I don’t know about you, but there’s something about the holidays that makes time feel like it’s speeding up even more than normal. It feels like a whirlwind with shopping, never-ending to-do lists, decorating, and multiple Christmas parties.
We’re so busy trying to make everything perfect that it’s no wonder some stuff slips through the cracks. So, pay attention — here are all of the small things you don’t want to forget.
1. Updating Your Address Book
Life moves fast, and people do, too. By the time the holidays roll around, chances are there’s a good chance someone in your life has moved, whether it’s your best friend who bought a house or a cousin who’s constantly switching apartments. Either way, their new address might not have made it into your address book.
Set aside 20 minutes now to go through your contacts. Send a quick text to confirm addresses if you’re not sure. And if you’re still using a paper address book (no shame!), consider switching to a digital version or syncing your contacts with your phone for easier updates in the future.
2. Checking Expiration Dates on Pantry Staples
The holidays mean baking marathons and elaborate meals, but when was the last time you checked that bag of flour or those spices lurking in the back of the cabinet? Most of us assume staples like sugar, baking soda, or cinnamon last forever, but they don’t.
Do a pantry sweep now. Toss anything past its prime and restock early — before the holiday rush empties the grocery store shelves. Do it now to avoid the dreaded mid-baking panic when you realize you’re out of vanilla extract.
3. Decluttering Your Entryway
I love decluttering, and the entryway is the last thing I usually think about until guests arrive. But by then, I’m scrambling to make room for their coats and shoes.
I recommend spending a few minutes decluttering the entryway before guests arrive. Store off-season items like sandals and raincoats elsewhere, and add hooks or baskets for extra storage. Your future, stress-free self will thank you when guests show up and there’s room for their stuff.
4. Scheduling a Cleaning for the Oven
The oven is a workhorse during the holidays, but you need it clean. Grease builds up over time and can really limit your holiday cooking.
So, don’t wait until the last minute. Clean your oven a couple of weeks before the holidays.
Use the self-cleaning feature or a safe oven cleaner. And don’t forget to wipe down the racks! This way, you’ll avoid unpleasant surprises when it’s time to roast the turkey or bake cookies.
5. Stocking Up on Batteries
Batteries are easy to overlook until you need them. It’s one of those details that feels minor — until it’s not. And trust me, you don’t want to be the hero searching for AA batteries at 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Make a list of everything that might need batteries, from string lights to kids’ toys. Stock up on a variety of sizes now, so you’re ready when the moment comes. It’s worth the trouble.
6. Double-Checking Guest Accommodations
The holidays are hectic, and preparing for overnight guests can easily fall through the cracks. You might forget to wash the guest sheets, restock toiletries, or even clear space for suitcases.
Guests might not say anything, but they’ll notice if their room feels like an afterthought. Create a guest checklist: clean linens, extra towels, and travel-sized toiletries. A small gesture, like a bedside water bottle or a holiday-scented candle, can make all the difference.
Prep the space at least a week before guests arrive to save yourself last-minute stress.
7. Backing Up Your Phone for Holiday Photos
The holidays mean endless photo ops — family gatherings, festive decor, and picture-perfect meals. But if your phone storage is maxed out, you’ll miss capturing the moment.
Most people don’t think about this until they’re staring at a “Storage Full” alert. However, if you take 15 minutes to back up your photos to the cloud or a hard drive now, you can make sure you’re ready when you need to be.
Clear out duplicates or old pictures you don’t plan to print or put in a photo album to free up space. With plenty of storage, you’ll be ready to snap away anytime you want without a second thought.
8. Mailing Packages Early
Shipping deadlines sneak up fast during the holidays, especially with how busy everything gets. You assume you’ve got plenty of time until you’re staring at expedited shipping fees that cost more than the gift itself.
Check each carrier’s shipping deadlines for the year. Set a reminder to send packages at least two weeks before the holidays.
For an extra festive touch, wrap and label gifts before mailing them. You’ll look super organized and avoid the holiday post office chaos.
9. Making a Holiday Playlist
Music might not seem like a priority, but it is. Nobody wants “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” on repeat.
Take 15 minutes to create a holiday playlist tailored to your crowd. Mix the classics with modern favorites and maybe a few surprises. Platforms like Spotify even have pre-made holiday playlists to make this easier.
It’s a simple touch that elevates everyone’s holiday mood.
10. Restocking Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning before and after holiday gatherings is a given, but I learned the hard way how fast supplies run out when you’re hosting. Last year, mid-cleanup, I realized I was completely out of dishwasher detergent, and a few hours later, it was trash bags.
Save yourself the stress and check your cleaning essentials now. Take note of the basics — dishwasher detergent, paper towels, trash bags, all-purpose cleaner — and don’t forget the extras like hand soap and air freshener. Trust me, having everything on hand is so much better than scrambling when all you want to do is relax.
11. Planning for Leftovers
No one plans for leftovers, but they should. We focus so much on making the big holiday meals that we forget what happens next. Leftovers pile up, and suddenly you’re shoving foil-wrapped dishes into every available corner of the fridge.
The result? A fridge full of you don’t even know what.
A little planning ahead can save you from stress — and help to make sure those delicious leftovers are actually enjoyed instead of forgotten.
12. Being Thankful
In the rush to get everything done, it’s easy to let gratitude fall by the wayside. It’s easy to get so focused on parties, shopping, and decorating to forget the true spirit of the holidays.
Take a moment to reflect on what you’re thankful for. This can make the holiday season feel more meaningful and purposeful.
