We have one week to go until the big day. Where the final preparations need to be checked. If you feel you are nowhere near prepared. I have one more countdown checklist to help you. Lists really are your best friend at this time of year.
Table of Contents
7 Days To Go
Today is the day to make those lists and check them over. We still have plenty of time to get everything sorted.
- Double-check your gift list – Have you got everyone a gift?
- Order last-minute items with guaranteed delivery – Check delivery dates when ordering as some may not arrive in time
- Check wrapping supplies: tape, paper, bags, tags – There is nothing worse than running out of paper or tape. If in doubt get more
6 Days Left – Food & Meal Planning
If like me, you would have had your food list written and planned for weeks now. We do get bits in our normal shop – a great way to spread the cost a bit.
- Make your Christmas Day menu – also get for allergies and diary requirements of any guests you are having
- Check your cupboards for anything you need
- Buy non-perishable items or pre-order fresh items
- Plan easy dinners for the rest of the week
- Make sure you have tea and coffee and all other drinks you will need
5 Days Left – Wrapping + Stocking Fillers
I find this such a chore. In reality it really does not take as long as you originally think it will. Make sure you know where everything is hidden. I have been going made trying to find a few gifts for the grand kids. After having everywhere I could think of out. I messaged my daughter in law and she has them already.
- Wrap gifts that need hiding
- Create a “to-wrap” pile so nothing gets forgotten
- Check your stocking fillers is there anything you st6ill need to get
- Label presents clearly so you remember who is who. Or use paper for each person which saves time in writing labels
- Check what batteries you need and add to your list if you need to get more in
4 Days Left – Home Preparation & Cleaning
Whether you have people coming to stay or it is just you. Get your cleaning and washing up to date so you can enjoy the festive period.
- Do a quick tidy of high-traffic areas – you do not have to do a full deep clean
- Wash guest towels and bedding if hosting
- Set up a “drop zone” for coats, bags, shoes
- Refresh smell-good touches – candles, wax melts or diffusers
3 Days Left – Christmas Magic And Activities
The bulk of all the preparations has been done. The kids have broken up from school so it is time to have some fun.
- Watch a family Christmas film – have hot chocolate and Christmas treats
- Drive or walk to see Christmas lights
- Do a simple festive craft or bake cookies
- Set aside Christmas Eve boxes – make sure you have everything ready
2 Days Left – Fresh Food Shop
Today is the day to get all your fresh items. Have a list so you know what you need – remembering the shops are open in a couple of days.
- Get fresh veg, meat, and bakery items
- Pick up any forgotten ingredients
- Don’t forget batteries, foil, and bin bags
- Buy yourself something you actually want to eat
1 Day Left – Christmas Eve Calm Prep
Today is the day you prepare for the next day. Our Christmas Eve routine is me and C making sausage rolls for lunch to start the day off.
- Lay out outfits for Christmas Day
- Charge all devices – phones, cameras, kids’ gadgets
- Prep breakfast for the morning (pastries, fruit, or an overnight bake)
- Make a rough timeline for cooking
- Light a candle, slow down, and enjoy the evening – pop on your matching pj’s, enjoy a Christmas film and hot chocolate.
- Not forgetting to leave our Santa’s treats
- Wait for the kids to finally go to sleep so you can prepare for the ‘He’s been’ the next morning
Just remember it is just one day. We all put too much pressure on ourselves. In reality, the only things we really remember is being with our loved ones. I always breathe a sigh of relief on Christmas Eve evening. As the shops are closed and what we have not got we can go without.
with a good plan Christmas day mishaps can be avoided
great advice
I think we all put so much pressure on ourselves for the day to be perfect, it is also good to laugh about the mishaps
Love this little week check list countdown , I have one similar. Can’t believe it’s only 2 more sleeps!
All that stress for just one day, but we all do it every year
The holidays can be so chaotic – it is good to have a checklist like this. Starting early is key as well! Thanks for the tips and the checklist to help stay on track.
I am glad my checklists are helpful
I cannot believe how fast Christmas has come around this year! I’ve just finished my stocking stuffer shopping – I always forget about it.
I have done all my shopping and everything is wrapped thankfully
I still have lots of wrapping, cleaning g and food buying left plus 2 full work days. wish me luck.
I am sure you will get it all done, I was talking to my friend over the weekend and she was saying the same as you
This is such a reassuring and practical countdown and exactly what’s needed when the pressure starts creeping in. Love the reminder that this is just one day and being together is what matters most.
It is just one day, and gifts will be forgotten but memories of being with those you love are there for a lifetime
Christmas is always chaos in our home, but I make sure to find a little me time each day to do something I enjoy.
I think we all put too much pressure on ourselves at this time of year, so it is all about finding a bit of time out for you
Thank you so much for putting together this Christmas countdown checklist. So helpful.
I am glad I have given you a bit of help with my checklist, it helps me with feeling prepared
Ohh, this is so helpful! We are hosting Christmas at our house this year and it def. will be another trip to the grocery store closer to the party to get those ‘fresh’ items!!
Carrie
We are finishing our shopping tomorrow and then I plan on going nowhere on Wednesday
I love Christmas, but it can be a little stressful at times!
It can be stressful, which is why I need my checklists at this time of year
I’ve done all my shopping now. Just waiting for a few things in the post and then lots of wrapping.
I am done, everything has arrived and wrapped and I refuse to look at anything else
Very well done list. I usually follow a list like yours but for some reason, the cleaning is the day before.
I must admit my house looks like a tip until the day before as have so much all over the place. A lot will be sorted Tuesday when the grandkids presents have gone
There’s no way I could leave my wrapping until so close to Christmas, I couldn’t handle that haha. I’ve been spreading it out over the past month so I don’t have to do too much in one go x
I have got the bulk done, just going to start on my dads and one extra present I had delivered today for C
I have presents that are still arriving so I have quite a bit to wrap up. I will gradually be starting the food shop this weekend, trying to keep calm!
I have one more present I am waiting on, we are food shopping today and then stopping to get the fresh food bit on the way home from seeing my grandkids on Tuesday and that will be me not going anywhere until after Christmas
A very useful list Thank you! I’m still not at all organised this year!
I am mostly organised definitely a lot ore than I was this time last week
my kitchen is a disaster! i spent all morning baking way too many holiday cookies for everyone.
Homemade cookies are great I always hate the mess after though
I can’t believe it’s already that time again! It came up so fast. Great checklist.
I hope it helps you stay organised
Super love the countdown plan and activities, it makes things real and very exciting. love it. 7 days to go!!! Sooo excited.
This is the time where I usually panic and having a checklist is my way of making sure everything is covered
For once, I’ve been organised this year and got all of my wrapping done! This is a good guide for anyone who wants to stay organised and be prepped for the big festivities.
Most of my wrapping is done, I just have my dads to wrap and one present for C I only ordered yesterday morning
I’m quite organised, like you lists are the way to go at this time of the year. Earlier in the month I double up on every day items eg, tea, washing up liquid, toilet rolls etc so that I can concentrate on the Christmas food shop in the last few days
I think Christmas is the time you have to be organised even if the rest of the year you are unorganised. My lists are looking a lot better now and shopping now is just the fresh stuff we need