Whether your holiday celebrations entail staying at home or hosting a few family members and friends, a decorated, organized and clutter free home is just one priority. Other tasks like shopping, baking, and wrapping gifts are also part of the big picture. With kids, work, and other commitments the holidays can take a toll when it comes to finding more time in an otherwise packed daily schedule.
Having a checklist and checking it twice this time of year will help to alleviate the frenzy. And put a little extra pep in your step. Not to mention some good old-fashioned holiday spirit. For a stress-free holiday we found some great checklists on the internet. They cover a wide range of holiday prep work that will keep you on target. Plus, these downloadable, handy wonders can be customized, or printed and used as is. For a merry and extra bright season, here are some of our favorite holiday prep checklists.
Holiday Cleaning
For a dust-free, clean and organized home this printable checklist from Sunny Day Family is straightforward and easy to use. It provides a list of important tasks in those rooms in the home that are frequently used during the holidays like the kitchen and living room. And other rooms in the home like the guest room, foyer and dining room.
Christmas Fun
While X-mas is no doubt one of the busiest times of the year, it’s important not to lose sight of spending quality time with the family. The folks at Family Education have put together a checklist of fun family-friendly activities. It covers a variety of DIY craft projects to watching a holiday movie to making and drinking eggnog. As you merrily go down the list, remember to check off completed activities.
Road Trip
A road trip to grandma’s house for the holidays may sound like a great idea but it’s going to require some extra planning. This Road Trip Checklist from The Typical Mom covers a wide range of items that will keep kids occupied while you drive. It also includes a number of necessities that you may have not thought to bring along.
Holiday Photo Checklist
Capture precious holiday memories with this free Photo Checklist from Ashley Photography. It provides a wide range of activities and ideas to photograph for a picture perfect holiday family album. From eating candy canes to photographing the kids in their X-mas pajamas, you’ll be sure to chronicle all of your family’s seasonal activities. And maybe snap a great photo of the family for next year’s Christmas card.
Holiday Baking Essentials
Sugar and spice and all things sweet and nice are rolled into the Baking Essentials Checklist published by Real Simple. To keep organized it’s best to keep a ready supply of key ingredients on hand. Flour, sugar, eggs, butter, chocolate and vanilla are baking staples. But if you’re making several different varieties of cookies or pies a list with all the essential ingredients will save both time and gas money. It also includes a short list of appliances and bakeware needed to help you complete the job.
Christmas Decorations Checklist
Honestly, the number one Christmas decoration in any home this time of year is the tree. The Christmas Decorations Checklist from Gaylord Hotels covers everything you need for a beautiful tree. But it also lists those items that will give your home the feeling of comfort and joy. From the fireplace mantle stockings and holders to garland and bows for the staircase, there’s no doubt your halls will be decked out. For those that like homemade ornaments check out 24 of Our Most Memorable DIY Christmas Ornaments from Martha Stewart.
Holiday Hosting Timeline
From creating the menu to shopping and meal prep Taste of Home provides a comprehensive and complete timeline to cooking and hosting the perfect holiday dinner. The four-week guide offers a no muss, no fuss attitude that will have you prepared and relaxed when guests arrive.
Shop Travisso’s Savory Farmer’s Market for all your Holiday Needs
Serve up plenty of yum this holiday season with fresh farm to table produce and meats from Travisso’s Savory Farmers’ Market. Open to the public, the market takes place on Wednesdays from 3-7 p.m. at the community’s clubhouse, 2437 Travisso Parkway in Leander. The weekly market features high-quality vendors that sell premium meats, seafood and bakery items. And a variety of local artisan products and gift items like jewelry and art.
