From picking pumpkins to hanging the mistletoe we’ll jog your memory with our handy printable calendars. Ready to hang on the ‘fridge and keep the merry right on schedule!
- Get the house guest-ready. Now’s the time to stock up on fresh linens, towels and special touches for out of town visitors. You’ll rest easier knowing that they will, too.
- Take inventory of holiday kitchen and dining needs. Short on serving platters or extra seating? Time for a larger kids’ table? Scout your favorite vintage stores now for that perfect missing piece.
- Welcome wreath season with a front door refresh. A little elbow grease (and paint?) will do wonders throughout the season… from October’s spooks to December’s spirit.
- Hello, Pumpkin! Time to sprinkle a little autumn into your days. Light a warmly-scented candle. Catch a falling leaf. Break out your favorite sweater. Bring on the cozy!
- Out with the old. Take a good look at your holiday decor BEFORE it’s time to decorate.
- Donate what you no longer need and make room for something new. Check out our fabulous retro decor here.
- Stock the pantry. Add a few holiday non-perishables to each weekly grocery list now. It’s easier on the budget and helps you avoid the inevitable canned pumpkin supply-chain shortage drama.
- Pick your new favorite Retro Christmas Cards and order early! Update your card list. Confirm current addresses because RETURN TO SENDER is not a good look on those merry red envelopes. Plan to have your cards in the mail by December 1 and packages soon after.
- Book BEFORE November. Finalize travel plans. Line up pet sitters. Reserve hotels and favorite restaurants. Remember, the early bird gets the best table.
- Save the date. Check local venues now for holiday concerts and programs. Reserve your tickets early and take a bow. (Tickets to the theater, museums, zoos and the like make great gifts, too)
- Wrap gifts as they arrive – Play some vintage Christmas music as you wrap and let that spirit fill the air.
- LATE NOVEMBER – Our must-watch: Miracle On 34th Street. (The 1947 version, of course)
- Start addressing envelopes for Retro Christmas Cards. Mailing your Christmas Cards the day after Thanksgiving will give folks the chance to return a greeting card to you as well! Send overseas mail now.
- Shop early. Shop small. Black Friday may have the deals, but Small Business Saturday has the heart. We thank you for supporting small shops like ours throughout the year.
- HAPPY DECEMBER! Hang the stockings! Decorate the Tree! Have you got your Retro Ornaments? Let the merry-making mayhem begin! Hang a Retro Christmas Bunting over the mantle and get one to hang on your cubicle at work too.
- Buying a live tree or garlands? Three weeks before Christmas is a good time to get yours, if you want them to stay fresh and retain its needles through Christmas. Hang that Mistletoe now!
- Plan a baking day or two. Many unfrosted cookies (and most cookie doughs) and breads freeze nicely. Bake extra and share some of that homemade love.
- Turn up the holiday tunes. Everything tastes a bit more sublime when you bake with Bing, Dean & Perry.
- Let’s eat! Begin your Christmas meal prep early in the week. Set the table and stock the bar. Delegate when appropriate – Many hands do make light work.
- Save the calorie counting for January! It gives your resolutions something to look forward to.
- Don’t miss a minute! Take time to relax and enjoy this special season with friends and family. You’ve earned it!
- Merry Maker Tip: Calendars fill up much too quickly this time of year. Be intentional with your time and be sure to leave a little white space for that Christmas magic
