Ultimate Christmas Planning for a Stress Free Holiday

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Christmas planning is the only way I survive Christmas every year. By the beginning of November, I pretty much have it all organized. Even if it is just all in my head, I know what is happening.

This year I have created an ultimate Christmas planning post with over 100 Christmas blog posts to ensure you have the best stress free holiday season.

There are also free Christmas planning printables so you too can get organized.

Before I continue with these amazing Christmas planning tips. I have put together a FREE Christmas planning journal for you to print out and use to help make this the best Christmas ever.

All you need to do to get this printable is to download it at the end of this post.

Within the free download, you will get note pages, a Christmas planning checklist, gift planners, decoration planners, gift tags, Christmas card lists, to-do lists and so much more.

**There may be affiliate links in this post. You can read my full disclosure at the bottom of the page.**

Let’s Get Organized this Christmas

• Christmas bucket list – over 20 family-friendly ideas!
• If you love to be organized at Christmas I highly recommend you get this Christmas organizer. It is a physical product and you can use it year after year.
• Ultimate Christmas planner with 68 pages! You will certainly be ready for the big day with this!
• 4 ways to make your house more child friendly this festive season from Sarah at a Few Favourite Things
• Preparing for Christmas from Joanne at Joanne Dewberry
• Free Christmas planner free printable from Cass at the Diary of a Frugal Family
• How to Transition to a Minimalist Christmas with Kids from June at This Simple Balance
• 3 ways to be intentional throughout the holidays from Jessica at Intentional in Life
• Ten more things that say Christmas to me from Lisa at Lisa’s Notebook

The Best Christmas Cake Ideas

We start making our Christmas cake in October so it has plenty of time to soak in lots of alcohol.

But as long as you leave at least 4 weeks before the big day it will be delicious and moist.

• Why not make your Christmas cake super special this year with a new cake topper?
• Mary Berry Christmas Cake
• Lighter Christmas Cake Recipe by Kate at Kate on Thin Ice
• 6 Delicious Christmas Cakes for Health Conscious People by Chantelle at All Things Christmas
• Gluten-Free Christmas Cake by Kate at Kate on Thin Ice

Elf on the Shelf Activities

The Elf on the Shelf has been visiting us for the last 7 years now, and we all look forward to his visits.

If you are looking for some inspiration or just want to learn more about the Christmas elf check out these blog posts.

• Grab all of our Elf on the Shelf printables here, over 32 included!
• Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt Free Printables
• Over 20 free Elf on the Shelf printables
• Elf on the Shelf 101
• 12 of the best Christmas books about elves to get kids in the Christmas spirit
• Elf construction site
• Elf on the Shelf hat printables
• Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letter four free printables
• Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter
• North Pole Breakfast Ideas include healthy and savory food (and a free printable menu)
• Elf on the Shelf antics for kids that are super easy
• The best elf on the shelf accessories available
• Ultimate Guide to Elf on the Shelf
• 12 Reasons Why Your Elf on the Shelf Forgot to Move Last Night from Cass at The Diary of a Frugal Family

Christmas On A Budget – Christmas Planning

Is money a bit tight this year? Would you rather spend your money on experiences and holidays? If so check out these top posts all about how to have Christmas on a budget.

• How to earn money for Christmas – 10 top tips
• How to do Christmas Cheap from Emma at Tuppenys Fireplace
• Fifty ways to have a frugal but fun Christmas from Cass at the Diary of a Frugal Family
• No money for Christmas from Divine at Ladies Make Money
• How to save for Christmas from Emma at Tuppenys Fireplace
• When There’s No Money for Christmas from Tiffany at Homeschool Hide Out

Christmas Decorations

• Treat yourself to some new Christmas lights with these beautiful confetti lights, what is even better is they can be battery powered, or mains powered.
• Real or Artificial Christmas Tree, Pros & Cons from Chantelle at All Things Christmas
• Christmas Trees for Small Spaces (like an RV or the schoolroom) from Charlene at Hess Un-Academy
• Outdoor House Christmas Lights Display from Chantelle at All Things Christmas
• Best Tips for Decorating Your Christmas Tree from Chris at Celebrations at Home

Christmas Party Ideas & Christmas Baking

Christmas Baking

• I’m going to treat myself this year to these awesome rolling pins with festive patterns to make my cookies pop.
• Easy No-Cook Party Snacks from Chantelle at All Things Christmas
• Christmas Cookies – Host a Christmas Cookie Day from Susan at the Sparrow’s Home
• Christmas Crullers Recipe from Karalee at Tales of Belle
• Chocolate and Nut Cake Recipe from Melanie at Two Plus Dogs
  

Music & Movies to play and watch at Christmas

• Christmas Carols made Easy
• The Twelve Days of Christmas Sing Along printable pack
• Unconventional Christmas Songs from Susan at The Sparrow’s Home
• Unique Christmas Music from Amy at Humility and Doxology
• The Best Christmas Movies from Jo at Tea and Cake for the Soul

Christmas Gift Ideas

Knowing what to buy people for Christmas is SO HARD.

I love gifting, however, I find it quite stressful having to find something thoughtful for every single person I buy for.

Well, this year I have taken the stress out of it.

I have scoured the internet and have come across these great Christmas list ideas for everyone on your shopping list.

Advent Calendar Ideas

• Over 40 of the best advent calendars for the whole family
• 12 of the best advent calendars for teen boys
• Free printable advent calendar to color
• Christmas Countdown Ideas for kids
• Wooden advent calendar the kids are going to love.
• Simple advent ideas for families from Amy at Humility and Doxology
• Celebrate Christmas by making your own advent calendar from Emily at Table Life Blog
• 7 Fun Ways to celebrate advent with your family from Bonnie at Koala Mom
• 10 Advent Ideas for families to enjoy together from Emily at Table Life Blog
• Beautiful Advent Wreath Ideas for every Catholic Family

Christmas Gifts for Kids of all ages

• Over 600 of the absolute best Christmas gifts for boys.
• Over 100 Christmas gifts tween boys actually want in 2022
• Over 30 of the best Christmas gifts for 10 year old boys
• Christmas gifts for 13 year old boys
• Over 30 of the best stocking stuffers for boys for kids aged 8-14
• The best gifts for 12 year old boys
• The best experience gifts for kids and the whole family
• 30 of the best Christmas gifts for 9 year old boys
• 15 of the best coding gifts for tweens
• 30+ Useful stocking stuffers for everyone on your list from June at This Simple Balance
• 10 timeless Christmas gifts for kids under 8 years old from June at This Simple Balance

Educational Christmas Gifts

• 30 awesome homeschool gift ideas for your kids
• Gifts for kids who love art
• Science gifts for teenagers
• Geography gifts for kids
• Gifts for history lovers
• Gifts for Shakespeare lovers
• The best homeschool science kits
• The best educational board games for the whole family
• Over 100 of the best books for kids between 8 and 12 years old
• The best educational subscription boxes for kids
• 10 Christmas Gift Ideas that encourage a love for God – a Kids Edition from Alexis at Most Important Work
• Gift Ideas for colouring book fans from Bonnie at Koala Mom
• Christmas gifts for young artists -for PreK – Middle School from Betsy at BJ’s Homeschool
• Christmas gifts for young scientists – PreK – Middle School from Betsy at BJ’s Homeschool

Adult Christmas Gifts

• The best homeschool mom gifts
• What to buy the man who has everything?
• Gifts for mom who doesn’t want anything
• The best subscription boxes for adults in the UK
• Prestige Christmas Food Hamper a perfect gift for your mom.
• The best teacher gifts for under $20
• Why Christmas Gift Experiences are the best presents from Victoria at Freetime with the kids.
• Kris Kringle beauty gift ideas from Ingrid at Fabulous and Fun Life
• Best and worst teacher Christmas gifts from Janine at Families Magazine
• Christmas random acts of kindness from Amy at IHomeschool Network
• 60 + gift ideas for minimalist (clutter-free) from June at This Simple Balance
• 7 Essential Gifts for family travelers this Christmas from Shannan at Captivating Compass

Christmas Ideas For Families

I absolutely love Christmas and Christmas activities are the reason. We spend a lot of time together as a family every day, but at Christmas, it is even more special.

Every day in December we do some Christmas activity, whether it be baking or making the next Christmas decoration. Check out some great ideas for you to do this year.

• The best Christmas read alouds for the whole family
• Santa wish lists – 6 free templates
• 4 printable Christmas placemats (FREE)
• Christmas word search for older children
• Christmas spot the difference printables that you can also color in.
• 14 free printable Christmas coloring pages
• Christmas board games the whole family will love.
• Christmas Coloring Cards for kids and adults, 10 FREE designs to choose from.
• printable Christmas thank you cards to color in
• Christmas Writing Prompts
• Christmas Scattergories 7 free printables
• Christmas Countdown Activities for Kids from Charlene at Hess Un-Academy
• 30 + Christmas Art Projects to enjoy with your children from Alison at Learning Mama
• How to Create a DIY Christmas Grotto from Sarah at Boo Roo and Tigger Too
• Christmas Craft Ideas for Kids from Bonnie at Koala Mom
• 12 Sweet Santa Crafts for the Kids from Sarah at Boo Roo and Tigger Too
• How to Make an Awesome Christmas Busy Box for Kids from Melissa at Rolling Prairie Readers
• Pretty and Practical DIY Christmas Card Tree from Sara at Heart and Soul Homeschooling
• Jingle Bell Sensory Bin + Activity Ideas from Melissa at Rolling Prairie Readers
• How to Plan a Salt Dough Ornament Exchange Christmas Party from Lauren at The Simple Homeschooler

Christmas Homeschooling

To be honest, we tend to have a lot of “free” time in December so we can spend as much time creating and baking for the festive season.

We don’t have any time off in the summer holidays (apart from planned breaks away) so we have earned it!

Check out some great ideas for homeschooling over the festive season. Get your homeschool Christmas planning done early, so you can enjoy the festivities.

• 40+ Free Educational Christmas Activities for kids aged 9-14
• Christmas word search for older children
• Christmas Scattergories free printable
• Christmas Around the World interactive unit study. Learn about 10 countries and their Christmas traditions
• Celebrating Christmas with music in your homeschool from Alison at Learning Mama
• 25 Favourite Christmas Books for Kids from Bronwyn at Hustle and Homeschool
• The Ultimate Homeschoolers Christmas Countdown from Shelley at IHomeschool Network
• 35 Christmas Books for Kids from Sara at Heart and Soul Homeschooling
• Christmas Break Tasks for the Homeschool Mom from Ann at IHomeschool Network
• 100 Christmas Around the World Resources for your homeschool from Emily at Table Life Blog
• 8 Classic Christmas Read Alouds from Sara at Heart and Soul Homeschooling
• Our Christmas Homeschool Morning Basket from Sara at Heart and Soul Homeschooling
• Christmas in Mexico from Ticia at Adventures in Mommydom
• Christmas in Sweden from Ticia at Adventures in Mommydom
• Quick and Easy Christmas Around the World Flag Ornaments from Emily at Table Life Blog

Christmas Printable Activities

• Christmas Treasure Hunt clues inspired by your favorite Christmas songs.
• Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt rhyming clues.
• Christmas scattergories lists
• Free Christmas bingo printable
• Christmas word search fun for older children
• Free Christmas Tree Scavenger Hunt for Easy Holiday Fun from Amy at Rock Your Homeschool
• Christmas Countdown printable by Brownyn at Hustle and Homeschool
• Free Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt for Holiday Family Fun from Amy at Rock Your Homeschool
• Free personalized Christmas family traditions poster maker by Cass at The Diary of a Frugal Family
• Advent Activity Card printables by Alison at Learning Mama
• Free Christmas Bingo for Easy Holiday Fun Kids Will Love from Amy at Rock Your Homeschool

Craft Ideas for Christmas

• Download FREE Christmas coloring in cards perfect for kids of all ages!
• Free Christmas gift tags to color to make your gifts look stunning.
• How to create baubles for your handmade Christmas from Sarah at A Few Favourite Things
• Make your own Christmas Crackers from Claire at Red Kite Days
• 12 Grinch Crafts for Christmas from Sarah at Boo Roo and Tigger Too
• Candy Kane Koala Craft from Claire at Red Kite Days
• 5 Days of Mixed Media Christmas Art for Kids from Emily at Table Life Blog
• Make memories creating easy DIY ornaments with the kids from Tracy at Hall of Fame Moms
• Wintergreen Homemade Playdough from Sara at Heart and Soul Homeschooling
• Pinterest Christmas nature crafts from Lisa at Lisa’s Notebook
• Easy Felt Ornaments for Kids to Make from Tiffany at Homeschool Hideout
• Christmas SVGs thousands of seasonal SVGs all with commercial license included.

Christmas Bible Study & Christianity at Christmas

• 14 beautiful Christmas bible verses
• How to be present with Jesus this Christmas from Alexis at Most Important Work
• Join the shepherd on the search for baby Jesus this Christmas from Bonnie at Koala Mom
• Creeped out by Elf on the Shelf? Try the Wandering Wisemen from Ticia at Adventures in Mommydom
• A Christ-Centered Christmas with Little Lamb from Bethlehem from Destiny at Some Call it Destiny
• Pushing Pause in the Midst of the Christmas Chaos from Alexis at Most Important Work
• Christmas Story Minute to Win it Game from Ticia at Adventures in Mommydom

Days Out for Christmas

• Lapland with Kids from Diana at The Elusive Family
• The 13 most magical things to do at Christmas in London with kids from Jacs at Flashpacking Family
• Make Your Own Wreath with National Trust from Lucinda at Bakes Books and my Boys
• The Best Christmas Markets in Europe from Jacs at Flashpacking Family

Christmas Eve Boxes

• Christmas Eve Box Filler Ideas
• Christmas Eve Box Ideas for Adults
• If you are looking for a new Christmas Eve box check out these.

• Christmas Eve Box / Basket For Kids from Fiona at Dolly Dowsie
• An Educational Christmas Eve Box from Bronwyn at Hustle and Homeschool

Christmas Lunch

Pretty much everything we make for Christmas lunch is from the Mary Berry Christmas Collection. I can’t recommend it enough. It has breakfast, lunch, drinks, dinner ideas that the whole family will love.

• Best Roasted Christmas Ham Recipes from Chantelle at All Things Christmas
• Nan’s Mixed Herb & Onion Stuffing Recipe from Jo at Tea and Cake for the Soul
• 40 Side Dishes to Make Holiday Menu Planning Easy from Tracy at Hall of Fame Moms
• Christmas Dinner Party Menu and Tablescape from Chris at Celebrations at Home

Leftover Turkey Recipes

Over 80 Recipes to use up your Christmas leftovers from Charlotte at Charlotte Musha

New Years Eve

• How to have the best New Years’ Eve with kids at home.
• New Year’s word scramble with answers
• New Years Eve Scavenger Hunt
• Free New Year’s resolution printables

Download the Printable Free Christmas Planner

Make sure you choose the correct paper size and click on the shrink to fit button. All of our free printables work better when printed on cardstock (this is the one we use and love.)

Hopefully, this planning for Christmas post has helped you get more organized this year, and not leave everything until the last minute.

Do you have any tips?

If so please leave me a comment below I would love to hear what you do to get Christmas organized!

Last Updated on 17 April 2023 by homeschoolof1