Can you believe it? Christmas is just five weeks away! The countdown is officially on, and the holiday hustle is about to begin. How’s your to-do list looking—neatly checked off or still a work in progress? Now’s the time to finish those craft projects, finalize your plans, and shift gears into full-on festive mode!

Plan Those Parties (and Send Those Invites!)

Hosting a holiday gathering this year? Whether you’re planning a cozy night in with close friends, a glittery dinner party, or the annual ugly sweater showdown, it’s time to get your theme locked in and those invitations sent! Calendars fill up fast this time of year, so a little early planning goes a long way.

And if you’re party-hopping instead of hosting, don’t forget your festive essentials—your go-to outfit, a backup sweater for that themed soirée, and maybe a hostess gift or two. One of my favorite easy-but-thoughtful ideas? Dress up a bottle of wine with a handmade tag or bow—it’s personal, festive, and always a hit.

Tackle That Shopping List

Remember when we started brainstorming gifts back in July? (If you actually finished your list, please tell us your secret!) For the rest of us, it’s time to get serious—but smart.

While the big sale weekends like Black Friday and Cyber Monday still have their perks, many retailers have been rolling out deals since October. Take advantage of those early discounts to stick to your budget and avoid the last-minute rush.

Pro tip: Browsing sale ads isn’t just about saving—it’s also a great source of inspiration. I can’t count how many times I’ve spotted something in an ad that sparked the perfect idea for a hard-to-shop-for friend. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that surprise you!

So grab a mug of cocoa, put on a holiday playlist, and enjoy this cozy pre-season moment before the sleigh bells really start ringing.