December Countdown: A Complete Christmas Checklist

December is a month of celebration, reflection, and preparation for the year ahead. With so much going on, it’s essential to prioritize health, create meaningful moments, and keep your space organized and beautiful. Today, I want to share a Christmas checklist to make this December your most harmonious with wellness tips, organizing hacks, decorating ideas, delicious food inspiration, and fun Christmas activities!

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To help you stay on top of it all, I’ve created the Ultimate Christmas Countdown Checklist—your week-by-week guide to staying organized, stress-free, and ready to enjoy every moment of the season.

Download Your Free Christmas Checklist Here!

In this post, I’ll share even more tips to help you prioritize wellness, organize your home, and fill your space with holiday magic. From decorating ideas to delicious recipes and meaningful family activities, let’s make this December your most memorable yet!

Christmas Plans and Traditions

In my family, December is all about tradition. From a little girl visiting my grandparents every Christmas Eve (with a visit from Santa Claus and his wife, boy, were we special!) to hosting Christmas parties to celebrate my son’s first Christmas into his high school years, I have many great memories.

A house full of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and food – we always had so much food! Meat pies and sloppy joes on Christmas Eve, and my parents would make a full turkey dinner on Christmas day.

In my 20s, I met new friends and families I grew to love and took on some of their traditions still today. Like my best friend’s homemade cider, a charming English seafood chowder recipe on Christmas Eve, and Christmas crackers at Christmas dinner. There is something about sitting around the table wearing paper hats and sharing silly jokes. It’s such a great time!

Does things change as you get older?

Has life changed nowadays? I would say December is just different. I still decorate my house to fill my heart and host Christmas day dinners for my whole family. No little ones are running around yet, but Santa fills stockings at my home, no matter how old the kids are—so much fun on Christmas morning. Sometimes, our kids come early or later to open them, depending on their busy schedules.

We still enjoy candy canes and hot chocolate like we did as kids. My brother and his wife host Christmas Eve every year, and I spend time with my beautiful nieces. My sister and her family (including another beautiful niece) visit us —sometimes over Christmas or as part of a Boxing Day event. It’s the best time; my parents get to take it all in!

I always make time to return to my hometown of Bathurst, New Brunswick, to visit my grandmother, long-time friends, and, when I can, those family members who made my childhood memorable.

It is different, but it is the same—family pulls my heartstrings, and it would not be the same without them. I feel grateful we live hours apart and can do this, as some people can’t visit their family members over the holidays.

I now think about health and wellness more this time of year—not because of my age but because I finally understand how important it is no matter how old you are. This brings me to all the beautiful ideas, hacks, and celebrations to check off your list in December! Let’s get started!

A Christmas Checklist

✔️ Health & Wellness: Prioritize Self-Care

1. Set a Morning Routine

Get up a little bit early and take 15 minutes to start your day with meditation, journaling, or light exercise. I love my quiet mornings, which can help reduce stress and set you up for a positive day.

2. Stay Hydrated

Winter air can be dehydrating. Make it fun by infusing water with seasonal fruits like cranberries and oranges. We had to replace our refrigerator, and we chose a Samsung. It has a built-in, automatic, refillable, infusing container, and we love it.

3. Immune-Boosting Foods

Incorporate foods rich in vitamin C, like citrus fruits and warming spices like ginger and cinnamon, into your meals. When you think of vitamin C, you typically think of an orange, but lemons, strawberries, peppers, and even broccoli have it.

4. Create a Sleep Sanctuary

Use cozy throw blankets, dim lighting, and essential oils like lavender to enhance relaxation and sleep quality in your evening routine.

If you are starting a morning or evening routine, I have a free printable for you to write everything down. By putting your intentions on paper, you create a clear path to follow, build consistency, and ensure your time is spent on what truly matters. You can access my library here.

✔️ Organizing: End the Year on a Tidy Note

December can feel chaotic, but a little organization can make a world of difference. These best tips will help you streamline your to-do list and enjoy the holiday season.

1. Use a Holiday Planner or Calendar

I’m a planner enthusiast, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep a detailed plan – write down key dates, like events, parties, and deadlines for shipping gifts. Visualizing your schedule helps you avoid last-minute surprises. A planner is the one thing I can’t live without.

2. Declutter and Prepare Your Space

Before bringing in new decor or gifts, take time to clear out unused items. Decluttering your pantry, living areas, and kids’ spaces will give an overall relaxing feeling in your home. I have detailed instructions on decluttering before the holidays; check it out here.

3. Keep a Gift List Tracker

Avoid last-minute gift shopping with a simple planner that lists recipients, ideas, and an overall budget. This ensures you don’t overspend or forget anyone when you are Christmas shopping.

4. Gift Wrapping Station

Grab your wrapping paper and gift tags to get a head start. Use my mom’s trick to wrap gifts as you get them to avoid piles to wrap later.

If you’re wondering, “How will I remember all this and keep it organized?” Download my Ultimate Christmas Countdown Checklist to stay organized week by week and ensure you don’t miss anything on your Christmas to-do list.

✔️ Decorating: Simple and Stunning Ideas

1. Winter Greenery

Decorate with natural elements like pine branches, holly, and eucalyptus for a fresh, festive look—one of my favorite holiday greeneries is Norfolk pine at AFloral. It is real-touch and looks so realistic. You can also find it on Amazon; other stores are coming out with their versions.

2. Cozy Corners

Add throw pillows, blankets, fairy lights, and candles to create warm and inviting spaces near the Christmas tree. There is nothing like curling up on the couch with a hot drink to watch your favorite holiday movie. Decorate for comfort this time of year!

3. DIY Ornaments

Get creative with homemade Christmas decorations. If you have kids or grandkids, involve them in your craft projects for added fun! Try my DIY Vintage Bells or build gingerbread houses.

4. Table Settings

For your holiday table, use simple, elegant touches like white linens, gold accents, and fresh greenery. If you are looking for ideas, I have curated a beautiful table setting.

✔️ Food: Festive and Healthy Ideas

1. Holiday Smoothies

Blend almond milk, frozen berries, protein powder, and a touch of cinnamon for a nutritious seasonal treat.

2. Christmas Menu

In December, try hearty soups and stews packed with vegetables to keep meals simple and nutritious in addition to Christmas dinner.

 3. Family Baking Day

Choose healthier versions of holiday treats like almond flour cookies or low-sugar gingerbread. Or indulge in your most treasured holiday treats!

4. Cocktail & Mocktail Night

For cozy evenings, make and share festive beverages like cranberry spritzers or hot apple cider.

Before you start grocery shopping, these are my best selection of recipes to help you:

• Homemade English-Style Beef Stew with Roasted Potatoes
• Warming and Delicious Low-Carb Chicken Soup Recipe
• Cheers to the Season: 15 Festive Holiday Cocktails

✔️ Family Fun: Create Lasting Memories

1. Outdoor Adventures

Even though it could be cold outside, bundle up and go ice skating, build a snowman, or check out local Christmas lights and beautiful displays. 

2. Game Night

This is one of our favorites: Gather around for board games, cards, and puzzles, or better yet, try a holiday-themed trivia night.

3. Holiday Movie Marathon

Watch festive classic Christmas movies with cozy blankets and bowls of popcorn. Check out the top 76 Best Christmas Movies of All Time. How many have you seen?

4. Small Acts of Kindness

Get in the Christmas Spirit and teach kids about giving back with small charitable actions, or take time out of your own day for acts of kindness. 

Make December Meaningful

This December, embrace the beauty of harmony—organize your space, savor meaningful moments, and prioritize joy. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive family tradition, these tips will help you create a truly magical holiday season. Share your Christmas traditions in the comments; I would love to hear them!

Ready to make this December magical? Stay ahead of the holiday rush with our Ultimate Christmas Countdown Checklist. It’s your comprehensive list to help you have a joyful and stress-free Christmas!

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