Simplified's December Holiday Checklist

Ah, December! A month of twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and heartwarming traditions—but also a whirlwind of to-dos. To help you enjoy the magic of the season while staying organized, here’s a streamlined checklist to keep you on track. Simplified’s Holiday Services are here to assist with the heavy lifting, making your December as stress-free as possible.

1. Decorate Your Home

Transform your space into a winter wonderland early in the month to set the holiday mood.

Holiday decorations: Plan your theme and start setting up wreaths, garlands, and twinkling lights. Simplified can help source, install, and even store decorations after the season.
Christmas tree: Choose and decorate the perfect tree. We can handle delivery, setup, and ornament placement.

2. Finalize Holiday Cards

Create or order your holiday cards early to avoid delays.
Address and send them well before mid-December to meet mailing shipping deadlines.
Simplified can take care of the logistics, from addressing envelopes to ensuring timely delivery.

3. Plan and Prep Holiday Meals

Organize your menu for holiday gatherings.
Shop for ingredients or arrange catering for a stress-free celebration. Simplified can assist with holiday meals by coordinating with personal chefs or local caterers.
Don’t forget to stock up on festive treats and beverages for drop-in guests.

4. Tackle Gift Shopping

Create a list of everyone you’re shopping for and brainstorm thoughtful gifts.
Schedule a day or two to complete your gift shopping. Simplified can serve as your personal concierge for the holidays, finding and purchasing the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.
Wrap and ship gifts early to avoid last-minute rushes. Simplified offers professional wrapping services and can ensure your packages meet important shipping deadlines.

5. Give Back

Dedicate time or resources to causes that matter to you. Whether it’s donating to a local shelter or organizing a toy drive, giving back is a meaningful way to celebrate the season. Simplified can help you find local opportunities or manage charitable donations on your behalf.

6. Plan Your Gatherings

Finalize details for holiday parties or family dinners.
Simplified can coordinate venue reservations, catering, and entertainment to make your event seamless. From intimate dinners to grand soirées, we’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on creating memories.

7. Budget for Holiday Tipping

Make a list of service providers you’d like to thank this season, from your housekeeper to your dog walker.
Review tipping norms for each profession and prepare envelopes or small gifts. Simplified can guide you through holiday tipping customs and help ensure everyone is appreciated.

8. Wrap Up End-of-Year Tasks

Schedule time to clean up your home or workspace before the year ends.
Organize paperwork or set up automatic payments to avoid forgetting bills during the holiday rush.
Plan ahead for any New Year’s Eve celebrations to close out the season on a high note.

Make December Magical with Simplified

Simplified is your trusted partner in making the holiday season stress-free. From planning your to-dos to executing the finer details, we’re here to ensure every moment feels magical. Whether it’s holiday meals, gift shopping, or crafting unforgettable experiences, let us take care of the hard work so you can focus on the joy of the season.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 2023 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.