Holiday Season Survival Guide

December 1, 2010

Between the shopping, baking, gift-wrapping and cleaning, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed this season. To simplify your busy holiday schedule, try our week-by-week timeline and downloadable checklist.

When it’s time to start tackling your to-dos, download and print our Holiday Season Checklist to track your progress.

1st Week of December

Finalize gift list.
Buy wrapping paper, ribbon, tape, gift tags and all other gift-wrapping essentials.
Start shopping. Be sure to place all online orders this week to guarantee gifts arrive in time.

Tip: For less stress later, wrap gifts as you buy them. Just be sure to finish each with a gift tag so Grandma doesn’t accidentally open your youngster’s new toy.

Shop for handmade holiday gift supplies.
Take an inventory of dishes and decorations, testing lights and tossing anything that’s broken.
Buy replacement platters, strands of indoor and outdoor lights, decorations, etc.
Buy or make greeting cards (don’t forget to pick up extra stamps!). By the end of the week, have all cards written and envelopes addressed.
Finalize your holiday meal menu and write a detailed shopping list.
Order turkey or ham, if serving.
Send holiday party invites. While you’re at it, go ahead and send the invitations for your New Year’s celebration. Calendars fill up quick this time of year—your guests will appreciate the advance notice.

Tip: This season’s all about peace, joy and casual gatherings, so it’s okay to send email invitations instead of formal paper ones. Just be sure to call and extend the invitation to family and friends outside the digital world.

2nd Week of December

Mail greeting cards.
Shop for non-perishable items, from canned goods to flour, sugar and spices.
Buy live decorations, such as sprigs of evergreen.
Decorate your holiday home.

3rd Week in December

Clean your home, especially high-traffic areas—bathrooms, entryway and kitchen.
Buy batteries for electronic gifts like alarm clocks and toys.
Double check that your camera or video recorder is in working order.
Start making cookie dough.

Tip: Most cookie dough can be made ahead of time and baked later. Tightly wrap rolls of sugar cookie dough in plastic wrap, chill in the refrigerator, then freeze. For drop cookies, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw both for 30 minutes before baking.

4th Week of December

Bake and package cookies.
Shop for fresh items like flowers and produce.
Wash your special occasion dinnerware.
Preset your holiday table. Label platters and bowls with the names of the dishes to be served on them.
Charge camera and/or video recorder.
Take photo albums and scrapbooks out of storage and ready them for post-meal reminiscing.
Finish last-minute wrapping.
Cook.
Freshen your home before guests arrive.
Clean before, during and after your party.
Rejoice with the ones you love.

5th Week of December

Take down holiday decorations.
Organize decorations and wrapping supplies.
Decorate for your New Year's party.
Plan your New Year’s menu. Keep it simple with bite-sized snacks, like crostinis and French macaroons.
Cook.
Ring in the New Year with your nearest and dearest.

What’s your secret to surviving the holidays? Share your tips, tricks and funny stories in the comments section below.

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