Simple Steps
Easy Holiday Planning…
Holidays feel lighter when the plan is simple and visible. A countdown calendar turns two busy months into a calm rhythm of small wins. Tape this page to the fridge, circle what matters, and skip what does not. You will move from turkey to twinkle lights with ease and still have time to enjoy the moments in between.
November: set the tone
Week 1: Finalize your guest list and set a realistic budget. Decide what kind of season you want—quiet and cozy, lively and social, or a blend—then let that guide every yes and no. Check serving dishes and bakeware so you are not hunting for the right pan on the big day.
Week 2: Plan the Thanksgiving menu and assign potluck dishes early. Ask guests for one contribution each to share the load. Order the turkey or main if needed. Make a short list of make-ahead items that hold well: cranberry sauce, pie dough, compound butter, freezer rolls. Add one to your weeknight cooking so prep becomes part of daily life.
Week 3: Shop pantry staples before crowds arrive. Think stock, flour, sugar, spices, sparkling water, coffee. Clear space in the fridge and freezer. Chop and freeze aromatics. If you bake, pre-measure dry ingredients into labeled bags. Pull out linens and check for stains. Iron napkins while watching a favorite show.
Week 4: Thaw the turkey, confirm headcount, and set the table the night before. On Thanksgiving Day, tape a simple timeline to a cabinet: oven temps, dish order, rest times. After dishes are done, take ten minutes to sort leftovers into containers sized for lunches and a simple weekend supper. That small habit turns post-holiday days into easy comfort.
Weekend after: Take a short walk, then batch wrap any early gifts. Make a quick list of décor gaps—fresh candles, a strand of lights, new hooks for stockings—so December errands are short and focused.
December: keep it steady
Week 1: Mail cards and schedule small gatherings. Pick one anchor event you love—a movie night, an ornament swap, a cookie exchange—and let the rest be optional. Stock a small basket for guests with cocoa packets, tea, and a few treats.
Week 2: Shop local gifts and ship early. Ask shops to box and ribbon when possible. Keep a small stash of universal gifts on hand—candles, local honey, coffee beans—so last-minute visits feel easy.
Week 3: Plan the Christmas menu and confirm headcount. Choose one showstopper and keep sides simple. Label platters with sticky notes so helpers can find what goes where. If you host breakfast, assemble a casserole the night before and set your coffee routine before bed.
Week 4: Bake, set a serving plan, and hold space for rest. Choose one evening for lights and cocoa. Choose one morning for a slow start. After the big day, plan a simple New Year’s brunch with a fruit platter and a frittata, then refresh calendars for January.
Small steps add up. A countdown is not about doing more. It is about doing the right little things at the right time so the season feels generous and calm. •
