For the magic makers at Christmastime (you know who you are), there are many details to prepare. Christmas morning itself—from the opening of presents, to the menu, to the ambiance and family traditions—requires some preparation. Here are some ideas to help you plan one of the most memorable mornings of the year.
Keep It Simple
Christmas morning should be an enjoyable time for the whole family. That includes you! Aim to keep the morning casual and simple, and do as much of the prep work as you can in advance.Matching Pajamas
Is your family a matching-pajamas kind of family? If so, be sure to order those early. They tend to become hard to find as Christmas draws near.Color-Coded Wrapping
Want to make finding everyone’s gifts super simple? Give each recipient their own wrapping paper. Further, don’t leave all of your wrapping to the few days before Christmas. Wrap as you go. As the holiday approaches, make a nightly habit of closing your bedroom door and wrapping a few gifts you’ve acquired. You’ll feel on top of things all season long.Make-Ahead Menu
Choose simple breakfast items that can be easily prepared in advance. Casseroles and crock pot recipes are great. Have someone pick up fresh bagels in the morning. Cut fresh fruit the night before and don’t forget to program the coffee maker!Plan the Playlist
Make sure you’ve got your family’s favorite holiday tunes ready to go by creating a playlist that will last throughout the morning.Clean and Tidy
Get your home in top shape a few days before Christmas. Declutter spaces, prepare for any guests you’re hosting, and clean your home so you feel great about it on the big day.Stuff the Stockings
Don’t forget about the stockings. Keeping smaller items in a separate bag will help keep those last-minute tasks easy and organized.Charge Your Batteries
Don’t forget to charge the batteries of your camera so you can capture the wonderful moments you’ve looked forward to.Cookies for Santa
Don’t forget to check out the evidence that Santa was there. Sometimes he leaves behind an empty milk glass or a half-eaten cookie. I’ve even heard that some children have seen glittery or snowy footprints.Make a List
Christmas Eve may entail festivities of its own. Prepare a list of that night’s to-do’s—those things you want to be sure not to forget—and keep it tucked away with the presents until it’s time. You’ll take the guesswork out of the late-night activities and feel confident that you’re covering all your bases.Don’t Sweat It
It seems like every year we wonder how in the world it’s going to come together—and every year, it does. Have confidence in yourself and rest assured that as long as you’re together with your family celebrating the spirit of Christmas, it will be a magical memory your family will treasure.
