This month is officially December. Welp, winter has here, ready or not. The holidays are approaching, so it's time to start decking the halls, stocking the fridge, and crossing names off your list. It's now appropriate to start planning and executing all the Advent and Christmas preparations you've been thinking about for weeks.
If your children are of school age, they are probably on winter break, and you will need to find them some enjoyable and secure ways to spend their time. In December, we usher in the holiday season, close out the year, and spend time with our loved ones.
It's the most delightful time of the year, but unfortunately, it only lasts for a short period. Staying on top of your organization and setting reasonable goals for yourself can help you to avoid the seasonal stresses that might otherwise overwhelm you. Here are some suggested activities to do in December to make the most of the festive season.
Create a spending plan.
Not the most exciting suggestion, but the end of the year (and the beginning of the next) is a great time to take stock of one's financial situation and make plans for the future. Discuss your spending, savings, budget, and 2018 objectives openly, whether you're looking for Number One or teaming up with a partner. To celebrate your success, pour yourself a glass of red wine and put on a marathon of Home Alone.
Make a menu for Christmas dinner.
It may seem strange to start thinking about Christmas dinner in the middle of summer, but having a plan in place now can make the upcoming holidays much less stressful. Plan the rest of the meal around the main course, including beverages, appetizers, and desserts. Now is also an excellent time to evaluate your current supply of dinnerware, serving pieces and silverware, and to make any necessary upgrades or additions.
Decorate your home for Christmas.
To become green, you should get your Christmas tree from a farm, nursery, or even a hardware shop. A property with an attractive wreath on the front entrance is a welcoming place to visit. Instead of purchasing something generic to put in your yard, if you have the time to do so, consider creating your own. If you're feeling very creative, you could make two and give one to a buddy as a Christmas present in November.
Prepare yourself to wrap gifts.
Set up a gift-wrapping station in a quiet corner of your home to quickly wrap presents as you purchase them during the holiday rush. This will save you time throughout the season as you won't have to look for the scissors, silver ribbon, or gift tags. To save room and yet have ready access to your gift-wrapping items, store them in wicker baskets in a closet or under a bed.
Together with your family, make a list of Christmas activities.
The days leading up to Christmas are equally as exciting as Christmas day itself. By including them in the process, we can all share in the anticipation, and by the end of the month, the kids will be just as giddy as I am about all the fun we'll have this December.
Enhance the kitchen's ambiance by decorating it.
Consider how you may spread the Christmas cheer throughout the home, from the kitchen to the bathroom, and not just the public spaces like the living room and foyer. Candles, cedar branches, a little Christmas tree on a bookcase, and garlands draped over the entryway are great ways to get into the holiday spirit. Spice up your house with the warming aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves by simmering them in water on the back of the burner as the last touch.
Get the freezer cleaned out.
It's easy to let perishables pile up in the freezer, and by the time you realize it, it's not only too full to fit any more food, but some of the stuff in the back definitely has to be thrown out. Dedicate some time to cleaning out your freezer; you may be surprised by what you uncover.
Prepare your own homemade Christmas crackers.
Even the term "Christmas cracker" was unfamiliar to most people. I can't picture a traditional British Christmas celebration without a plateful of crackers at the table. Anyway, raise your hands; If you haven't made these before, you'd definitely want to try them this year. Etsy has all these kits that appear simple to put together, so how hard can it be?
Make your own Christmas countdown.
The season would seem incomplete without lighting an advent candle each week in December. Every night, I look forward to lighting it (and trying to remember to put it out before it gets too far). You can use almost anything lying around the house as an advent calendar. A jar with 24 pieces of paper to write holiday ideas and quotations. Every night, you'll erase one number off the whiteboard. Or you may splurge on a beautiful one stuffed with goodies.
Share the love this Christmas by donating.
Though it's always a good idea to aid the less fortunate, donating unwanted clothing and household supplies is particularly important during the colder months. Sort through your old coats, jackets, vests, and winter clothing to find gently worn items that you may give to those in need. Donating toys over the holidays is another great idea. If they are still usable, you should reuse them.
Even if you're the most well-prepared person on the planet, the holidays have a way of sneaking up on you and throwing you into a panic at the last minute. Christmas preparations may be stressful if you don't start early since there are so many things you need to accomplish.
Don't let the fact that the year is winding down be an excuse to squander time. Even if you've had a hectic year and are ready to relax, now is the perfect moment to take stock of the last 11 months and plan for the fantastic last month of 2022. And while you do so, don't lose sight of the December goals you've set for yourself.
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