Holidays & Entertaining Holidays Christmas Holiday Organizing Checklist Overwhelmed by all the season’s good tidings (invitations, gifts, wrapping, and decorations)? Print out this list of organizing suggestions. By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on November 7, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: WENDELL T. WEBBER Cards need writing. Gifts need buying (and wrapping). Rooms need decorating. It's time to get organized, so you have time left over to actually enjoy the holidays. Maybe you can even squeeze in a party or two! Create a Holiday Planning Binder Use it to stay on track over the holidays. Place lists for gifts, cards, invitations, menus, grocery shopping, and to-dos. Include a countdown calendar to help you plan when you will get everything finished. Spread the workload over a number of weeks to avoid last-minute stress. Organize Gifts About a month before the holidays, write a list of gift recipients, ideas for what they'd like, where you'll buy these items, and the estimated cost per gift. Window-shop Online Narrow down your ideas before you head out to stores. Consolidate Shopping Trips Purchase more than one gift at one time. Plan to have all your Christmas shopping completed at least two weeks ahead of time. Wrap and label them as soon as you get home. Keep Entertaining Supplies Together That means one closet for table linens, candles, china, glassware, silverware, party place settings, and decorations. Don't waste time searching for seasonal items! Designate a Space for Gift Wrap Items Once that space is filled, stop buying paper, gift bags, bows, and ribbons. Consider using all white paper and dressing up packages with colorful bows and ribbons. Plan Ahead for Next Year The week after the holidays, buy discounted cards, decorations, and wrapping paper and restock your station. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit