A few days before Christmas 2022 is finally here! Only a few days left to prepare for Christmas. Are you ready?
Many people are surely scrambling about, making last-minute rounds for Christmas shopping, marking their advent calendars, and keeping the Christmas spirit well alive within the household. But there might still be a few things missing in your house and lot that is forgotten in the midst of all the chaos and hectic events.
Christmas Countdown
The holiday season is almost in full swing, so don’t let that Christmas countdown be an emotional breakdown caused by stress because there’s no denying that while it is festive, it can also be challenging for people who are planning ahead in order to make a successful celebration for the whole family. It can especially be time-consuming for those who haven’t made the move yet when it comes to securing those gifts or deciding what food to cook for Christmas Eve.
- As with any good ol’ planner, however, it’s always best to start with a to-do list, and not just any kind of list, but rather a Christmas to-do list! If you’re feeling the pressure coming in with only a week left to prepare for the big day, making a game plan will help put things in perspective. Ask yourself: What are the things I need to accomplish? It could range from preparing homemade gifts for your family members or deciding how many shopping days will it take you to gather all the necessary materials and items you will be needing. With a list, you’ll get a good idea of what your priorities are. After all, you wouldn’t want to be one of those going on a last-minute shopping and finding out that everything’s out of stock.
- Christmas preparations will definitely take up part of the budget, so it’s best to consider beforehand just how much money you have and are willing to spend. For celebrations like these, it’s a good idea to lay down a Christmas budget in order to avoid making unnecessary purchases here and there. Remember, just because it’s the grandest celebration of the year doesn’t mean you shouldn’t save money!
- December is usually a busy month, with airline tickets and bus trips to provinces selling out faster. If you’re planning on going on a trip for the holidays, start planning that itinerary! Take into account factors such as how many days you intend to stay in your chosen destination and the holiday budget you are going to take with you.
- If Christmas is usually a large affair for your household with an annual extending of invites to not just relatives but also close friends, then sorting everything out with a guest list is the way to go. Let them know that you’re planning something special on Christmas day. It’ll be easier to track who is going to attend and who might not be available and can prevent overcrowding within your house and lot. Moreover, you get a better idea of what food you’re going to serve in line with some of your guest’s allergies and how much of it you are going to prepare. Additionally, with a gift list, it’s easier to add your own personal touch to every present along with their corresponding Christmas cards.
- What’s a celebration without good food on the table? Now that you’ve made a Christmas to-do list, planned out the budget, and have a guest list prepared, deciding what food to serve on Christmas Eve becomes easier. Be sure to prep some ingredients in advance so that you won’t have to spend the whole day of Christmas Eve just working away in the kitchen.
Christmas Decorations
Christmas decorations are special and cost-saving because they only get to see the light of day once a year. If stored well, they’ll be good to use for the years to come. However, with time these decorations will eventually show signs of wear and tear. It’s important to inspect your decorations and make sure that they are working just fine. If you have a live Christmas tree in your house, for example, you can check its freshness by gently running your hand over one of its branches. The needles of the tree should bend rather than crack. Moreover, you might realize that you are missing out on a bit more glam in your house and lot. In this case, it’s good to take note of it for your next visit to the store.
Christmas Eve activities
In light of the holiday season, here are a few fun things you can try with the whole family, ranging from cozy activities to fun little games.
- Christmas baking is a good way to bond in the kitchen and can create some really wonderful memories, especially with the kids. It can also be the start of a new tradition within the household.
- Who doesn’t love a good marathon of Christmas movies? Gather around in the common area, prepare a hearty mug of hot chocolate, and watch Christmas classics like the Home Alone movies, or for the adults, pop on that good ol’ Die Hard which may not sound like a Christmas movie but really, the main character is just like every busy businessman who wants to go home for the holidays. Before you know it, Christmas day has come.
- Don’t forget to prepare that Christmas playlist to get the atmosphere of the holidays going within your house and lot. Additionally, host a little dance competition and sway along to some groovy Christmas music! It’s bound to fill the house with much laughter and joy!
The Christmas season truly is a colorful and highly anticipated event for many, so much so that people eagerly look at their advent calendar, hoping to greet Christmas early. With all that said and done, don’t forget to create fun memories with your family and friends, look forward to the New Year and Merry Christmas!
Read more: The Start of “Ber” Months: How and Where to Begin the Early Holiday Preparations
