Easy gift ideas, recipes, decor, resources, time-savers, and more- 8 Weeks of Christmas Ideas to help you plan & prepare a simple holiday so you can enjoy it more.
Eight weeks of Christmas is a series that can be helpful any time during the months of November and December. The series goal is to help you plan a bit early, prepare as much ahead of time as possible, and even pare down and choose less. There are be some things to do, budget-concious gift ideas to buy, fun decor to DIY or buy, simple meaningful traditions, time-saving tips, and of course recipes.
Everything is easy & do-able, just like all our projects here at AOC. I've learned to do less and enjoy the holidays more - and you'll find printables and ideas that you can use to make your holidays better.
The series are organized around a theme for each week, which I've collected below for you - choose the articles that look like they will meet your needs the most! Or use the outline to focus on one area a week to be prepared, have fun, and lessen the stress of the season.
UPDATE: Use this free Simplified Holiday Planner to help you plan for the holiday YOU want along with the ideas below!
8 Weeks of Christmas Ideas:
Week 1: Baking & Cooking Resources
Week 2 & 3: Gift Ideas
- DIY Ice Cream Sundae Kit Gift + Free Printable Tags
- Favorite Things Gift Guides for Women
- Favorite Things Gift Guides for Men
- Favorite Things Gift Guides for Kids and Teens
- How To Wrap A Box With A Lid to Use Again and Again
Week 4: Farmhouse-Cottage Christmas Decor (DIY or Buy)
Week 5 & 6: Food & Cookies!
- Whole Grain Cut Out Cookies
- Mocha Chip Cookies
- Quadruple Chocolate Decadent Brownie Recipe
- Cranberry Crumb Loaves or Muffins Recipe
Week 7: Traditions, Favorite Movies, Music & Books
Week 8: Holidays Simplified
Kris says
Can't wait to tag along for the renovation projects!!! I love old houses.
Jami says
It should be fun, Kris 🙂
Carol L says
Thank you for all you do. I know that you have a family and other "normal" things to do besides this blog, and I know all of us truly appreciate all the work you do for "us".
This sounds great, although I'm one of those who purchase ingredients and make my Christmas/Birthday gifts hopefully before Halloween...these are always welcome in my crafty folders for next year!
Also, for a good way to get ingredients built up without breaking the bank: find one or two recipes, get the ingredients for those, but buy in bulk. It isn't that much more, and you will begin to have a great stock for other homemade gifts later. I now have probably over 200 ingredients so I usually don't have to buy anything unless it is REALLY an unusual ingredient.
Jami says
That's so wonderful how far ahead you're able to plan, Carol - my hat's off to you!! Thank you for your sweet words - they are an encouragement to me. 🙂 I love your tips for thinking ahead to save money - wow, 200 ingredients! That's impressive. It's nice to have everything on hand, I bet!
Cherie says
How do you ever find the time to do all you do ?? I'm happy to have you as a valued resource, and amazed by your energy level. Thank you !!!
Jami says
Oh, that's sweet Cherie! I'm only going to do a couple of posts a week - it won't be daily like the handmade gifts series. 🙂 I'm so happy to know you view me as a resource!
Julia says
I'm excited for this series. Sounds like so much fun. I can always use new ideas. We do a "12 days of Christmas " with our boys where they open an envelope each day with something we do as a family. We've done it a couple years now and we have some things we always do, but I would like to mix it up a little with some fresh ideas.
Jami says
Oh, what a fun tradition, Julia! I hope you are able to find a few new things, that's always good to keep the kids guessing along with the traditional things they look forward to each year. 🙂