110 Simple Things to Do to Get Ready and Prepare for Christmas

A few years ago, we had the most chaotic Christmas we’ve probably ever had. After that, I put together a few tips and ideas to keep it from ever happening again. See these 110 simple ways to get ready and prepare for Christmas.

Holidays always have a way of sneaking up on us, especially Christmas. As soon as Halloween hits, it seems like the Christmas season is upon us. Unlike that chaotic year, I am trying not to do everything at the last minute.

The key is to plan and do as much as you can in advance. To be a little more organized this year and get a head start, I put together a few tips. See these 110 simple ways to get ready and prepare for Christmas. I hope they help.

I have tried to make it a little more convenient for you by adding links into the post. Some links will take you to products, and others will take you to sites for more information. The links are highlighted in brown.

Plan Your Calendar

#1 Christmas Planner

Get a planner specifically for all of your Christmas plans and activities. Keep all of your thoughts, ideas, to-do lists, and activities in this planner.

That Christmas of 2023 was the most disorganized and chaotic Christmas I think I had ever experienced. After that year, I started putting together my own customized planner.

I never want to experience that chaos again! If you are looking for a downloadable planner, take a look at this one. It has really helped me pull it together!

#2 Family Calendar

A family digital calendar is a great way to make sure everyone has all of the details they need for every family event.  Don’t forget to include grandparents.

#3 Dates

Get together with family to coordinate dates for all of your Christmas family gatherings.  

#4 Plan Time to Take off at Work.

Depending on your job, you may need to put in for vacation days well in advance. 

#5 School Events

If you have school-aged children, check with teachers or the school calendar for any activities or programs. 

#6 Special Events

There are a variety of other activities to consider when filling out your Christmas calendar.  Don’t forget:

• Concerts – Watch for dates and order tickets early.
• Church Services – Many churches have Christmas concerts, plays, caroling, and benevolent activities. 

• Parties – If there are no parties that you are aware of, you may want to host your own.
• Parades – The Macy’s Day Parade starts off the Christmas season, but local parades can be great annual traditions.
• Time for Travel – Make plans early if you are planning on traveling over the holidays.
• Christmas Tour of Homes

Travel Plans

#7 Get any Holiday Trips Scheduled.

Here are my Top Travel Tips and Tricks.

#8 Make Travel Arrangements

Once you know when and where you will be traveling, you can decide on your mode of transportation.  

#9 Check the Car

If you will be driving, make sure the car is ready for a road trip.  Do a regular maintenance check before you leave – gas, oil, washer fluid, tires, emergency kit, air conditioner/heater, and all lights.

#10 Make Lodging Arrangements

If you are not staying with family members or friends, reserve your hotel in advance. You would not want to have a “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” experience during the most wonderful time of the year!

Set a Budget

#11 Set a Christmas Budget

Setting a budget is very important! If you do not have parameters for your spending, you can end up in a financial bind. With a little planning, you can have a good idea how much you will need to spend on:

• Food
• Gifts
• Cards
• Decorations

If it is at all possible, decide how much you plan to spend on Christmas expenses. Divide that amount by 12 to get a monthly total. Beginning in January, set that amount aside or put it into a savings account.

This can take a lot of financial pressure off of a family.

#12 Save with Coupons

Sign up for different store rewards and loyalty programs to get valuable coupons. Check your email before shopping. 

#13 Using Credit Cards or Cash

If you are going to use a credit card for all of your Christmas shopping, it might be helpful to use a separate card only for those purchases. It is definitely easier to track your spending, and then pay it off at the end of the month.

If you choose to use cash, I suggest using an envelope system. (I use this on a daily basis, but it really makes sense at Christmas.) Each person on your list would have their own envelope with cash in it. As you purchase items, you spend the budgeted amount from their envelope. It could get tricky when purchasing multiple gifts though.

Here is the link to the envelope system billfold.

#14 Cash Back Rewards

Check to see if you have a credit card with cash back rewards. Use the card throughout the year for your regular purchasing, and pay it off at the end of each month. In doing this, you do not pay interest, but you gain cash rewards. Cash those rewards in early November to use for Christmas spending.

#15 Keep a Spreadsheet

Make a list of people to buy for, the budget is for each person, and a running total of what you spend. Don’t forget to calculate taxes into the total. If you use a program such as Google Sheets, you can keep it updated on your phone while you shop. It is nice to be able to see how much you have left in the budget for each person. I find this is the best way to stay within the budget.

Plan Gatherings

#16 Who is Hosting

Decide which family members are hosting which events. 

#17 Who is Bringing Food

It is easier on everyone if the food is divided up amongst people. Do a sign up sheet or group phone call to make decisions so everyone is on the same page.

#18 Set Family Expectations/Plans

It is a terrible feeling to go to an event and either under-spend or over-spend.  Set a budget with family and friends to keep this from happening. 

#19 Type of Gifts

Decide if you will give store bought or homemade Christmas gifts. One year at my parents’ house, we decided to only give either homemade gifts or gifts from home with special meaning. It took a little bit of thinking, but the gifts had a deeper meaning than just picking items off of a list.

#20 Other Gift Ideas

Some families enjoy White Elephant giving or drawing names. 

#21 Party Games Planned

If your family likes games, plan a few Christmas games.

#22 Neighborhood Parties Planned

This is a great way to kick off the Christmas season and get to know your neighbors. Keep it as informal as you wish. You could even do a quick ornament exchange.

#23 Parties with Close Friends

Don’t forget your friends. It is so easy to get caught up with all of the things to do and places to go. Set aside one night to spend with friends.

A friend of mine has a Favorite Things Party every year. It is a great way to kick off the Christmas season.

Gift Planning

#24 Make a list of people to buy for & the amount to spend

Brainstorm every person you will be buying a gift for and add them to the spreadsheet. Set an amount you will spend on each person. Once you have done this once, you will have a great guide for the next years.

#25 Gift Ideas for Each Person

Keep a running list of ideas for people throughout the year. As you hear them mention something, jot it down on the list. If you do not have ideas, ask other family members for ideas or a Christmas list.

#26 Wish Lists in Advance

When an event is approaching where I will need a gift idea for my granddaughters, I get them to update their Amazon lists. 

Once these lists are shared with you, you have access to see what they are wishing for and order it directly.

#27 Plans at Work

Every work place is different, so you want to communicate to find out what the consensus is on gift exchange or holiday parties. If it is decided to give gifts to everyone, start your gift buying early. The after Christmas clearance sales are the best time to stock up on gifts for the next year.

#28 Church Gifts

The size of your church will determine if you can get something for all of the members, just the Sunday School class, or not at all. 

#29 Don’t forget Gifts for the Fur-Babies.

Gift Exchange Ideas

#30 Ornament Exchange

The options are endless. These could be new, vintage, themed, or homemade.

#31 White Elephant

Establish guidelines beforehand for a White Elephant exchange. There should definitely be a price limit set.

People tend to have different ideas about what a White Elephant gift exchange is. Some people take them seriously and others like to give prank gifts. Either is fine, as long as everyone is on the same page.

#32 Draw Names

#33 The 12 Days of Christmas

The last couple of years at work, instead of giving each other gifts, we planned the 12 Days of Christmas. Each person had a day and brought treats of some sort to bless the office. See the link here to get a better idea.

Gift Giving Tips

#34 Gift Cards

Give gift cards to a person’s favorite store or restaurant.

#35 Buy extra gifts for unexpected guests.

It is very awkward when you have an unexpected guest without a gift. while you are buying gifts, pick up a couple extra items.

#36 Keep extra gifts stored in a closet for all occasions.

It is a good idea to keep a secret little stash somewhere for all occasions.

#37 Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Take advantage of these sales! If you don’t want to fight the crowd, shop online.

#38 Online Shopping

In general, online shopping will definitely save you time. Take a little time to do comparison shopping to get the best deals.

#39 Gift Wrapping Station

Set up an area with all gift wrapping needs. If at all possible, wrap gifts as you get them.

Decorations

#40 Decide on Theme and Color

Many people change their Christmas decor each year or so. However, it is not necessary unless you just want to.

I use the same decorations each year, because they have such meaning for me. Most years I add to the mix, but my theme never changes. I think of it as traditional and nostalgic.

The main thing is to decorate with what makes you happy. It doesn’t have to be traditional as long as you and your family like it.

#41 Check for Non-Working Lights

#42 Take Inventory

Indoor and outdoor lights, garland, miscellaneous decorations, batteries, ribbons, ornaments, new Christmas trees

#43 Buy new stockings for any new additions to the family.

#44 Tree Ornaments

Start a tradition of getting a new ornament yearly. It can be:

• Homemade

How simple is this? We made several of these when the kids were little for a “Hanging of the Greens” event at church. 2 cinnamon sticks, ribbon, and hot glue is all it takes!

• Store bought
• Collected on vacation
• How to Make Christmas Ornaments from Your Beach Vacation

My favorite ornaments are the ones with sentimental meaning. Each year as I decorate the tree, I remember the people behind the ornaments! Here are three of my favorites.

Something else I always try to do is to pick up a sentimental Christmas ornament of some sort when I go to estate sales of people I knew. This ornament is one of my all time favorites. It is supposed to be a tree topper, but I use it on the table. It was at the living estate sale of a sweet retired Kindergarten teacher.

#45 Real or Artificial Christmas Trees (pre-lit or not)

There are so many options now. I love this small pre-lit sparkly tree!

#46 Decorate the tree as soon as possible to enjoy it longer.

If you love the smell of a real tree but have an artificial one, hang Scentsicles in it. They smell wonderful!

#47 Storage Solutions

Purchase totes for Christmas decorations and the large Christmas Tree Bags to store artificial trees.

#48 Tablescapes

Plan your Christmas tables. Here are a few ideas of needed items:

• Tablecloth or Runner (I love this Nativity tablecloth!)
• Napkins
• Centerpiece
• Napkin Rings
• Battery-operated Candles

To save money for the next year, purchase these items during the after Christmas sales.

Time to Relax 

You probably won’t have much free time during the holidays, but it is important to carve out a little time each week to keep your sanity. Otherwise, you will be exhausted!

#49 Try to Plan and do Things in Advance

The more you get done ahead of time, the less chaotic it will be! This will give you more calmness.

#50 Find a Day to have to Yourself

Do something for yourself, even if it just means having some quiet time by the fire with a Christmas coffee or hot chocolate. Be sure to add whipped cream!

#51 Schedule a Hair Appointment for Cut and/or Color

#52 Get a Massage, Manicure and/or Pedicure

#53 Soak in a Bubble Bath, and Light Candles

Preparing Your Home

#54 Declutter and Donate

• Toys
• Clothing
• Household Items

#55 Clean the House

#56 Clean the Oven

#57 Get Guestrooms Ready

• Beds
• Sheets, pillows, and extra blankets
• Towels
• Toiletries

#58 Assess the Seating Arrangements

Borrow or rent any extra tables and chairs that are needed.

Food

#59 List all Meals for all Gatherings

Family, work, church, neighborhood

#60 Plan Menus

Have a meal plan for each event, and make a list of all ingredients and items needed.

#61 Try any New Recipes before the Event

#62 Order or Purchase a Turkey in Advance

Be sure to start thawing it out early, according to the weight. This can take a couple of days.

#63 Make a Grocery Order

I love shopping with Walmart+, because they deliver it! They will also pick up returns! This is nice all year long, but During Christmas, it is a game changer!

Ingredients, any supplies, food packaging products, list of fresh ingredients to get closer to time.

#64 Baking List

See if anything that can be pre-baked, and come up with a baking schedule. Think about any gifts that you might want to bake.

#65 Drinks and Ice

#66 Cook and Freeze any Meals.

#67 Make Candy and Christmas Cookies in Advance

If you are looking for delicious but super easy candy recipes, get these 5 Easy Candy Recipes. They are my “go to” recipes for the holidays.

#68 Order any Take-out Meals Early

Supplies to Buy

#69 Batteries

Check all decorations, supplies, and toys that need batteries, and make sure to purchase the needed sizes. Buy in bulk to make sure you have them on hand.

#70 Stock up on Cleaning Supplies and Essentials

(TP, napkins, paper towels, etc.)

#71 Paper Products & Serving Items

Disposable products – cups, silverware, plates, bowls, take-out packages, and aluminum casserole pans

Serving Utensils to use each year

#72 Gift Wrapping Supplies

Wrapping paper, tape, ribbons, bows, sacks – Stock up after Christmas to save money the following year. There are many wrapping station organizers to help keep this nice and neat.

#73 Purchase Postage for Cards

For the Kids

#74 Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Here is a link to a website for ideas, or look on Pinterest.

#75 Santa Letters

#76 Visit Santa

#77 Milk & Cookies for Santa

#78 Go to a Movie Theater to see Christmas Movies

There is just something about going to the movies! If you don’t want to go to a movie theater, you can plan your own Christmas Movie Night at home.

#79 Decorate a Gingerbread House

This gingerbread village cake pan is wonderful! You can leave the cakes as they are, dust them with powdered sugar, or let the kids decorate them as they want.

You can get more ideas to create a gingerbread village here.

The Reason for the Season

#80 Plan Christmas Devotionals for the Family

There are many different Christmas devotionals to choose from, but here are a few:

• Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional
• The Way to the Manger: A Family Advent Devotional
• A Merry and Bright Adventure: A Christmas Devotional for Family, Faith, Food, and Fun

#81 Advent Events

Advent calendar, candles, and wreaths

#82 Food Banks and Angel Trees

Participate in canned food drives, angel trees, and other charitable events. Make a small contribution to local charities.

#83 Plan to Attend a Christmas Eve Service

#84 Church Ideas

Gifts, devotionals, community outreach, candle-light services

#85 ​Read the Christmas story together as a family before opening presents.

Jay and Cadlyn reading the Christmas story from the book of Luke is one of our favorite traditions.

Christmas Cards and Packages

#86 Keep Addresses Digitally

Keep an ongoing list to reuse each year. Print address labels.

#87 Have a Card List

Ones to be mailed & ones to be hand delivered

#88 Choose the Type of Cards to Send

• Traditional store bought cards
• Homemade cards
• Christmas letters
• Family pictures

#89 Take Time to Write Cards

You can actually do this in an assembly line process if you have helpers. You write the personalized portion, but others can do labels and postage.

#90 Check Postal Deadlines & Mail Packages and Cards.

#91 Send Invitations or Save the Date Cards out Early for Parties

Miscellaneous Ideas

#92 Family Photos Taken

Many people take family photos in the summer while on vacation. That is something to keep in mind.

#93 Pick Christmas Music

Make a Christmas playlist of the family’s favorite Christmas music – Sirius XM, Prime Music, Spotify, radio stations, or vinyl records for a vintage sound.

#94 Have a Sing Along

If anyone in the group plays an instrument, have a family sing along.

#95 Assemble Toys in Advance

Don’t forget the batteries for all of the toys.

#96 RSVP to all Invitations you Receive

Respond to all invitations, even if you are not going to be able to attend.

#97 Choose Christmas Outfits

Adults and kids

#98 Buy Matching family pajamas

#99 Shop Resale Shops for Ugly Christmas Sweaters.

Resale shops are the best place to find ugly Christmas sweaters. They usually have several, and the prices are great! You may find a few treasures while you are at it.

#100 Make Homemade Gifts

Think about any gift projects you are planning on completing.

I waited until the last minute on this one, and almost didn’t get it finished! Start early! See how to easily do a chalk paint project like this one.

​Fun Things to Do

Keep a list of things that come to mind throughout the year.

#101 Decorate the tree together as a family

Put on a Christmas movie or music playing, and serve hot chocolate while decorating.

#102 Keep Family Traditions

Parades, driving around to look at Christmas lights, seeing the Nutcracker, reading the Christmas story from the Bible, etc.

Don’t forget to include the fur-babies in the activities!

#103 Train rides

Look for special train ride events. We were able to go on “The Polar Express” when the older girls were young. It was a lot of fun and very memorable!

#104 Family Pajama Party

See the link here for more Pajama Party Ideas.

#105 Watch a Christmas Movie together

There are so many great Christmas movies! See more ideas on how to have a great Christmas movie night here.

#106 Have a Cookie Exchange Party

No one throws a Cookie Exchange Party like Jill. Check out her ideas.

#107 Go Christmas Caroling

There are many places you can go caroling, but consider nursing homes as well. The residents love it!

After Christmas

#108 Keep everything stored and organized with totes and labels

#109 Shop the Clearance Sales

Look for great deals and clearance items for next year. Stock up on wrapping paper, Christmas cards, tags, decorations, gift bags.

#110 Shop Sales for Office and Teacher Gifts for Next Christmas

Related Posts

How to Plan and Host a Holiday Cookies Exchange Party – Bungalow 47
How to Have the Best Family Christmas Movie Night
How to Save Money at Christmas and Throughout the Year

These 110 Simple Ways to Get Ready and Prepare for Christmas should help a great deal in being a little more prepared than I was last year.

I know this does not cover everything. In fact, I would love to hear your ideas and Christmas traditions that I did not think of for this post. Please share!

Christmas Day will be here before we know it! We will have ample time if we start now.

Until next week…

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“For a Child will be born for us, a Son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6