Retro Christmas Checklist + Seasonal Calendars Downloadables

The most wonderful time of the year officially begins right about now. Let our Retro Christmas Checklist + calendar pages help you plan to make this a season to remember. Cheers!

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.
“Never jump into a pile of leaves with a wet sucker.” -Linus, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
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.
Channel your inner Cindy Lou Who. Find the joy that comes from helping others. It’s a feeling that doesn’t come from a store, and makes the season, perhaps, mean a little bit more.
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)
Plan your Retro Trimmed out tree! Have you got your Tree Skirt yet?
Tune in. ‘Tis the season to check TV listings for classic holiday programs and make note of air dates. Streaming makes finding favorites easy, just be sure to schedule time to watch. Check out our printable calendar pages for a few of this year’s can’t-miss shows.
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)
May we never be so grown-up that we forget how to BELIEVE.
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!
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. Print out your menu and create a timeline for prep and cook times. 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.