The countdown to Christmas has officially begun, and with it comes the excitement—plus the inevitable rush—to get everything organised before the big day.

Whether you’re hosting, travelling, giving gifts, or simply looking to unwind, this pre-Christmas checklist will help you stay on top of it all and enjoy the season the way it’s meant to be enjoyed.

  1. Sort Out Your Schedule Early
    Before December fills up, block out the key dates. Confirm work deadlines, school events, end-of-year gatherings, and travel plans. This is also a good time to schedule catch-ups with friends and relatives—those get-togethers always book out fast. If you want meaningful time with the people you love, lock it in early.

  2. Plan Your Christmas Budget
    Set a clear budget for gifts, food, decorations, travel, and entertainment. Factor in any holiday sales and pre-order opportunities. Being intentional with your spending prevents the all-too-common January bill shock and helps you enjoy the season with less stress.

  3. Start Your Christmas Shopping
    Make a list of who you’re buying for and jot down a few ideas for each person. Shop early to avoid crowds and shipping delays. If you’re aiming for a more meaningful approach, consider allocating a specific weekend for a “season of giving” focus—whether that’s purchasing thoughtful gifts, donating to charities, or organising a toy or food hamper for families in need.

  4. Prepare the House
    If you’re hosting Christmas this year, start with a clean-out. Tidy guest rooms, refresh linen, declutter common areas, and restock essentials like toilet paper, toiletries, and snacks. A bit of prep now means less stress when the holiday chaos hits.Don’t forget to check outdoor areas, too—especially if you’ll be entertaining. Give the BBQ a clean, test outdoor lighting, and make sure you’ve got enough seating for everyone.

  5. Plan Your Christmas Menu
    Whether you’re doing a traditional roast, seafood spread, or a bring-a-plate lunch, get your menu sorted early. Make a list of what you need to buy, and start grabbing non-perishables now. If others are contributing dishes, confirm who’s bringing what. This also helps avoid duplicates and ensures a well-rounded feast.

  6. Check Your Decorations
    Pull out the Christmas tree, lights, ornaments, and outdoor décor. Test the lights before hanging them up (always a time-saver). Decide if you want to update your decorating style this year or keep it classic. If anything needs replacing, now’s the time—before the peak rush.

  7. Organise Your Wrapping Station
    Stock up on wrapping paper, tissue paper, gift bags, tags, tape, and ribbon. Set up a little wrapping station somewhere in the house so you can wrap as you go. This avoids the last-minute Christmas Eve scramble that we all swear we’ll never repeat.

  8. Prepare for Travel (If Applicable)
    If you’re heading away, book accommodation, check your vehicle, organise pet care, and plan your route. Make a packing list, including presents, chargers, swimwear, medication, and snacks for the road.

  9. Prioritise Time Off and Self-Care
    The holidays aren’t just about hustle—they’re about rest. Block out at least one day or weekend dedicated solely to taking time off. Whether that means sitting by the pool, reading a book, or simply doing nothing, give yourself permission to recharge. Christmas feels much brighter when you’re not running on fumes.

  10. Final Checks in the Week Before Christmas
  • Confirm fresh food orders
  • Recheck guest numbers
  • Charge cameras and devices
  • Write and send any last Christmas cards
  • Keep a few spare gifts on hand (just in case)

With this list, you’ll head into Christmas feeling organised, calm, and ready for good food, good company, and quality time with the people who matter most. If you’d like, I can also turn this into a printable checklist or a social media post!

If this article has inspired you to think about your unique situation and, more importantly, what you and your family are going through right now, please get in touch with your advice professional.

This information does not consider any person’s objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before making a decision, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your particular objectives, financial situation, or needs.

(Feedsy Exclusive)

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider whether the information is appropriate to your circumstance before acting on it and, where appropriate, seek professional advice.