The season is here, and this is my Countdown to Christmas schedule to make your life much easier with a simple check off list while you prepare for the holidays. We are all so very busy with work and family, but be patience with all that comes along the holidays; department store ads filling up your emails, the car radio playing Christmas songs starting in November, and worse of all the endless lines wherever you go! But, it’s not all that bad considering you have plenty of time to get your Christmas activities in order. I have scoured many books looking for the perfect tips, recipes, hoping to make your life a bit more calm and enjoyable. But in reality there’s no such thing. I have had many holiday parties and events over the years, so I feel fit enough to hand-out a few suggestions to help you navigate through these times. But most of all, please take the time to be with friends and family, and slow down to enjoy one another’s company, and Merry Christmas!
My Christmas Countdown
FOUR WEEKS AHEAD
- Plan theme for your dining table and make festive decorations
- Plan your Christmas Menu
- Get out your Christmas Stockings
- Check last mailing dates and buy stamps
- Decide on your tree type and shop for decorations as needed
- Order special food as necessary, such as a fresh turkey, ham, meat or fish
- Plan lighting, outdoor decorations, and where to buy your tree.
TWO WEEKS AHEAD
- Get your table setting together or send linen to be cleaned.
- Buy your fresh tree, or set up your artificial tree and fluff and decorate
- Stock up on candles, and set up your decorations around the house
- Shop for nonperishable foods, keep an ongoing list
- Make dishes that can be frozen, pies, breads, stuffing, soups
- Buy all your wrapping supplies. Set up a wrapping station to get started
- Make homemade decorations
ONE WEEK AHEAD
- Buy all your fresh garlands and wreaths
- Shop for last-minute gifts
- Plan your festive drinks and buy ice
- Make Cranberry Sauce and Dips
- Bake cookies and cakes
- Make a list of your guests and confirm
THREE TO FOUR DAYS AHEAD
- Arrange your fresh arrangements
- Check your food list for last minute items
- Take out all dishes and platters for your dinner
- Wash all glasses and set out placemats, tablecloths, silverware
- Make sure you have enough chairs and room for all
- Defrost turkey, lamb, ham, and place in refrigerator allowing 24 hours
- Pick up and clean your home
CHRISTMAS EVE
- Bake any frozen pies, cakes, cookies if frozen
- Make cranberry sauce, whipped cream, sauces
- Begin washing vegetables, prepare stuffing, and sides
- Prepare your bar for drinks
- Make your cold drinks and refrigerate
- Prepare hot drinks teas and wassail, punch
- Hang stockings
- Set the Table for Friends and Family
I hope this will help you stay calm and rejoice in the Christmas family traditions as you carry out the season. You may attend a traditional Christmas concert, walk through a beautiful decorated garden, or just play favorite Christmas music all day long. Whatever you do, be with others during this glorious time.
Merry Christmas,
© 2025, Mary Papoulias-Platis. All rights reserved.
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Hello from California Greek Girl. I’m the owner of Ethos Culinary located in the beautiful city of Carlsbad. Join me as we explore California’s bounty of foods, farmlands, and culinary experts. I’m looking forward to bringing you Greek, Mediterranean and Plant-Forward Cuisines. OPA!
