The 30-60-90 Day Guide
The holiday season is a time of joy, family, and festive celebrations. However, it can also be a time of stress, especially if you’re not prepared. But fear not, dear reader! We’ve got a 30-60-90 day plan to ensure that your holidays are smooth, organized, and most importantly, enjoyable.
90 Days Out: The Foundations
1. Setting a Budget: Before anything else, determine how much you’re willing to spend. This includes gifts, decorations, food, and any travel expenses.
2. Draft a Guest List: Are you hosting? Decide on your invite list now. This helps with planning the meals and seating arrangements later.
3. Gift Ideas: Start listing down gift ideas for everyone. Consider online shopping to avoid last-minute shipping woes. Remember stocking stuffers and small gifts for service workers like hairdressers, postal workers, and delivery drivers.
4. Start DIY/Homemade Gifts and Decorations: Personally made items can add such a wonderful touch to your holidays. Starting them now will ensure that they are perfect for the recipient.
5. Order Custom Made Gifts: Vendors advertising Custom Made gifts usually have longer manufacturing and shipping windows during the holiday season. Beat the rush to ensure your personalized gift is ready on time.
6. Gather Addresses for Holiday Cards: Time to review your friends and family’s addresses for any relocations or additions. Now is also a great time to pick out the perfect holiday card photo or schedule a photo session.
7. Book Travel: You’ve worked hard all year and the holidays can be stressful, now is a great time to book your holiday escape. Prices skyrocket as the holidays approach.
60 Days Out: Setting Things in Motion
1. Declutter Your Home: Taking down Halloween decor and eliminating any additional clutter will give you the extra space needed to set the stage for your holiday decorations
2. Deep Clean Your Home: Now that you have your spaces decluttered, let’s get to work on a good old-fashion deep clean before you decorate your home.
3. Plan Your Menu: For any hosting duties, decide on appetizers, main courses, desserts, and drinks.
4. Check your Bar Stock: replenish any low or old bottles to ensure your festive cocktails are ready for your guests.
5. Order Subscription Box Gifts: Subscription Boxes have become a popular and fun way to celebrate the holidays. With so many great options there is sure to be one to fit everyone on your list. Most boxes have a 30 or 60 day ordering window so be sure to subscribe early to ensure holiday delivery.
6. Order your holiday cards: If you are planning photo cards or holiday letters, this is the perfect time to place your order or write a rough draft.
7. Start Decorating: It’s time to get those boxes of decorations out of storage and create your holiday style!
30 Days Out: Final Preparations
1. Finalize RSVPs: Send out reminders to guests to confirm their attendance.
2. Wrap Gifts: Begin wrapping the gifts you’ve purchased. Add tags so you don’t forget whom they’re for!
3. Set Up Decorations: Brighten up your living space with festive decor.
4. Address and Mail Cards: Enjoy your new decor while addressing your holiday cards and prepping them for mailing.
5. Order Online Items: If you’re shipping items directly to your recipient, ordering before the 15th will most likely ensure delivery before the big day.
6. In-Store Shopping and Gift Cards: Now that most of your gift buying is complete, it will be a breeze to finish up any last minute or unexpected gifts that are needed. As a last resort, gift cards are always appreciated!
7. Advanced Prep Idea: Prep any side dishes that can be frozen ahead of time, such as casseroles and side dishes.
8. Cookie Exchange: Participating in a cookie exchange at work or with friend can give you a great opportunity to add a variety of holiday treats without all of the work. You bake a large batch of your favorite cookie recipe and divide the batch to share among the group. Each person will leave with several different kinds of cookies and treats for their holiday entertaining.
9. Create a Shopping List of Meal Items: It’s time for your final shopping list. Double check ingredients and measurements to make sure all items are ready for the big day! Splitting cooking and/or shopping responsibilities with family and friends will help keep your holiday running smoothly.
| Task/Chore | 90 Days | 60 Days | 30 Days |
| Gift Planning | |||
| Set a Budget | ✔ | ||
| Create a List of Gift Ideas | ✔ | ||
| Start any DIY or Homemade Gifts | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Order Subscription Box Gifts | ✔ | ||
| Order Any Online Items to be Delivered | ✔ | ||
| In-Store Shopping and Gift Cards | ✔ | ||
| Decorating | |||
| Declutter Your Home for Holiday Prep | ✔ | ||
| Deep Clean | ✔ | ||
| DIY or Crafted Decorations | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Set Up Decorations | ✔ | ||
| Wrap Gifts | ✔ | ||
| Entertaining | |||
| Draft Guest List | ✔ | ||
| Plan Your Menu | ✔ | ||
| Restock Bar | ✔ | ||
| Prepare Freeze-ahead Dishes | ✔ | ||
| Participate in a Cookie Exchange | ✔ | ||
| Create Shopping List of Meal Items Needed | ✔ | ||
| Review Times and Oven Temperatures for Dishes | ✔ | ||
| Miscellaneous | |||
| List of Addresses for Cards | ✔ | ||
| Choose Holiday Card Photo | ✔ | ||
| Order Cards | ✔ | ||
| Address and Mail Cards | ✔ | ||
| Book Holiday Travel | ✔ | ||
Final Thoughts
With this 30-60-90 day planning guide, you’re not only prepared but also spaced out your tasks to ensure minimal stress. By the time the holiday season is in full swing, you’ll be able to kick back, relax, and savor every moment, knowing everything is taken care of.
Happy Holidays!
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