Christmas Countdown: A To-Do-List to get you ready to enjoy the holidays.

The holidays arrive before we know it and we are often running around trying to get everything done to prepare for them.  Trying to do everything at the last minute creates a lot of stress and takes the fun out of the holidays.  Here is a handy list with a few To-Dos to get you ready to enjoy your friends and family in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.  You can do all of them or just some of them and you can add your own.

Download  a printable version of the MTM Christmas Countdown.

Download a printable version of Family Fun Ideas.

By December 1st

• Check outdoor Christmas lights and replace bulbs or strings.
• Hang Christmas lights.
• Collect pine cones to mix with Christmas balls for a basket display.
• Get grapevines for wreaths.
• Pick up decorations for wreaths.
• Purchase candy/small gifts for Advent calendars.

By 1st week of December

• Plan holiday entertaining.
• Put out Advent calendar(s).
• Hang door decorations.
• Turn on outside lights.
• Put up artificial tree (if used).
• Replace everyday knickknacks with Christmas decor.
• Christmas baking to be frozen.
• Send distant Christmas cards and packages.

By 2nd week of December

• Send Christmas cards.
• Check Christmas tree lights and replace bulbs or strings.
• Get tree (if used).
• Make evergreen garlands.
• Decorate front entrance.
• Decorate window boxes.
• Decorate inside stair railings.
• Decorate tree a few days before your first entertaining engagement.
• Grocery shopping for non-perishables and beverages.
• Hang door decorations. Turn on outside lights.
• Put up artificial tree (if used).
• Replace everyday knickknacks with Christmas decor.
• Christmas baking to be frozen.
• Send distant Christmas cards and packages.

By 3rd week of December

• Complete all decorations and stop to enjoy them.
• Finish last-minute Christmas shopping.
• Wrap presents.
• Grocery shopping for Christmas dinner.
• Bake fresh goods.