The holiday season is one of the most magical times of the year, but it’s also one of the busiest and often one of the most stressful too! Between juggling the influx of holiday events on your calendar with shopping, decorating, baking and preparing meals, it can feel downright overwhelming. That’s why a well-organised Christmas to-do list is key to making sure nothing falls through the cracks.
This Christmas preparation checklist will walk you through everything, from budgeting to planning those smaller tasks that are often forgotten, so you can truly enjoy the festive season. And perhaps this year, it won’t feel like it’s over in a flash!
I have also created a free printable holiday checklist that you can grab from my free resource library!
The Ultimate Christmas To-Do List
This holiday to-do list has been sorted into categories to make it easier to manage. I have also included tips for preparing for Christmas and helpful hints to help you skip the holiday season overwhelm!
I absolutely love Christmas time and the lead-up is just as exciting… but if I’m unprepared, it feels like a whole lot of hard work instead of the festive joy that it should give us.
This Christmas checklist includes the tasks that I have incorporated into my own annual Christmas prep (plus a few extras) to help you feel organised and ready to tackle anything! I usually get started in late October but November is also a great time to get started.
1. Holiday Budgeting
Before diving into the holiday whirlwind, it’s essential to set a realistic budget. This will keep your spending in check and avoid the post-holiday financial stress of having overspent. It’s easy to do when getting caught up in the ‘magic’ of the season – or the clever advertising that gets us swiping that credit card!
- Set a total budget: Include gifts, decorations, food, travel, and any other holiday-related expenses.
- Break it down by category: Using your total budget, assign specific amounts for each area (e.g., gifts, travel, food, décor). This may differ from year to year, depending if you are travelling for Christmas, hosting or staying closer to home.
- Track spending: Use an app, spreadsheet, or a printable Christmas planner to keep tabs on your spending throughout the season.
Checklist:
- Set a total Christmas budget
- Break down into categories (gifts, food, travel, etc.)
- Keep receipts for returns & expense tracking
- Create/have an emergency fund for unexpected expenses
- Track spending as you go
- Book travel plans
- Get car serviced (if driving long distances)
2. Gift Planning and Shopping
Gift shopping is one of the biggest tasks of the season. Staying organised early can help avoid last-minute shopping stress and overspending.
I try and kick off my Christmas shopping no later than October and sometimes pick up gifts even earlier in the year if I get a really great deal on something I know I want to get for someone. But if you’ve left it later, that’s okay!
The other thing we do that makes it much easier is a family Secret Santa gift exchange between all the adults in the family. This means buying one larger gift instead of many smaller ones and is a great way to keep the gift budget down.
Tip: Keep a gift idea list throughout the year to jot down gift ideas as you think of them for each person you plan to buy for. This makes Christmas gift shopping so much easier when the time comes!
- Make a gift list: List out every person you plan to buy for, including ideas for gifts.
- Create a ‘no-gift’ list: For those with whom you’ve agreed not to exchange gifts.
- Shop early and look for deals: Take advantage of Amazon Prime Day deals, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other pre-holiday sales.
- Set online shopping deadlines: Ensure all online purchases are ordered in time for delivery by reviewing shipping deadlines.
- Think about DIY gifts: If you’re considering homemade presents, plan and gather materials early.
- Stock Up on Essentials: During the busy holiday season, stores may run out of basic household supplies. Stock up on essentials like toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, etc., to avoid last-minute runs to the store.
- Plan for Unexpected Guests: Sometimes, you get a surprise guest or two. Having a few extra gifts and a meal plan for unexpected guests can save you stress.
- Charity and Donations: Many people use the holiday season to give back. Including a section to plan charitable donations or volunteer activities can encourage spreading kindness.
Checklist:
- Write down all gift recipients
- Write a gift ideas list
- Check shipping deadlines for gifts to ensure on-time delivery
- Finalise online orders by [insert your deadline]
- Set aside time for DIY projects
- Organise gift exchanges early to give every time time to shop
- Check return/exchange policies for larger purchases
- Stock up on household essentials (toilet paper, batteries, paper towels, dish soap, etc.)
- Buy a few generic gifts (candles, wine, etc.) for unexpected guests
- Organise holiday donations (gifts, food drives) or volunteer activities.
- Purchase items for December 1st or Christmas Eve box
- Purchase advent calendars or fillers to DIY
3. Holiday Decorating
Unless you’re competing for the ‘best-decorated house‘ in the street (and you might be), decorating tends to be one of the more fun parts of Christmas planning! That’s not to say it doesn’t still get overwhelming when you’re time-poor though!
My favourite way to keep the holiday decorating fun is by getting the whole family involved. We have always had a 1st of December Christmas tradition to put the tree up. Not gonna lie, it often goes up a little earlier these days because I can’t resist but at least it’s still done as a family!
- Do an inventory of your current decorations: Go through last year’s items to avoid buying duplicates.
- Plan your decorating timeline: Start with large projects like the tree, and work your way down to smaller décor.
- Declutter first: Clear space before adding new décor, and donate or discard any worn-out items.
- Set up outdoor decorations early: Beat the cold weather (or in our case, very hot Summer weather) and your busy December schedule by setting up lights and outdoor displays early.
Checklist:
- Clean and declutter areas you will be decorating
- Do a Christmas decoration inventory
- Purchase any extra decorations you need/want
- Check lights and replace bulbs or batteries as needed
- Choose a theme (rustic, glam, traditional)
- Decorate tree, mantel, table, and indoor areas
- Put up outdoor decorations
4. Christmas Party Planning
Throwing a Christmas party can be one of the highlights of the holiday season, but it also requires careful planning to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. If you’re not entertaining this holiday season, you can skip over this section.
- Set the date and send invitations: Pick a date early and send out invitations, whether digital or physical, to ensure your guests can plan ahead.
- Choose a party theme: Deciding on a Christmas party theme (e.g., Ugly Sweater, Winter Wonderland, or Traditional Christmas Dinner) will help guide your decorations, menu, and activities.
- Plan the guest list: Write down all the people you’d like to invite and make sure to confirm any dietary preferences or restrictions.
- Create the menu: Whether you’re cooking yourself or catering, plan the food and drinks. Don’t forget to consider appetisers, main dishes, desserts, and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
- Prepare party activities: To keep the atmosphere lively, consider organizing a few fun activities, like a holiday gift exchange, Christmas trivia, or holiday-themed games.
- Stock up on supplies: Make sure you have enough party essentials like plates, cutlery, napkins, cups, and drinkware. Also, stock up on ice, mixers, and extra seating if needed.
- Music and entertainment: Set up a festive playlist in advance or consider live entertainment, such as a holiday karaoke machine or hiring a DJ.
- Decorate the party space: Once you’ve chosen your theme, decorate accordingly. This includes setting up the tree, arranging table settings, and adding festive touches throughout the space.
- Prepare a timeline: Plan the timing of the party, from when guests arrive to serving food and starting activities, to keep everything flowing smoothly.
Checklist:
- Plan the party timeline (guest arrival, food, activities, etc.)
- Choose a party theme (Ugly Sweater, Winter Wonderland, etc.)
- Make your guest list
- Set the party date and send out invitations
- Finalise your guest list
- Confirm any dietary restrictions with guests
- Create the party menu (appetisers, mains, desserts, drinks)
- Plan party activities or games (Secret Santa, trivia, etc.)
- Stock up on party essentials (plates, napkins, ice, drinkware, etc.)
- Prepare a festive playlist or arrange entertainment
- Decorate the space based on your chosen theme
5. Menu Planning and Christmas Food
Whether you’re hosting or contributing a dish to a gathering, a solid meal plan will help you stay organised.
Many Christmas foods can be made a couple of days earlier, or even earlier like our favourite rum balls recipe that we make around 2 weeks earlier and pop in the freezer until Christmas.
- Plan the menu early: Consider the dietary restrictions and preferences of your guests.
- Make a shopping list: Separate your list into non-perishable and fresh items.
- Create a cooking timeline: Plan what dishes can be made ahead of time and freeze if possible.
- Prep for the day: Double-check serving dishes, utensils, and seating arrangements. Don’t forget table settings!
Checklist:
- Finalise your Christmas guest list if entertaining
- Finalise your Christmas menu (appetisers, mains, desserts)
- Schedule your trip to the grocery store
- Clean & organise refrigerator
- Create a Christmas food shopping list for perishables and non-perishables
- Check serving dishes, utensils, and seating arrangements
- Prep make-ahead dishes (freeze soups, desserts, etc.)
- Plan for festive drinks (cocktails, hot cocoa station)
- Schedule Christmas baking session
6. Christmas Cards and Wrapping
Christmas cards and wrapping can sneak up on you, so get organised early to avoid rushing at the last minute. Sending Christmas cards isn’t as popular as it was 10 years ago, but if you do still keep this tradition, having your cards ready in October or November will give you plenty of time to send them.
You also don’t want to be wrapping gifts at midnight on Christmas Eve. Nope!
- Write a card list: Keep it updated with addresses, and consider sending digital cards for distant friends or family.
- Personalise cards: Add handwritten notes or photos to make them more special.
- Gather supplies: Stock up on cards, wrapping paper, tape, ribbons, and tags before the rush.
- Wrap as you go: Save yourself time and wrap gifts as you buy them.
Checklist:
- Update card recipient list
- Write/make Christmas cards
- Purchase stamps and mail cards by [insert your date]
- Set up a basket of wrapping supplies for easy access
- Wrap and label gifts
- Mail interstate or long-distance gift before mail delivery cut-offs
7. Christmas Chores & Cleaning
Keeping your home clean and organised during the holiday season can feel like a monumental task, but breaking it down into manageable steps will help keep the stress at bay. With guests coming over and decorations filling up the space, a little bit of tidying each day goes a long way.
Of course, if you’re not entertaining at home during the Christmas period, you may choose to skip some or most of these tasks. Lucky you!
- Declutter before decorating: Clear away everyday clutter to make room for holiday decorations.
- Deep clean key areas: Focus on high-traffic spaces like the living room, kitchen, bathrooms, and guest rooms.
- Create a Christmas cleaning schedule: Tackle cleaning tasks gradually in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Daily tidying will help prevent the need for a big clean right before guests arrive.
- Prep guest spaces: Wash linens, tidy guest rooms, and make sure bathrooms are fully stocked with essentials.
- Post-celebration cleanup: Plan for a quick clean-up after gatherings so your home stays tidy and stress-free.
Checklist:
- Declutter living spaces before decorating
- Deep clean guest bathroom and kitchen
- Wash guest bedding, towels, and linens
- Create a Christmas cleaning schedule for daily/weekly tasks
- Stock up on cleaning supplies (disinfectant, magic wall erasers, etc.)
- Prepare an “after-party” cleanup kit with garbage bags, extra dish soap, and stain remover
- Clean up outdoor areas for guests, including entryways and porches
8. Fun and Festivities
What’s Christmas without the festive fun? From family traditions to special events, plan ahead so you can make the most of the holiday season and enjoy time spent with friends and family. That’s what it’s really about, after all!
- List your favourite traditions: Write down the key activities you don’t want to miss.
- Add something new: Look for new local holiday events, festivals, or family traditions to try.
- Plan downtime: Balance festive events with quiet family moments to avoid burnout.
- Holiday Outfit Planning: With holiday parties, family gatherings, and photo opportunities, planning outfits for special occasions (both for you and family members) is often overlooked.
Checklist:
- List planned family traditions (movies, gingerbread houses, etc.)
- Create a holiday bucket list
- Plan holiday outings (light displays, Santa visits, ice skating)
- Schedule downtime for relaxation and self-care
- Plan Christmas Eve activities (church, carolling, etc.)
- Plan Christmas day activities or schedule
- Plan holiday outfits for family photos, parties, and special events
- Plan when to see Christmas lights
- Get Santa photos done
- Plan time for Christmas crafts
9. Last-Minute To-Dos
In the final days before Christmas, there are always a few last-minute tasks that can slip through the cracks. Here’s a list to keep you on track.
Checklist:
- Confirm guest list, seating, and dietary needs
- Pick up any last-minute groceries
- Buy extra batteries for toys and electronics
- Charge phones, cameras, and video equipment for photos
- Put away any clutter
- Clean kitchen and entertaining areas
- Confirm travel plans
- Plan how you are getting to and from your Christmas social events
- Make sure all gifts are wrapped
- Put out a treat for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve
10. Post-Christmas To-Do List
After the festive celebrations wind down, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done. A post-Christmas to-do list can help you wrap up the season on a high note and set the stage for a fresh start in the new year.
- Organise and store decorations: Take the time to carefully pack away your holiday decorations to keep them safe for next year. Label boxes for easy unpacking next season.
- Take down the tree: Whether it’s a real or artificial tree, plan a day to take it down and properly dispose of or store your Christmas tree and ornaments.
- Sort and store gifts: Find a place for new gifts and consider donating any old items you no longer need.
- Return or exchange gifts: Keep track of any gifts that need to be exchanged or returned and aim to do it sooner rather than later to avoid leaving it too late.
- Write thank-you notes: Sending a quick thank-you note for gifts received adds a thoughtful touch and helps close out the season on a positive note.
- Holiday sale shopping: Take advantage of post-Christmas sales to stock up on decorations, gift wrap, or gifts for next year at discounted prices. Boxing Day sales are HUGE here in Australia and many other countries.
- Plan for New Year celebrations: If you’re hosting or attending New Year’s Eve events, plan New Year’s party themes, outfits, menus, or any last-minute details.
- Declutter and clean up: Post-holiday clutter can pile up fast. Declutter the house, clean up wrapping paper, and reset your space.
- Prepare for the new year: Organise your calendar, set up a planner, set goals, or review budgets to start the new year on the right foot.
Checklist:
- Pack away and label holiday decorations for next year
- Dispose of or store your Christmas tree
- Organise new gifts and donate older items
- Return or exchange gifts with receipts
- Write and send thank-you notes for gifts received
- Take advantage of post-holiday sales for next year’s supplies
- Plan and prep for New Year’s Eve (if hosting or attending)
- Declutter and clean up holiday messes (wrapping paper, dishes, etc.)
- Set up your calendar and planner for the new year
Free Printable Christmas Checklist
Get the free printable Christmas to-do list from my free printable library! This 2-page holiday preparation checklist will help you stay organised and stress-free through to the new year!
GET ACCESS TO THE FREE LIBRARY HERE
With this detailed Christmas to-do list, you’ll be ready to take on the holiday season with less stress and more joy. Planning ahead will allow you to be present for the moments that matter most while keeping the holiday chaos in check – so you can enjoy the fun Christmas activities as much as everyone else! Have a Merry Christmas!