. The earlier, the better.
But, if you would like a step-by-step guide on how to start strongly this year, you’re in the right place.
Our December to do list covers everything from travel planning, tree shopping, finding recipes, holiday decor, festive event plans and more.
Whether you have littles or plan to spend the holiday break alone, you no longer have to worry about the holiday rush, long lines at the airport, or scrambling to grab the last ham at the grocery store.
With the December to do list, you’ll have a game plan after Thanksgiving all the way until New Year’s Day.
We all know a few Scrooges who dread the holidays, but it’s usually because they never prepare for it.
Holidays should symbolize a time for joy, ease, and creating memories with family and friends you don’t see as often.
Some people prepare for Christmas in January when everything is half-off. They’re the ones snatching up lights, all the keepsake ornaments, and getting the bulk of their gift shopping done in July.
Don’t be the resident Grinch this holiday season, goal friends! Create your December to do list before it’s too late.
RELATED POST:
How To Get Back On Track After The Holidays?
November Bucket List – Your Ultimate Guide To Navigating Autumn
December To Do List – Before Christmas
Store Thanksgiving decorations
Thanksgiving officially kicks off the holiday season. Food hangovers aren’t uncommon, so take a few days to rest afterwards, then get to work.
If you’re in the market for an artificial tree or still have a tree in storage, there’s no excuse to wait until the week before Christmas to put up a tree.
Once you have up the Christmas tree, everything else is a breeze. Put away the excess Thanksgiving decor and find some holiday decor ideas that will help you reuse any items for Christmas.
Check out a few ways you can repurpose your Thanksgiving decor to save time and money here.
Create a holiday budget
Don’t enter the holiday season without your savings in mind. There are so many events to attend, traveling plans to make, and gifts to buy!
It’s so easy to flush your money down the drain on frivolous things towards the end of the year.
Taking a minimalist approach to gift giving is always a great idea.
We all have that one family member that’s hard to shop for, or that friend with expensive taste.
Put your wallet first this year, and try not to go overboard with the spending.
Consider alternative gifts like paid annual memberships, DIY gift baskets, subscriptions or experiences that cost less but are more meaningful.
Set a spending limit for everything on your December bucket list.
If there’s anything over budget, search for gift options within your means. Do some free holiday activities at home and attend low priced ticket events instead.
Keep track of your expenses with a holiday budget sheet or create one on your own.
Deep clean
We understand you went all out this year for spring cleaning, but you have to take some time to deep clean before the holiday season begins.
It doesn’t matter if you live in an apartment or a 3,000 square foot home.
Do it yourself or schedule a deep cleaning before putting up holiday decor. For those with families, house cleaning should be a collective effort.
No one wants to string up lights on dirty walls or put up Christmas decorations on dusty floors. Get all the cleaning supplies you need beforehand. Assign each member of the household to a room and get to work!
Take inventory
Next up on the December to do list is holiday decoration inventory.
Yes, it’s time to get the ladder and pull out all the things you were eager to put away 12 months ago.
It’s better to check for broken tree bulbs and faulty lights ahead of time. Lay any outdated Christmas decor to rest. You don’t have to put out every single thing you’ve used in the past.
Declutter your attics, closets, and garages. Choose a specific color theme or put up the same decorations from the year before.
See what’s new on the market, but if money is tight, you’ll feel much better after the holiday if you save your money instead.
Live trees may be a better option if you’re looking for a deal or want to conserve space. They also make your home smell absolutely amazing!
Collect wish lists
Now we can’t forget family grab bags, gift exchanges with friends, or Secret Santa at work.
Try your best to collect the wish lists of your loved ones as early as possible.
You can avoid the holiday crowds in the last week of December. You’ll also be able to purchase any popular items before they sell out.
There’s nothing more comforting than having your gift shopping half-way done before the Christmas season begins.
Make travel plans
Scratch this off your December to do list if you’re a super planner and always purchase your airline tickets months in advance.
Holiday dinners and parties often get scheduled at the last minute. So, forget scrambling for last minute, overpriced flights this year.
If your holiday destination is less than a 10-hour drive, either carpool with someone or make it a road trip instead.
Write a packing list and get started filling up your luggage weeks before, and don’t forget the gifts.
The worst thing about holiday travel is that everyone’s on edge, with very little patience.
You should book any extravagant trips that require hotel and restaurant reservations during the first quarter of the year, if not before.
Now, if you’re alone or decide to go somewhere as a couple, you can definitely wing it.
But, try to make travel plans as soon as possible to catch any deals. Let people know you’ll be in town or plan to stop by for dinner, so they can prepare, too.
December bucket list
Okay, now onto the fun stuff. There’s so many school and work events, family gatherings, local festivals, and traditions during the month of December, you don’t want to miss out on any of them.
Creating a Christmas bucket list will prevent your mind from spinning. Come up with a list of 25 things to do in December.
Think of it as a brain dumping activity for all the traditional and new things you would like to do this season.
Maybe there’s a new Christmas pop-up event or market you would like to explore. Are ice skating, holiday parades, or sipping hot chocolate by the fireplace activities that you enjoy?
Some families make it a tradition to see tree lightings, go sledding, or caroling in their neighborhood.
You don’t have to plan out things to do each day of December. Give yourself a minimum of 5-10 activities you would like to do over break.
Write everything you would like to do down on your December bucket list so you won’t miss out.
Related Posts:
Cozy Activities To Do This Fall For Comfort
21 Budget-Friendly Minimalist Gift Ideas
Gift shopping
The sales after Thanksgiving are still pretty good. Black Friday and Cyber Monday have grown exponentially over the years.
You can find great deals on toys, shoes, makeup, streaming services, and tech gadgets.
Retailers often discount high-ticket items for appliances, furniture, and electronics as well. If you come across any promo deals that seem like a steal, they likely are.
If you can do the bulk of your gift shopping online, that’s even better.
Getting a head start on Christmas shopping matters. It ensures that your packages arrive on time, and lowers the chances of them getting lost in the holiday rush.
Christmas recipes
Nothing grinds my gears more than venturing into grocery stores a week before Christmas.
People pick over all the food and the shelves are half empty. Lines are ridiculously long. I could go on and on. That’s why buying all the food you need before Christmas is important.
Who wants to miss out on a traditional Christmas, because you don’t have all the ingredients?
Start collecting recipes as soon as possible. Bookmark them in your recipe books at home, or create a folder on Pinterest with all the potential desserts, snacks, drinks, and food that you plan to cook.
It’s not too early to deep freeze poultry and seafood items a month out.
Make sure you fully stock your cabinets and refrigerators with beverages and food.
Write a recipe list or keep your Christmas recipes organized in a kitchen drawer to reference them later.
Volunteer
Believe it or not, the holiday season is the best time to give back.
There are so many festive events in your community and on the job where you can be of service.
Soup kitchens, food banks, coat giveaways, toy drives, and gift wrapping are just a handful of many that I can think of.
Volunteering can be fun, but it’s also fulfilling.
There’s no wonder why so many people use their vacation time to reach back and connect with others in need.
Signing up to volunteer at Christmas weeks in advance is a must if you plan to secure a spot.
If you’re volunteering as a family or with a group of friends, you’ll need to research companies and local organizations months before to see if they accommodate large groups.
Holiday PTO
If you plan to take off the last few weeks of the year or a few days before and after the holidays, submit your PTO for approval before the rest of your team.
Try to request your PTO at least 12 weeks in advance. This will prevent any coverage conflicts with coworkers and managers.
Once it’s approved, you’re clear to plan for your days off.
December To Do List – Week One
Decorate
All your decorations should be up by the end of week one; the front porch, backyard, doorstep, and the roof, included.
Life happens, I get it.
There’s a lot going on with work events and school plays. But imagine if you dedicated the first weekend of December to decorating.
Since you’ve completed inventory and have all the home decor you need, this step should be a breeze.
Christmas menu
No, it’s not too early to determine the family feast for Christmas. If you have dinner plans or will be out of town, lucky you.
For those who will be in the kitchen on Christmas Eve, or baking throughout the week, add this to your December to do list.
Solidify your menu, goal friends! Select the beverages, appetizers, desserts, and anything else you plan to include in your spread. If you’re only responsible for bringing a dish, select the tastiest one.
After all, Christmas is the best time to show off your cooking skills. Who doesn’t love receiving compliments for their meals?
Party plans
Ugly Christmas sweaters will never die.
They are some of the best holiday parties to attend. People get really creative and go all out, which is what makes them so fun.
There are holiday parties on the job that can get a little fancy-smancy, too. Then, there are more intimate gatherings at home that people choose to do alone, as a couple, or with family to create a more cozy vibe.
No matter the preference, use this time to mark holiday parties off on your calendar and get prepared.
Picking the right outfit, shoes, hairstyle, and nails all takes time. Select any guests you would like to host, purchase holiday-themed dinnerware, find some engaging games, you know, the works.
Christmas cards
For friends and family who are no longer in contact as often or live far away, Christmas cards are the perfect touch.
You can get stationary to create your own or an assorted box set to send out.
Christmas cards should be a priority on your December to do list.
If you want them to arrive before the year ends, the first week of December is the sweet spot.
Don’t forget to add a cute note, gift card, or a family photo to make it more personable.
Purchase event tickets
When you wait until the tenth hour to purchase tickets to exclusive holiday performances, restaurants, sports, or local events, you risk paying the premium price for admission.
I learned this the hard way plenty of times before.
Family and friends pop up around the holidays, excited to go out on the town, not knowing that most places require reservations or pre-ordered tickets in advance.
It can be such a letdown when you don’t properly plan. Unless you plan on spending the holiday break on the couch, drinking hot cocoa and watching Netflix every day, get your holiday plans in order!
Send out invitations
Require an RSVP for any dinners, parties, or special events, and request that your family and friends notify you if they plan to cancel.
The worst thing about the holidays is everyone inviting a plus one, then you’re running out of food and rooms. Don’t let this be you.
Put those invitations in the mail on the first day of the month if you can.
Give them a timeline to respond by phone, text, or email. Write out the guest list for a proper headcount for your holiday party, then plan accordingly.
Holiday event calendar
Whether you’re planning out the month of December to spend alone or with family, a holiday event planner will keep your life on track.
Don’t miss out on movie premieres, holiday themed bars and pop-ups, or parades this year.
Support family at any holiday functions that they are having at work or school. Say yes to joy and laughter this season by making time for family, and indulge in some self care, too.
Book a staycation or take a trip up to the mountains in your neck of the woods for a weekend.
As long as there’s room on the calendar and it’s within your budget, go for it!
Plan for the new year
Where will you be when the ball drops? Are you doing the countdown in New York City or in your pajamas at home?
A lot of people make the mistake of only planning for Christmas, when New Year’s Eve is only a week away. It’s a holiday that deserves just as much planning, if not more.
There are nightclub events, vision board parties, and trips across the country that are planned well in advance.
How you bring in the New Year is important; even if it’s only flipping over your pillow when the clock strikes twelve.
What’s for New Year’s Dinner? How many days will you need off before your return to work? What are some New Year activities that you can do with your kids at home?
Put a plan in place with just as much effort as you put into Christmas.
December To Do List – Week Two
Gift wrapping
Are you one of those people who waits until Santa climbs down the chimney on Christmas Eve to deliver the presents?
Or is it an excuse because you started shopping for gifts a little too late?
Either way, start this year off on a good foot by giving the kiddos something to look forward to.
Scratch gift wrapping off of your December to do list by week two. If you only have a handful of gifts to wrap or ship out, get them done. It’s one less thing you have to worry about.
And for those with too many gifts, solicit the help of family and friends. Throw a gift wrapping party with wine and a charcuterie board if you have to.
Holiday schedule
Everyone loves to ask about your plans for holiday break away from work and school like you have every single day mapped out.
Well, it’s not actually a bad idea.
People bore easily, especially kids, so why not post a schedule so everyone remains on the same page?
Holiday schedules will keep your children excited and prevent you and your partner from double booking.
The best place to post the holiday schedule is on a cork board or refrigerator where everyone can see it. Feel free to add some ‘save the date’ notes around the house, too.
Nostalgic movie list
This is one of my favorite things to mark off my December to do list. Every year I add all the movie classics I want to re-watch or didn’t get to watch during the holiday season last year.
There are always new movies airing on various streaming channels, like Netflix, Hallmark, and Lifetime, that I excitedly add to the list as well.
My family’s tradition is to watch ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ and ‘Home Alone’ together every Christmas Eve. I plan to carry it out for many more years and generations to come.
Donations
Churches, stores, and organizations are always looking for extra donations around this time of year.
Deadlines approach pretty quickly and vary for many, so it’s always best to have any food, clothing, or gift donations ready.
Gift giving
Delivering gifts before Christmas may not be your tradition, but for anyone you won’t see until after the New Year, make it a point to get it to them on time.
Let them know you’ll be stopping by or do a surprise visit. They’ll not only appreciate the gesture, but the time you took out of your day to spend with them.
December To Do List – Week Three
Family photos
Alright, this may not be for everyone, but the trend started some years back, and it’s been going strong ever since.
The infamous family photo with the matching pajamas. Whether you’re a couple or a family of five, don’t let this tradition fall by the wayside.
Join in on the social media trend by posting the photos to your feed or sharing them by email or the group chat with other family members.
Holiday music playlists
What’s better than a carefully curated holiday playlist at Christmas time? It’s never too early for Christmas music, either.
YouTube has playlists that are almost three hours long in every genre you can think of, but they may not always include the Christmas classics.
Create a playlist that the entire family will enjoy. Pick jolly songs for every generation in the house to enjoy.
Visit family and friends
This one is a no-brainer.
It’s hard to take off work for an extensive period during the year and there are so many family and friends who may have to spend the holiday alone.
The holidays are the perfect time to pay them a visit or invite them over for a few days.
Open up your home to loved ones who need a warm hug or friendly face.
Relax (Do Nothing!)
It’s Christmas time. Who’s doing any extra work or planning just days before Christmas?
Have some fun – play games, drink and be merry, dance, sing, have snowball fights, and take lots of photos to add to your scrapbook of memories.
Invite your family in the kitchen to help with preparing Christmas dinner, and do a few cooking contests to shake things up a bit.
And one more thing: don’t forget to kiss someone you adore underneath the mistletoe.
December To Do List – After Christmas Week Four
New Year’s bucket list
The last week of December, you’re probably still on cloud nine and doing whatever you can to make your Christmas vacation last a little longer.
For various reasons, many people don’t want to accept that a New Year is around the corner.
Soon enough, your weekly schedule will be back to normal.
Well, I challenge you to change your mindset this year.
What are some hobbies, personal interests, or career paths you would like to pursue?
Research some New Year bucket list ideas you can add to your own. Get excited about life and make it to another year.
What are some milestones that you plan to reach?
Are you graduating, growing your family, getting married, or looking for a new job?
Maybe you would like to travel or visit some cool places in your hometown. Add all of those things to your New Year’s bucket list, too.
Set intentional goals
Reflect on the goals you met or didn’t meet this year. Set some new realistic goals for the next 90 days, the first quarter of the year.
Make sure they are SMART goals that are reasonable to achieve within a certain amount of time.
Intentional goals require you to go much deeper than surface level.
When you think about your life, what are some places you would like to go? What do you want to accomplish? What type of lifestyle do you want to lead?
Your goals should align with the vision you have for your life.
Create micro and macro goals that require only a few actionable steps on your part, and let your goals direct your path next year.
Vision board
A vision board project or party is one of the best activities to include on your December to do list. Who doesn’t want to visualize their dreams on paper?
Using magazine cutouts, arts and crafts, or graphic designs to dream about life feels like wrapping your year up in a pretty bow.
Many people throw vision board parties to bring in the New Year.
It’s a great way to share your goals with others, give advice, and receive encouragement for your progress thus far.
Vision board parties are motivation in real-time. You’ll leave there feeling recharged and ready to take over the world. They are well worth it.
Declutter
Out with the old and in with the new. What things or relationships are you holding onto that you need to let go of?
Don’t over complicate this item on your December to do list. Make it an easy lift.
Maybe there’s a room or place in your house that’s overflowing with material possessions you no longer use.
What are some things you’re hoarding because of an emotional attachment you have to them? Reflect and get rid of them.
What friendships or relationships have officially run their course in your life? Take inventory of the people who value you as much as you do them. Figure out ways to invest more time into nurturing them and distance yourself from the rest.
Declutter and let go, goal friends. Are you looking for a December to do list printable? No worries, download your copy of the ‘Daily Routine Planner’ here.
Happy Holidays!
I teach entrepreneurs how to simplify their life and business with less + own their time and maximize productivity towards their personal and monetary goals.
Leave a Reply