We’ve made it—the festive month of December! Since July, we’ve been planning, organizing, and checking off holiday tasks little by little. From early shopping lists to craft room clean-ups to gift-wrapping strategies, we’ve tackled it all together. And now? It’s finally time to enjoy the season we’ve been preparing for all these months!

Of course… if you’re anything like me, “enjoying” still includes plenty of baking, celebrating, and squeezing in last-minute fun. But that’s the beauty of doing the prep early—we get to step into December feeling ready, not rushed.

Before we dive into these final festive weeks, here’s one mindset shift that always keeps me grounded:
Swap “I HAVE to do this” with “I GET to do this.”
It’s amazing how much more magical even the busiest days feel when we remember that these tasks—shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking—are all privileges we’re lucky to experience.

Now that we’ve reached the homestretch, here’s how I’m breaking down the next few weeks to keep things merry, manageable, and joyful:

3 Weeks Out – “Wrap” Up the Big Things

All the early prep pays off now. With the big-ticket gifts and shipping-required items ideally taken care of before December hits, this is your week to finish any lingering shopping while snagging those amazing holiday deals.

It’s also time to get your Christmas cards signed, sealed, and mailed. If you’ve been following along since summer, you know I hand-make mine—so getting them sent off early is both a to-do list win and a crafty victory! Plus, it clears the craft room just in time for the next creative holiday burst.

2 Weeks Out – Celebrate & Prep the Fun Stuff

By mid-December, try to have every package and holiday card in the mail. Shipping delays have nothing on us—we planned ahead like pros! And if you’re pressed for time? Let retailers wrap and ship. Truly, it’s not cheating… it’s strategy.

This week is also perfect for getting your fridge cleaned out before cookie season officially begins. Once everything is sparkling and organized, I stock up on baking essentials and prep for my big cookie weekend. This is when the house turns into a Christmas bakery, cookie plates get assembled, and holiday gifting gets delicious.

We’ve spent months building toward this moment—slowly, intentionally, and with so much joy. December isn’t about perfection; it’s about celebrating the little traditions we’ve nurtured along the way. So as we enjoy the final stretch of the holiday season, let’s savor the cozy moments, embrace the magic, and appreciate how all our planning lets us be present right where the joy happens.