Every year at this time I start having conversations with myself about how I’m going to simplify the season and not let the crazy win. It’s still a bit crazy around here, but I have let go of a lot of activities and self-imposed expectations in the past few years. One tradition our family has enjoyed for years that I’m holding on to is making a Christmas fun list. Every year the list is slightly different. Most years it’s a simple list of possibilities; occasionally, I have scheduled something for each day.
Here is a short and sweet list to help you prepare for Christmas, including a free printable Christmas Fun List!
Early November
- Go through your gift bin to see what you’ve already purchased for Christmas gifts
- Make a comprehensive gift list
- Start a Christmas baking list
- Make a grocery list (using your Christmas baking list)
- Decide on a Christmas craft to do with your kids (or for yourself)
(This year, I want to make THESE adorable 3-D paper trees) - Print a Christmas wish list for the kids to fill out
- Find a Christmas or winter puzzle to work on as a family
- Make a Christmas Fun List and print it out to display
To plan the month of December, I go through our calendar and choose the best dates for each activity. On nights that I know our family is busy with after school practices or events, I pick something simple like drinking hot cocoa or watching a funny YouTube video. When we have a bit more time, I’ll plan a craft or game night. Here is my Christmas fun list for last year.
Week of Thanksgiving
- Pull out Christmas decorations
- Make sure the girls each have an ornament (either purchase or have a plan to make one)
- Think about Christmas dinner plan
- Purchase little candies or treats to put in advent house
- Make sure all activities listed on Christmas fun list are purchased or prepped and ready
- Start Christmas decorating (yes, I sometimes start before Thanksgiving!)
After Thanksgiving
- Finish Christmas shopping
- Christmas decorating
- Make Christmas dinner plans
- Enjoy the season!
Christmas Fun List Printable
Here’s a free printable Christmas fun list you can download to use with your family! You don’t even have to leave your home for most of them. You can find a variety of Nutcracker ballet performances to watch online, and if you really don’t want to leave the house, you can even take a Christmas lights tour via YouTube.
Everything You Need for Your Christmas Fun List
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Christmas books
Cookie Decorating Kit
![Gingerbread House kit [Set of 2] DIY Gingerbread House, Fun Holiday Activity for Kids, Ease Crafted Grooves Decor Kit of 2 Houses/4 ppl/Fondant/Snowflakes/Candies/Jellies/Beads/Buttons/Tray 30 Pcs Set](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61yTMQBMEBL._SL160_.jpg)
Christmas coloring book
Christmas gift wrap
Grab my December Family Devotional Now
If you’re still in Thanksgiving planning mode, read THIS post and power through my Thanksgiving checklist for a step-by-step plan to preparing for your Thanksgiving feast.
Check out my Google Sheets Christmas Planner to organize your holiday season!
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I love the idea of a Christmas fun list! And I absolutely need to grab a Christmas puzzle, I love puzzles but it’s been so long since I’ve done one.
I love puzzles too, but December is the only time I do them. We keep one out for everyone to work on whenever someone says they’re bored. ?