Your Complete Christmas Countdown Planner

Christmas is almost here! With just a few weeks to go, it’s time to start preparing in a way that leaves you feeling organised, relaxed, and ready to enjoy the season with family and friends. Use this planner to stay on track, and remember, it’s all about making things easier so you can have fun too!

4 Weeks to Go

• Start Gift Planning: Get that gift list written down and think about everyone you need to shop for. Now’s the time to pick up non-perishable items and start putting together any DIY presents.
• Order the Turkey: If you’re planning on a turkey, go ahead and order it from your butcher. Make sure it fits in your oven – measure the space from your oven rack to the top, and don’t forget your roasting dish!
• Create a Cleaning Plan: Instead of leaving the housework for the last minute, spread it out over the next few weeks. Dust, vacuum, and make the guest rooms sparkle, one room at a time.
• Make and Freeze Sauces: Cranberry sauce, gravy, and salad dressings can be made ahead of time and frozen. It’s a great way to get ahead and free up space later.

3 Weeks to Go

• Finalize the Menu: Lock in your Christmas Day menu, making sure to account for any dietary needs from your guests. Write it all down so you have a clear plan.
• Start Baking: Get started on any Christmas cakes, cookies, and desserts that can be stored in airtight containers or frozen. This is the perfect time for those make-ahead recipes!
• Deck the Halls: Now’s the time to start decorating! Hang the wreaths, set up the tree, and add those little festive touches like Christmas towels or tablecloths. Make your home feel cozy and inviting.
• Update Your Shopping List: As you finalise your menu, add any last-minute ingredients you’ll need to your shopping list. This will help avoid the stress of running out at the last minute.

2 Weeks to Go

• Prepare and Freeze Sides: You can make and freeze dishes like roast potatoes, stuffing, and casseroles. These sides will save you so much time on Christmas Day, and they taste just as good after freezing!
• Set the Table Early: If you’re able, set the table in advance. Lay out the linens, dishes, and centerpieces. Having this done ahead of time means you can focus on other things closer to Christmas.
• Order Fresh Produce: If you need fresh fruits or veggies for your menu, pre-order them from your local store to avoid the last-minute rush.
• Write Christmas Cards: Finish off your Christmas cards and send them out early. It’s a lovely tradition that people still appreciate, and it’s one less thing to worry about later.

1 Week to Go

• Check Decorations: Have one last look around your house. Are all the decorations in place? Don’t forget the small details like outdoor lights or bathroom decorations – after all, everyone goes there!
• Defrost Frozen Items: Plan which dishes need to be defrosted in time for Christmas and pop them in the fridge a day or two in advance.
• Polish Silverware and Prep Serving Dishes: Now’s the time to polish the silverware and get all your serving dishes, glassware, and utensils ready. Don’t leave this for Christmas Eve!
• Organize the Fridge: Make space in the fridge for your Christmas dishes by clearing out any old items. You’ll need the room!

3 Days to Go

• Make Desserts: Finish making any desserts, such as puddings, ice cream, or that microwave brandy custard. Having these done will make Christmas Day a breeze.
• Pre-Scoop Ice Cream: Scoop ice cream ahead of time, lay the scoops on a tray, and freeze them between sheets of baking paper. It makes serving so much easier on the day.
• Make Sauces and Gravy: If you haven’t already made your sauces or gravy, now’s the time to whip them up and store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
• Sharpen the Carving Knife and Charge the Camera: Make sure your carving knife is sharp and your camera is charged, with plenty of space on the memory card for all those Christmas photos.

Christmas Eve

• Set the Table: If you haven’t done it already, set the table with all the final touches. Put out the centerpieces, arrange the napkins, and make it look beautiful.
• Fill the Esky: Clean out your cooler and fill it with ice for all the drinks. Remember, the ‘bubbles’ can never be too cold!
• Prep Snacks and Drinks: Make sure all your drinks are chilled and your snacks like nuts, lollies, or appetizers are ready to go. Cover them with clingwrap so they’re easy to grab when guests arrive.

Enjoy every moment as you count down to Christmas! This planner is designed to help you stay organized so you can relax, enjoy your company, and savour every bit of the holiday.