Countdown to Christmas Weekly Tips

By Susan Fox
247Moms Family Living Editor

Sept. 19 Each week at the grocery store purchase a $10 gift card for groceries. By the week before Christmas you will have $140 in cards that should help purchase all the extra groceries you’ll need for the week of Christmas. If you don’t spend it all you will be relieved in January.

Sept. 26 Get holiday events and concert dates on your master calendar now to be sure you don’t
make scheduling conflicts. If you are hosting a Christmas party pencil in a date for that and
purchase invitations if needed. Send your invites before Thanksgiving as peoples schedules fill
up fast.

Oct. 3 Get a jump start on wrapping paper and ribbon when local schools are having gift-wrap
fundraisers. Or go green this year and purchase a roll of recycled newsprint paper for wrapping
from an online art supplier. Keep an eye out for stocking stuffers. Organize by storing in gallon
sized ziplock bags for each person.

Oct. 10 Head to your local big box drug store, like Rite-Aid, Bartell’s and CVS. These places are
an often overlooked goldmine for Christmas shopping. They often have great buys and coupons
for tons of great Christmas gifts. Not only can you find cosmetics, but wonderful food items like
specialty teas coffees, chocolates, cookies and even toys. These are great items that make great
teacher gifts when combined and great last minute gifts for almost anyone. Create a box to stash
these great little finds.

Oct. 17 Order Christmas cards now. Use that family vacation photo to have photo cards made.
Update your address book.

Oct. 24 Do a clean sweep of the house and garage. Bag up extra toys, clothing and junk and get
rid of it or donate it. This will make holiday house cleaning so much easier. Start looking for
holiday clothing like dresses and sweaters.

Oct. 31 Organize your recipe file or binder so that holiday recipes are easy to find. Clean out
kitchen cupboards and pantry. Inventory spices, purchase new if needed.

Nov. 7 Think about getting your pantry stocked. Look for sales on canned goods, sugar, brown
sugar, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, marshmallow-cream, evaporated and condensed milk
and more.

Nov. 14 Get your holiday decorations boxes out of the garage or attic. Check to see if you need
additional ornaments or lights and make those purchases. While you are at it buy batteries. AA’s
and AAA’s seem to be the ones most needed, have them on hand and be prepared. This is also a
good time to talk with your family about holiday budgeting and expectations.
Nov. 21 Plan your weekly menu thru the holidays, at least sketch out a rough idea. Do
Thanksgiving grocery shopping. Have a family meeting about Christmas traditions and what
things you will do together during the holidays. Put a date on the calendar to get and decorate the
tree.

Nov. 28 Make your list and check it twice. Shop online. Ask for everyone’s help in getting things
done during the holidays. Have a light-hearted conversation and see if each family member
would pick a task or two that they are willing to do and explain that this will help things to run
smoothly and keep everyone in a better mood.

Dec.5 Get cards and packages in the mail. Do some baking and freezing.

Dec. 12 Do a thorough cleaning of the kitchen and bathrooms. Stock a small caddy under
bathroom sinks with cleaning supplies and wipes for easy cleanups in the next 2 weeks. Make
sure there are extra sheets, towels, blankets, pillows, soap and shampoo if you are expecting
overnight guests.

Dec. 19 Do your holiday grocery shopping early in the week to avoid the worst crowds. Get the
family involved in gift wrapping.

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