Holiday Countdown Series Finale

It’s time to wrap up the Holiday Countdown Series! Get your final tasks for the days leading up to Christmas.

I’m posting the final installment of the Holiday Countdown one day early to give you a little more prep time before the weekend. If you’ve been following along since the first post in October, there shouldn’t be too much left on your list. However, there are always a few tasks that are best done in the days leading up to Christmas.

If you’re feeling frazzled, try to keep in mind what the Christmas season is all about- peace, love and joy. It’s not about perfect decorating, baking, wrapping and all the other preparations. At this point, good enough is good enough! It’s time to enjoy our loved ones.

If you’ve missed any weeks along the way, see the full 2012 Holiday Countdown Series.

Now, let’s take a look at the final To-Do List.

This Week’s Holiday Countdown Homework

Add Fresh Flowers and Greenery

There isn’t anything that can bring a space to life more than adding fresh natural elements. Back on week one, I recommended that you plant amaryllis or paper white bulbs. Mine are progressing well and will hopefully bloom in time for Christmas.

If you didn’t plant bulbs, don’t fret. These plants are available for next to nothing at many locations, including the grocery store. You don’t have to spend a fortune on fresh materials for them to look fantastic. Consider mixing less expensive materials with only a few luxurious blooms.

Enjoy the Events of the Season

Often in the past I’ve been so focused on shopping, cleaning, baking, wrapping and all the other holiday preparations, not to mention work and family responsibilities, that I forget to enjoy myself. Now I make time to enjoy a holiday movie or take a drive to see all the gorgeous Christmas lights. Do something fun with your family or friends this week.

Treat Yourself

You’ve probably been working non-stop taking care of everything for Christmas, and now it’s time to take care of you! Get a massage or manicure, or take time to sit down with a friend for tea. A little time for yourself will give you the energy to enjoy the festivities ahead.

One of the obvious tasks I’ve left off the to-do list is grocery shopping and preparing food. Depending on if you’re hosting or attending, this will vary.

I’ll be preparing appetizers, desserts and frozen dishes this weekend to take with us for various stops we make on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. It’s a bit of a whirlwind, but so much fun seeing everyone.

Finally, I want to thank you for joining this series. Somehow it feels like we’re doing it as a team with so many partaking. I hope to see you again next year!

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