The Catch-All Christmas Eve To-Do List

Christmas is right around the corner. T-minus 5 days! Eek! We can practically smell Kris Kringle’s cookies in the oven! If you’re freaking out a tiny bit, take a breath. The Golden Coil team has your back today with a catch-all Christmas Eve to do list. 

Check out the lists below and note the tasks that apply for you. With your Christmas Eve to-do list ready, you’ll be able to knock out each task, then kick back and enjoy your holiday!


PEOPLE TO REMEMBER

You’ve probably already made your list. Time to check it twice. Don’t leave a sibling forgotten or a gift unpurchased. Made easy by our Holiday Gifting page. If you have it you know!

  • Children

  • Spouse/Significant Other

  • Mom

  • Dad

  • Grandparents

  • In-Laws

  • Siblings

  • Nieces/Nephews

  • Uncles/Aunties

  • Cousins

  • Neighbors

  • Friends

  • Co-workers

  • Teachers

  • Peers

  • Bosses


GIFT PREPARATION

Truly, this is one of the best parts if you ask me. If you’re not the seasoned gift wrapper, add watching this tutorial to your checklist!

  • Shop any last minute additions or gifts

  • Compile all gifts

  • Gather supplies (tape, scissors, wrap, ribbons, bows, tags, cello bags, crinkle fillers, etc.)

  • Turn on a classic Christmas film

  • Group gifts by destination (under the tree, to in-laws, to neighbors, etc.)

  • Wrap (consider color coding wrap by destination)

  • Tag (before you forget what gift is inside 😉)

  • Decorate

  • Load (into car, into baskets, into purse, etc.)

  • Deliver

  • Stage home gifts (place around the tree, in stockings, etc.)

*Much wrapping and delivering can be done prior to Christmas Eve to clear that space for family time. 


HOME PREPARATION

Setting the mood in your home can really make for a magical Christmas morning. Chisel out a bit of time to polish and prep. 

  • Tidy

  • Dishes

  • Sweep

  • Mop

  • Vacuum

  • Bathroom wipe down

  • Bedroom tidy

  • Laundry

  • Fragrance of choice (candles, simmer pot, scent diffuser, etc.)

  • Turn on the fireplace

  • Add last-minute surprises (a lost sleigh bell, cookie crumbs, a note from Santa, handmade snowflakes, etc.)

FOOD PREPARATION

This will look different for every person, depending on if you’re hosting Christmas brunch or bringing a plate of your famous fudge to a large gathering. Keep in mind that much of your food prep can be done well before Christmas Eve!

  • Plan Christmas menu

  • Delegate as needed

  • Make grocery list

  • Shop

  • Early stage food prep

  • Baking ahead

  • Wipe down platters, serving dishes, plates and cutlery

  • Plan and set tablescape

  • Plan for food transportation and reheating, if necessary (insulation, covering, etc.)

 

CHRISTMAS DAY TIMELINE

The perfect way to take the stress out of a big day is to make the decisions and communicate ahead of time.

  • Identify priorities as a household/family

  • Outline the day’s activities and time frames

  • Communicate with all connected parties

  • Plan for any travel needs (weather, dress, what to bring, and commute time)


JUST FOR FUN

Any of these whimsical to-dos are certainly worth considering adding to your Christmas Eve (or Christmas Day) list, if you ask us.

  • Make a brand new tradition

  • Give your child a long hug

  • Give a meal to a homeless person

  • Sing together

  • Take a nap

  • Wear a festive sweater

  • Share something with a stranger

  • Go sledding

  • Drink cocoa

  • Eat an orange

  • Put on a mini talent show

  • Share insights and special stories

  • Make up a Christmas dance or lip sync to perform

  • Learn to knit

  • Donate food to a local pantry

  • Read about your ancestors

  • Give something away that you love

We hope that checking some of these happy boxes on Christmas Eve will give you the space to experience joy and peace with loved ones this Christmas season!



Blog Manager