The Ultimate 9-Week Countdown to a Calm and Merry Christmas

Want a stress-free, joy-filled Christmas this year?
If you’re a busy mum juggling school runs, nativity rehearsals, and an elf with far too much personality, this guide is for you.

This week-by-week Christmas preparation timeline will help you stay calm, organised, and festive — without the last-minute chaos. From booking appointments and buying gifts to decorating your home and writing letters to Santa, here’s everything you need to tick off before Christmas Day.

9 Weeks to Go – W/C Monday 20 October

Get Your Head in the Christmas Game

  • Book December appointments now: Haircuts, dentist, festive photo sessions — they fill up fast!

  • Start jotting gift ideas: Think of family, friends, teachers, and your kids’ little pals.

  • Order or make your Advent calendar before the good ones sell out.

  • Shop early for Christmas jumpers - the school Christmas jumper day will be here in no time! 

  • Add Christmas fairs to your calendar.  Here is a few I am taking part at: 

    • 🎁 Winterfest Market, Bankside, London SE1 9DT – Sunday 9 November (10:30–4:30)

    • 🎄 St Paul’s Girls’ School Christmas Fair, Brook Green, Hammersmith – Saturday 15 November (11:00–16:00)

    • ✨ The Grove, Surbiton – Thursday 4 December (3:30–9:00pm)

  • Purchase your unique felt Christmas decorations early. PoppyloppStudio pieces are handmade in small batches and often sell out before December. Add a few to your cart now so you can enjoy them all season long.

  • Book your family days out: Theatre trips, light trails, Santa visits, or festive afternoon teas.

8 Weeks to Go – W/C Monday 27 October

Start the Christmas List & Declutter

  • Write your provisional gift list — especially for the kids. Think meaningful, long-lasting gifts.

    • 💡 Tip: Felt name garlands from PoppyloppStudio make wonderful presents for children and babies — they won’t end up as clutter come January, and they’ll bring joy all year round.

  • Support small businesses this Christmas, not just the big retailers.

  • Declutter toys and clothes to make space for what’s coming. Quietly donate a few things before the toy invasion begins.

7 Weeks to Go – W/C Monday 3 November

Get Creative

  • Buy your Christmas cards or postcards to send to faraway family and friends.

  • Plan your Christmas outfits — for you and the kids. Whether it’s sparkles or pyjamas, decide early to avoid last-minute stress.

6 Weeks to Go – W/C Monday 10 November

Think Décor & Festive Feels

  • Gather decorations and test those fairy lights (always a surprise!).

  • Plan your home décor theme: Take stock of what you already have and list what’s missing.

    • Need something new? PoppyloppStudio has beautiful felt ornaments and festive garlands — a charming, handmade touch that lasts beyond this Christmas.

  • Deep clean key spaces — the living room, kitchen, and wherever your tree will go.

  • Buy your family Christmas pyjamas if that’s your tradition.

5 Weeks to Go – W/C Monday 17 November

It’s Decorating Season!

  • Turn up the Christmas playlist and start decorating your home bit by bit.

  • Pick your tree date — real or artificial? 

  • Order your turkey.

  • Create or buy an Advent candle centrepiece to set the mood for December.

 

4 Weeks to Go – W/C Monday 24 November

Black Friday Week

  • Prepare your Black Friday list: Stocking fillers, toys, or that one big purchase you’ve been eyeing.

  • Finalise your Christmas menu or book a restaurant if you’re dining out this year.

  • Plan your Elf on the Shelf return: Gather props or ideas for 1st December.

  • Help the kids write letters to Santa (and quietly take notes for your own shopping list).

3 Weeks to Go – W/C Monday 1 December

Wrap, Post, and Prepare

  • Post international cards and parcels to avoid delays.

  • Wrap early gifts.

  • Check your tableware and hosting supplies: Do you have enough plates, glasses, and cutlery for everyone?

 

2 Weeks to Go – W/C Monday 8 December

Tidy, Top Up, and Tuck Away

  • Stock up on essentials: Wrapping paper, sticky tape, batteries, and extra chocolates (for “emergencies”).

  • Deep clean your home one last time — especially guest rooms. And yes, clean the oven!

  • Check Christmas Eve outfits and pyjamas for the whole family.

1 Week to Go – W/C Monday 15 December

Final Touches

  • Finish wrapping gifts — make it festive with a film or a glass of mulled wine.

  • Clean the fridge to make space for all those delicious leftovers.

  • Double-check food orders and deliveries.

  • Send final local cards or thank-you notes.

  • Take a deep breath and enjoy — you’ve earned it!

Christmas Week  – W/C Monday 22 December

You did it! The presents are wrapped, the jumpers are ready, and the elf has (hopefully) behaved. Now it’s time to put your feet up, pour yourself something festive, and enjoy every twinkly moment you’ve worked so hard to prepare.

✨ Save this Christmas Planning Checklist

If you found this useful, bookmark it for next year or share it with a fellow mum who could use a calmer countdown.

And don’t forget to browse PoppyloppStudio’s handmade felt decorations and garlands — crafted to bring joy all year round, not just under the tree.


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