5 Last-Minute Tips for a Spectacular Christmas

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is in full swing. Now that your home is decorated and your gifts are (mostly) bought and wrapped, we wanted to drop by with five quick tips to give you and your family a spectacular Christmas. 
 

Be Yourself 
Christmas is an easy thing to get caught up in—always trying to keep up with the Jones's or impress those around you. From decorating to meal planning to gift giving, just be you and keep to your style. 

 
Prioritize 
Decide what is most important to you. What really makes the Christmas season feel complete for you and your family? As you move through the holidays, make sure the most important events or traditions get covered, then go from there. If you have time for other things, great, but at least you know you’ve hit the top things. Set expectations with your partner, family, or friends, on what events or types of things may be dropped if you overcommit.  

 
Think Ahead 
Eliminate stress by planning ahead and being ready for everything. If you’re hosting the big Christmas dinner, set the table the night before. Make an overnight breakfast in the slow cooker or put the casserole together ahead of time to cut out time in the kitchen on Christmas morning.  

 
He’s Making a List... 
Santa Claus isn’t the only one who needs to be making lists at Christmas time. Keep lists of gifts you are planning to give and what you have already bought. Then check that list twice to make sure everything makes it under the tree. Track those who send you a Christmas card so you can send one back or write out which neighbors you’d like to take gifts to. Keep a calendar of parties, kid’s school programs and days off, so everyone is always where they need to be.  

With so many pieces of Christmas dinner to cook, the more prepared you are, the better. Plan your menu and triple-check you have all the ingredients you need. Create a timing sheet to ensure you make the most of your time and get everything done when it needs to be. Whether you use your Notes app or go old school with pen and paper, your lists will keep all the details straight.  

Don’t Stress 
The biggest piece of advice we can offer is to not worry so much about it all. Christmas is magical all on its own. The parties, decorations, and gifts are fun, but your family will love this time of year no matter what. Don’t let yourself get so focused on the small details that it overwhelms you and you forget to enjoy it.  

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Wishing you and your family a very merry Christmas from Downeast Home!