A calendar will keep you on track during the hectic pace of the holidays. Add to it as you learn of the upcoming events that you want to include in your plans. One glance and you’ll know if you are available.
Start baking goodies you can freeze – Cookies and nut breads are make ahead favorites. Wrap tightly and freeze. Make sure to buy cookie tins at the Dollar Store to have handy gifts for the unexpected.
Having a Holiday Party? Order your Retro Holiday Invitations now! Don’t delay. Get them all filled in – send out asap so that your guests calendar will be empty when they arrive! Holiday dates fill up fast!
Plan Holiday Outfits – Check that closet for your fabulous festive event outfits. Add a few fun items like a festive apron.
Update your holiday card list – Determine how many cards you need, and make sure you have updated addresses. Order your Retro Christmas Cards online, so you’ll have plenty of time for them to arrive.
Start Christmas shopping now – Make a master gift list. Make sure you list everyone you’ll need to buy for. Many things need time to ship and if the items are custom, allow time for that magic to happen.
Wrap gifts as they arrive – Play some vintage Christmas music as you wrap and let that spirit fill the air.
Review your decorations – Is there something you wanted last year and didn’t get? Buying earlier will give you the best selections, popular Ornaments sell out sooner. Find fun retro holiday decor ideas here.
LATE NOVEMBER 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.
……..Tune in – Dec 1 – The Bishops Wife – 10:00pm TCM
Decorate! No later than the first week of December, it’s time to get the house looking festive. Pour the Egg Nog, put on Christmas tunes… Find Retro Christmas Ornaments and Vintage Style Decorating items here.
……..Tune in – Dec 4 – Christmas in Rockefeller Center – 8–9PM ET – NBC
3 WEEKS TIL CHRISTMAS
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!
Finalize menus. If you’ll be serving the holiday meal make sure you know what you’ll be cooking and what family members will be bringing. Start your master grocery list. Order a turkey or ham. Shop for nonperishable items – bar supplies and canned goods or pantry staples.
2 WEEKS BEFORE Make sure out-of-town presents are mailed. Try to have gifts in the mail by December 10. Hang the stockings one night while all the family is asleep, keep the contents a mystery. No shaking!
1WEEK BEFORE Organize the kitchen clean out the refrigerator. Make room for big dishes and ingredients.
Make a Visit to Santa, see the mall decor go for a Holiday Stroll & to see the Christmas light displays.
3 DAYS BEFORE Shop for fresh ingredients for your holiday feast. I recommend going to the store either really early or late in the evening (some stores have extended hours) for fresh items you need for menus.
2 Days Before – DEC 23 Start cooking anything that can sit for a couple of days. Cranberry relish, chop items so you are prepped. Set the table – place your centerpiece and see how the lighting looks at the hour you plan to serve. Set Up The Bar – include punch bowl, ice bucket, coosies, wine glasses with tags, fun cocktail napkins.
……..Tune in – The Shop Around The Corner – TCM 8PM
The Day Before – Dec 24 Post the menu on the ‘fridge. List in order in the foods that need to be prepared. Arrange the buffet table. Double check the menu items. Forget anything? Make That Jello Mold now! Make a timeline for the next day. Decide when you’ll be feasting, then count backward to determine when to put the main course in the oven and refer back to your menu for the order of preparations. Read the “Night Before Christmas” for your loved ones.
……..Tune in ”A Christmas Story” marathon TBS 8PM
Christmas Day! Be sure to enjoy the day, remember to relax. Tune in your Christmas playlist. Be sure that you are pacing yourself… and consuming your share of the holiday goodies too! Keep the camera handy and record all those special moments. Remember, these are the Good Ol’ Days!
Download Your Retro Christmas Checklist Here
Prints out on a legal sheet (8.5 x 14″) or tile on 2 – 8.5 x 11″ sheets and tape together.
