September
Plan holiday travel if you intend to visit out of town relatives.
Research hotels and transportation.
Schedule trips and accommodations as early as possible.
Book tickets to see a Christmas musical or show.
October
Set budget.
Make list of gift recipients.
Shop for giftsBuy presents for work colleagues, friends, family and unexpected guests.
Think of ideas for entertainment and decorations.
Order online early.
Schedule a couple weekends to do deep cleaning projects.
Select holiday wines for the entire season, then purchase by the case.
Shop for cards and wrapping paper.
Start baking things you can freeze.
November
Shop for clothing and accessories.
Mail gifts to friends living abroad no later than Thanksgiving.
Check dishes and glassware for holiday entertaining.
Decide menus for month of December.
Decorate house with lights the weekend after Thanksgiving if possible.
Get out ornaments and decorations.
Create a master schedule of all events and activities for the season.
Schedule down timeVery important for maintaining sanity.
If planning to videotape events, check camera.
Start addressing holiday cards.
Clear out your fridge and cupboards.
December
Complete major shopping by the first week of December if at all possible.
Decorate house.
Buy and put up Christmas tree.
Buy flowers and plants for your home.
Two weeks before Christmas' mail packages for all domestic recipients.
Do baking and traditional family cooking.
If traveling, check car and make sure there's plenty of gas.
Set out clothes.
Deep clean your house.
Set tables, buffet, etc.
Prepare food and drinks.
Dress for occasion, if necessary.
Aim to finish a full half hour before you expect guests to arrive.
After Christmas
Review what worked and what didn't.
Take down tree and recycle if fresh.
Throw out broken or damaged ornaments.
Sort decorations and keep only what you love for next year.
Store all holiday decorations, wrapping supplies, dinner and glassware together in the same location.
While the memory is fresh, start your holiday plan for next year!

Christmas Checklist

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