- Start an Advent Calendar
Choose an advent calendar and plan a special time in the day, every day, that you'll all get together to open the window. Discuss the significance of the tradition and the pictures for each day. If your calendar has an ornament hidden, place it on a miniature tree. If there is a piece of candy behind every door, decide who gets it each day. - Finalize Your Gift List
Make a list of gift recipients and ideas of gifts for them. As you shop, cross out the names so you aren't tempted to duplicate purchases. Once purchased, carefully wrap the gifts and mark the name on the packages. If you have to hide gifts from curious children, find a safe place, and don't forget it! - Plan Your Charitable Donations
Charities appreciate receiving your donations early in the holiday season. They can then budget their purchases for the needy. You can donate canned goods to a food bank or make monetary donations to the Goodwill, a local church, women's shelter, children's home, or the Salvation Army in your area. - Decide on a Decorating Theme
If you use the same decorations year after year, this step will be easy for you. But if you like to choose a decorating theme or color scheme to follow, this is the time to do it. Then everything you do from here on out will be to expand on or enhance the theme you've chosen. - Get the Christmas Tree
Don't try to go Christmas tree shopping on a Saturday afternoon, or you'll be out with everyone else. Choose an evening in the middle of the week and you'll have a much more peaceful time. Whether you cut it yourself or buy it from a Christmas tree lot, find just the perfect Christmas tree for your home. Let the children help to pick the tree and collect cut boughs off the ground, if allowed, to use in centerpieces or on the mantle. - Pack Gifts Up for Shipping
Don't get caught having to send gifts at the last minute. Make these the first ones you buy, wrap, and move out of the house! Collect packages to ship, wrap them carefully in a sturdy carton, add cushioning, and seal the box with packing tape. Don't spend time and materials putting a lavish, fluffy bow onto a box that has to be packed for shipping. Use metallic twist cording, place old Christmas cards on the top of the gift, place a photo on the top of the package, or decorate the package with some child's artwork. Take the packages to the local shipping center and they'll be on their way in time for Christmas day. - Skirt the Tree
A Christmas tree looks more beautiful if it has a complimentary tree skirt surrounding the base. If you don't have one, you can use a tablecloth or long length of fabric in a color or print to coordinate with your decor. - Have Friends Over for a Cause
Traditional Christmas parties include visiting with friends, drinking, and exchanging gifts. How about planning a party where you and your friends make bags of treats for a children's charity? How about making wreaths to donate to a senior citizens' home? Or gather together to go caroling at a nursing home. Ask for donations for a meal kitchen. Or take a tour together of homes decorated for the holidays. Buy a group of tickets at a discount and go to a Christmas concert together. The ideas are endless! But do something different this year.
Read on for more Christmas planning tips for the End of November | 2nd Week of December | 3rd Week of December | Christmas Week
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