12 Important Things To Do Before The Holidays

Here’s an important checklist of things to do before the holidays to avoid last-minute hiccups and enjoy the season without any worries.

Ask me about my favorite time of the year, and my answer would always be the same — The holidays!

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve believed that magic descends from the universe on Earth during this season, and you could not convince me otherwise.

Tinkling sounds start coming from mysterious places, the houses smell like bakeries, and everyone is busy but still slow and happy at the same time.

But as awesome as it is to get swept into the holiday chaos, there’s no denying that it can lead to stress and panic too.

Even the most organized people find themselves running around right before Christmas looking for gifts and whatnot.

Your safest bet to avoid the holiday stress? Prepare in advance, and do it right.

In this post, I’ll take you through 12 things to do before the holidays to set yourself up for a happy festive season this year.

Read on for the smartest pre-holiday checklist and get ready for the most wonderful time of the year.

12 Things You Should Do Before The Holidays

1. Create A Holiday Budget

As fun as the holidays are, they can leave your money reserves dry.

It’s all too easy to get caught up in the excitement of gift-giving, decorating, and all those fun holiday activities.

To make sure you don’t go overboard this season, take time to create a holiday budget that works for you.

Break it down into categories like gifts, decorations, food, and travel, so you have a clear idea of where your money will go.

This way, you won’t find yourself in a financial pinch when January rolls around.

Plus, having a budget lets you focus on what really matters—making memories, not stressing over credit card bills.

2. Make A Gift List

There’s nothing worse than that sinking feeling when you realize you’ve forgotten someone’s gift.

Avoid the last-minute panic by making a gift list now.

Think about everyone you want to give a little something to, from family and friends to your favorite coworker or neighbor.

Jot down a few gift ideas next to each name; it’ll make shopping so much easier and more focused.

And hey, if you see something on sale, you can snag it right away.

Your future holiday self will thank you when you’re not rushing through the crowded stores or frantically searching online at the last minute.

3. Declutter Your Home

Before you start decking the halls, take a good look around your home. Is there anything you no longer need or use?

Now’s the perfect time to declutter and make space for new holiday decorations (and gifts!).

Go through your closets, kitchen, and even that junk drawer. Donate or toss things that you don’t need.

Trust me, a clutter-free home will make decorating so much more fun, and you’ll feel a sense of calm and order when guests come over.

You might even discover a few forgotten treasures that can be repurposed into something festive!

Might help: How To Organize Your Life In One Week

4. Plan Your Holiday Menu

It doesn’t matter whether you’ll be hosting a big family feast or a cozy dinner for two, food is always a big part of the holiday season.

Start planning your holiday menu now, so you’re not scrambling to put together a meal at the last minute.

Think about what you want to serve, from appetizers to desserts, and even all the treats that you’ll be baking in advance.

Make a grocery list of all the ingredients you’ll need. You can even start picking up non-perishable items ahead of time.

When the big day arrives, you’ll be relaxed and ready to whip up the holiday meals and treats.

5. Organize Your Holiday Schedule

The holiday season is packed with events like parties, family gatherings, and school plays.

It’s very easy to get overwhelmed and miss out on the fun in the face of your stress.

So, please, organize your holiday schedule in advance and ease up the load on your pretty little mind.

Look at your calendar and pencil in the must-attend events first. Then, see where you can squeeze in some downtime for yourself.

It’s okay to say no to a few things if it means you’ll enjoy the season more.

After all, the holidays are about joy and connection, not running yourself ragged.

Make sure you leave some space for spontaneous fun too, because sometimes the best memories end up being the ones you didn’t plan for.

6. Send Out Holiday Cards

If you love sending out holiday cards, now’s the time to get started with this lovely tradition.

Gather all the addresses you’ll need, pick out or design your cards, and start writing those heartfelt messages.

Sending them out early means you won’t be stressed about mailing deadlines, and your friends and family will get a sweet surprise in their mailbox just when they need it most.

With plenty of time till the holidays, you can also get creative and try something new, like making your cards on Canva and printing them out.

Also, sitting down with a cup of cocoa and some holiday tunes while you write will be a lovely way to get into the festive spirit.

7. Shop For Decorations

If you’re like me, you probably have a few favorite holiday decorations that you bring out every year.

But it’s always fun to add fresh decor stuff to your home, like a new wreath for the front door or a special ornament for the tree!

Start shopping for your new decorations early, so you can get the best selection and avoid the crowds.

If you’re feeling crafty, you can make some of your own. A DIY project is a great way to get creative and personalize your holiday decor.

Either way, decorating your space is a wonderful way to welcome the season and set the mood for all the festivities to come.

Bookmark now: 31 Winter Bucket List Activities You’ll Love Ticking Off This Season

8. Set Up A Gift Wrapping Station

Gift wrapping can be one of the most fun or most frustrating parts of the holidays, depending on how prepared you are.

Set up a gift-wrapping station in your home where you can keep all your supplies like wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, scissors, and tape, in one place.

This way, when you’re ready to wrap, you won’t be searching for that missing roll of tape or untangling ribbons.

You can even make it a fun activity by turning on some holiday music or a favorite movie while you wrap.

Wrapping gifts as you buy them will also save you from the last-minute rush and let you enjoy the process.

9. Prepare For Guests

If you’ll be hosting guests this holiday (whether it’s for a day or a week), you might want to start preparing now.

Freshen up the guest room or the sofa bed, stock up on essentials like towels, toiletries, and snacks, and add a few festive touches to make your guests feel extra welcome.

Think about what you’d like if you were staying over.

Maybe a cozy blanket, some holiday-themed treats, or even a little note to say how glad you are to have them.

Also, prepare for surprise guests who might come to visit for an hour or two. Keep your snacks and trays ready for them, and maybe some mini gift boxes?

A little preparation goes a long way in making your guests feel at home, and it means you can enjoy their company without the stress of last-minute scrambling.

10. Schedule Self-Care

The holidays are all about giving, but that doesn’t mean you forget to take care of yourself.

In fact, scheduling some self-care time is essential to enjoying the season to the fullest.

You can do it by planning a spa day, spending an evening reading a cozy book, or taking a walk outdoors all bundled up.

Make sure to schedule these me-time activities ahead of time.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, but taking care of your own well-being will help you stay energized and cheerful.

When you feel good, you’re able to spread that holiday cheer to everyone around you.

11. Plan Your Holiday Outfits

Between family gatherings, work parties, and maybe even a holiday date night, you’ll want to have a few festive outfits ready to go.

Take some time now to plan what you’ll wear for each occasion, so you’re not stressing out in front of your closet later screaming ‘I got nothing to wear!!!’.

Check your wardrobe to see if you already have something perfect, or if you need to do a little shopping.

Don’t forget to plan for comfort too. You don’t wanna be spending the whole night adjusting an outfit that just doesn’t feel right.

Having your outfits sorted means you can focus on enjoying the moment and looking your best while doing it.

12. Reflect On Your Year

The holiday season also means the end of yet another year.

Before you get swept up in the excitement of the new year, pay respect and love to the current year by doing an end-of-year reflection.

Think about everything you’ve accomplished, the challenges you’ve faced, and the ways you’ve grown over the past twelve months.

Also, take some time to journal, meditate, or simply sit with your thoughts.

Reflection isn’t just about looking back; it’s also about looking forward with a sense of purpose and clarity.

Your reflection will bring a sense of closure to the year and help you enter the new one with a clear mind and an open heart.

You’ll be able to set a beautiful tone for the coming year, making sure you’re aligned with what truly matters to you.

Set The Stage For Happy Holidays!

Preparing for the holidays doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

By taking care of these tasks ahead of time, you’ll set yourself up for a season filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful moments.

So light a candle, put on your favorite holiday playlist, and start checking off these to-dos.

Here’s to a festive season that’s as stress-free as it is magical!

Liked this pre-holiday checklist? Let me know your thoughts in the comment box. More holiday ideas and activity suggestions are always welcome.