|

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.

Christmas decorations
Photo by Pascal Claivaz on Pexels

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

calendar planner to prepare for Christmas

#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.

#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

Six people, preparing for Christmas, smile joyfully before festive holiday lights and a large Christmas tree aglow with green and yellow hues. Dressed in casual clothing, their spirits are high in this celebratory atmosphere.
Christmas Lights after the Local Parade

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. 
Four people stand near the pulpit of a church, holding microphones as they prepare for Christmas. A large wooden cross and stained glass windows form the backdrop, while red flowers are arranged nearby.
  • 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
Six women are gathered on a porch, enjoying a relaxed moment during the Christmas Tour of Homes. Four stand behind a green swing, and two are seated on it. They appear happy in their casual attire. The porch has a light fixture and overlooks a lawn with trees dressed for the season.
Christmas Tour of Homes

Travel Plans

luggage to prepare for Christmas travel

#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

money to budget and prepare for Christmas

#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

#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.

An open pink wallet on a wooden table contains cash organized in clear plastic sleeves labeled "Groceries," as if to prepare for Christmas shopping. It is surrounded by decorative items, including candles on a fringed cloth runner.

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

family Christmas gathering

#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. Last 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.

Three people seated at a table with a puzzle in progress, preparing for Christmas cheer. A young girl, a middle-aged person, and an older person are smiling. Behind them, a piano and a glass-paneled door are visible. They appear to be in a cozy, warmly-lit room.

#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

A group of people gathered in a living room, smiling in front of a decorated Christmas tree as they prepare for Christmas. The room is cozy with a brown leather couch, a patterned rug, and wrapped presents scattered on the floor.

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 add things to one of my Amazon lists in my phone. 

#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.

A man and woman sit on a bench with their dog, exchanging warm smiles as they prepare for Christmas.

Gift Exchange Ideas

#30 Ornament Exchange

#31 White Elephant

#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.

A "12 Days of Christmas" advent calendar is displayed on a wall, inviting you to prepare for Christmas. Each numbered square features festive icons like Santa, a stocking, and holiday decorations. A green cartoon character in a Santa hat leans against the calendar.

Gift Giving Tips

#34 Gift Cards

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

#35 Buy extra gifts for unexpected guests.

#36 Keep extra gifts stored in a closet 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

If at all possible, wrap gifts as you get them.

Decorations

A warmly lit room invites you to prepare for Christmas, featuring a decorated tree adorned with lights and ornaments. Nearby, a table is set with candles and festive decorations. A wreath hangs on the wall, while soft lighting creates a cozy holiday atmosphere.

#40 Decide on Theme and Color

#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.

A cozy living room with a brick fireplace adorned with red stockings, ready to prepare for Christmas. A family portrait hangs above the mantel. Shelves on the sides hold books and decor, while a large TV is mounted on the right. Warm lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere.

#44 Tree Ornaments

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

  • Homemade
Prepare for Christmas with a beautifully decorated tree featuring a cinnamon stick cross wrapped in a purple ribbon, encircled by twinkling lights and a red and gold striped ribbon. A small teddy bear ornament peeks out from the background, completing the festive scene.

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!

Three glass ornaments filled with iridescent seashells and sand, each topped with a rustic twine bow, sit on a dark wooden surface. As you prepare for Christmas, their shimmering light adds a touch of coastal magic to your holiday decor.

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 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.

Prepare for Christmas with a decorative gold and glittery star resting on a centerpiece of evergreen branches adorned with small lights, all atop a fringed fabric runner on the wooden table. In the background, a candle holder adds to the festive ambiance.

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

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

Prepare for Christmas with a small artificial tree, glowing yellow lights casting a warm glow, placed in a woven basket. It adds festive charm to the kitchen with its backdrop of wooden cabinets.

#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:

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

Time to Relax 

A young child with a red bow sleeps peacefully in a car seat. Nearby, a Christmas book, teddy bear, blanket, and tablet create a cozy atmosphere, perfect to prepare for Christmas dreams.

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.

#50 Find a Day to have to Yourself.

A festive mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream sits on a matching saucer, perfect to prepare for Christmas. The cup features a nutcracker and peppermint design. In the background, holiday decor includes lush greenery, white candles, and warm string lights.

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.

A relaxing bath scene sets the stage to prepare for Christmas, featuring a wooden tray with a lit candle, a bowl of bath salts, and fresh white flowers. A brush and a festive bath bomb add charm, while lemon slices infuse the water with refreshing cheer.

Preparing Your Home

A green mop dances across the wooden floor, bathed in sunlight, as preparations for Christmas begin. A potted plant and part of a festive rug peek from the background, hinting at the upcoming holiday cheer.

#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

A person prepares for Christmas by placing a dish of roasted vegetables on a festive dining table adorned with candles, salads, and other delights. The table is decorated with greenery and softly lit by candlelight, creating an inviting atmosphere.

#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!

A kitchen with wooden cabinets and a counter filled with grocery bags, prepping to prepare for Christmas. Visible items include potatoes, a gallon of milk, and various packaged goods. Appliances such as a microwave, oven, and stand mixer are present in the background.

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.

A baking sheet brimming with homemade granola, perfect to prepare for Christmas, showcases oats, nuts, and seeds toasted to a golden brown. In the background on a wooden table sit a round container and a cloth, waiting to store this festive treat.

#65 Drinks and Ice

#66 Cook and Freeze any Meals.

#67 Make Candy and Christmas Cookies in Advance.

A round platter with three varieties of fudge—creamy peanut butter, chocolate with nuts, and a layered chocolate type—is set on a table adorned with festive green garland and a large gold star. Perfect to prepare for Christmas gatherings.

#68 Order any Take-out Meals 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.

Supplies to Buy

An empty toilet paper holder with a cardboard tube has a handwritten note attached that says, "Don't Panic!" With white tiled walls and part of a white toilet in the background, it humorously reminds you to prepare for Christmas before running out of essentials.

#69 Batteries

#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

Three children in matching red and black checkered pajamas sit on the floor preparing for Christmas in front of a decorated tree with white lights. A small Santa Claus figure is nearby, and holiday decorations fill the room with festive cheer.

#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

A child sits on Santa's lap in a festive setting, preparing for Christmas magic. Santa, in his traditional red suit, is surrounded by a beautifully decorated tree and large wrapped gifts, with a sign reading "Santa's Workshop" in the background.

#77 Milk & Cookies for Santa

#78 Go to a Movie Theater to see Christmas Movies.

#79 Decorate a Gingerbread House.

Collage of gingerbread village displays with small houses and decorated cookies. The background has green fabric and miniature trees, creating a festive scene. Prepare for Christmas with this charming display. Text reads "Gingerbread Village," including a link: www.homewithgraceandjoy.com.

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.

The Reason for the Season

A warmly lit miniature nativity scene with figurines depicting a manger, palm trees, and a small, illuminated church invites you to prepare for Christmas. The scene is cast in a soft, cozy glow, highlighting the intricate details of the figurines and structures.

#80 Plan Christmas Devotionals for the Family.

#81 Advent Events

Advent calendar, candles, and wreaths

#82 Food Banks

Participate in canned food drives. Make a small contribution to charities.

#83 Plan to Attend a Christmas Eve Service.

#84 Church Ideas

Gifts, devotionals, community outreach

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

Christmas Cards and Packages

A collection of vintage Christmas cards with festive illustrations, including holly, snow-covered houses, and holiday greetings. As you prepare for Christmas, the central card's blue and white design delivers "Good Wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

#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

#90 Check Postal Deadlines & Mail Packages and Cards.

#91 Send Invitations or Save the Date Cards out 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 If anyone plays instruments in the group, have a Sing Along.

#95 Assemble Toys in Advance.

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

#96 RSVP to all Invitations you Receive.

#97 Choose Christmas Outfits

Adults and kids

#98 Buy Matching family pajamas.

#99 Shop Resale Shops for Ugly Christmas Sweaters.

#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!

​Fun Things to Do

family pajama party for Christmas

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, reading the Christmas story from the Bible, etc.

A young girl wrapped in a blanket stands with a group of people on a dimly lit street at night, as they eagerly prepare for Christmas. The crowd is captivated by the parade's colorful lights, enhancing the lively urban atmosphere created by buildings lining the street.

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

#103 Train rides

#104 Family Pajama Party

See the link here for more Pajama Party Ideas.

#105 Watch a Christmas Movie together.

#106 Have a Cookie Exchange Party

#107 Go Christmas caroling.

After Christmas

after Christmas sales

#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.

disclosure

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…

A delicate circular floral wreath encircles the message "have a grace & joy-filled day—controlling the tongue!" with the name "susan" below, all depicted in soft brown and green
I disclose

disclosure: Amazon affiliate links (affiliate advertising program) are used on this page. Thank you for supporting Home with Grace and Joy. When you purchase an item, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. See my full disclosure and privacy policy on the website. 

“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

Similar Posts

14 Comments

  1. YES to planning ahead, Susan. We’re the family that has the tree up as soon as our Spooky Soiree is over because my Mom and all her sisters LOVE Christmas. Honestly, we travel a lot during the holiday season season so I’m thankful we can enjoy it for as long as possible. Can’t wait to implement some of these ideas and will share in next Friday’s From the Front Porch post. Hugs, CoCo

    1. I would love to have my tree up longer. Since all of our parents have gotten older, we host Thanksgiving at our house, so we wait until the day after to put it up. I am looking forward to seeing pictures from your Spooky Soiree! It sounds like so much fun! Thank you so much for sharing in next Friday’s post – so exciting!!! That is one of my favorite posts each week!

  2. I love the ‘tree’ on the wall – I may have to do something similar as I do not have space for an actual tree in our apartment.
    Thank you for sharing your links with us at #282 SSPS Linky. See you again next week.

    1. I look forward to next week as well! I love seeing all of the new and creative ideas.

  3. This is a fabulous list! I am pinning this one. And I love the wooden tree on the wall. So cute.
    I loved meeting you at Achieve Susan. If you can believe it, I just got home as we made a tour to see all of our
    kids after the conference.

    1. Thanks! I enjoyed meeting you too! I just read your post from the She Shed. It sounds like you all had a great time visiting! I love your she shed by the way – it is beautiful!! It inspires me to do a little more to mine. I am out of school this week. so I am hoping to spend a little more time out there. Have a great weekend!

    1. I have been putting them into action this year. I cannot go through another one like last year. That was the most unorganized I have ever been!

  4. WOW! What a huge list of things to do to prepare for Christmas! I’m happy to be featuring your post at Tuesday Turn About this week! Pinned!

  5. I plan to return and read this post again. Thanks for sharing such fabulous tips and ideas, we all need them. This post will be a feature this week at the link party. #HomeMattersParty

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.