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Holiday Countdown Series Recap {Week One}

Ready to start this year’s Holiday Countdown Series? Follow along as we prepare for Christmas one week at a time!

Happy Friday! Some of you may recall I started a Holiday Countdown series on this day last year. Basically, I started it to stay organized and on track preparing for Christmas week-by-week. As it progressed, I had more and more of you joining in. It was highly motivational, and I loved seeing what you were up to!

Holiday Countdown Series on Satori Design for Living

Recently, I was asked if I’m going to do something like it again this year. Rather than create new posts from scratch, I’ve decided to run it as a series recap instead.

I’ll be modifying and tweaking last year’s posts to make them better. Instead of giving a play-by-play of my week like I did last year, I will be sharing a few thoughts and/or photos of what’s been going on at my house instead. I’m also throwing a challenge out to you (read to the bottom to get the details)!

This Week’s Holiday Countdown Homework

Plant Amaryllis and Paper White Bulbs

Narcissus Blooms

Most bulbs take at least 8 weeks to bloom. If you plant them now, they’ll be ready for Christmas. I like to watch my Christmas bulbs transform as the weeks go by to remind me that something special is coming. I have a fairly neutral space and the pop of red from the amaryllis adds colour and interest and paper whites have always been a favourite.

Put Up Your Outdoor Lights

I’m not suggesting that you turn them on yet, but who wants to wait until there’s a foot of snow on the ground and it’s minus twenty to put them up? I also find that if you need new strings of lights, the selection is always the best right now. Look for something unique to add to the mix like these outdoor Christmas light ideas.

Take Photos for Your Holiday Cards

I’m not saying that slapping a random family photo from your summer camping trip on the front of your card is a big No-No. However, wouldn’t you rather send out something that truly represents your family and you’re proud of?

If you’re that kind of kickback family and it’s meant to be relaxed or somewhat humorous in nature, that’s completely different. In that case, I say go for it! If that isn’t the look you’re going for, get professional photos done or ask a friend to take some for you.

Gather Outdoor Decorating Materials

It probably isn’t necessary to mention the imminent weather, but the likelihood of you traipsing through the woods picking up pinecones and branches is almost nil once the snow flies and it turns really cold (like it has here already!). Go this week and take the kids with you for a bit of fun.

Making Log Slice Chalkboard Ornaments for Christmas

Natural materials are some of the best decorations and they’re free!

Winterize the Yard and House

It’s something that’s pushed to the bottom of the list, but winterizing needs to be done if you haven’t already. I know, the joys of being a homeowner!

If you haven’t changed your furnace filter or had it serviced in the past 2 years, it’s the perfect time to get it done. Clean off your outdoor furniture and bring it inside or make sure it’s at least covered. As well, turn off your outdoor water tap and put the hoses away. If you’re in a very cold climate (like me), empty the dirt out of your clay pots and wrap delicate shrubs with burlap.

A Challenge for You!

Join the Holiday Countdown and share what you’ve been up to in a weekly blog post (or as many weeks as you can muster). Let me know you’re participating and I’ll share your link in each week’s update post. All you have to do in return is share the Holiday Countdown with your readers on social media or otherwise.

Not a blogger? Simply leave a comment each week updating us on what you’ve been up to!

Want more holiday and seasonal ideas like these sent directly to your inbox? Be sure to SUBSCRIBE.

Can’t wait to see how you make out this week!

Shauna at Satori Design for Living Blog - Home Decor, DIY, Vintage Finds, Recipes

13 Comments

  1. This is a great idea.  I am totally in for it this year, actually excited for the holidays.  I hope to keep it up and stay organized.

  2. Love this idea.  Great way to stay organized.  I’m going to try and get more organized this year. Can’t wait to see everyone’s ideas.  :)

  3. Thanks SO MUCH for the sweet feature today!!! Such a treat! I’m excited to follow your steps!!! XO, Aimee

    1. Of course! You provide such practical photography tips that have already helped me out and I knew my readers would benefit too. Who doesn’t want a great family photo to give out at Christmas. So glad you’re going to follow along!

  4. This is wonderful!! I’m so wrapped up in back to school and Halloween, that I would of missed a great photo-op or centerpiece for the Christmas holidays, if it weren’t for this post! No joke! Found you through Weekend Bloggy. I looking forward to following along and being reminded of how to stay ahead of the game!

    1. Thanks Kristine. It may seem really early to be prepping for Christmas, but it makes the season more enjoyable when you’re not scrambling the last couple weeks to get everything done. There’s nothing worse than feeling frazzled during the holidays. I’m looking forward to you stopping by!

  5. I’m so excited about this series!  I’m itching to get decorating for Christmas, so this is just perfect…I was just at a friend’s house who had just started some amaryllis.  She  puts them in a special bulb jar with water.  Do you plant yours in dirt?

  6. I loved the countdown last year…glad you brought it back! I have not been prepping yet for holiday, this is art fair/craft market season for me, so have been busy prepping for all the shows. But I will keep up with your posts….they are great and get me in the mood! :-)

  7. Ooh great ideas! I’m excited to follow along! We’re taking photos for our 1 year anniversary this coming weekend, so I’m hoping to be able to use a few of those for Christmas cards this year. :-) Thanks for sharing at The Fun In Functional!

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