Checklist: What You Need to Do Before New Year

Usually, before New Year, we all rush. But this time it will be different – just check off items from our checklist.

One Month Before New Year

Planning to order gifts online? Now is the perfect time to do it. Keep in mind that delivery of high-demand items can be delayed. If you need a new artificial Christmas tree, it's better not to delay its purchase.

Review your New Year decorations. What do you need to buy more of? Are the garlands in good condition? If something doesn't appeal to you, don't rush to throw it away – instead, donate it to charitable organizations.

Think about what you'll be preparing for the holiday table, and make a list of necessary ingredients. Also, it's a good idea to buy cards and wrapping paper in advance so you don't have to look for them in crowded stores.

Three Weeks Before New Year

Start packing gifts as you buy them, otherwise you’ll spend half a day the night before the holidays. If you have relatives or friends who live far away, now is the time to start signing and sending cards.

Create a checklist for pre-New Year cleaning – it's better to go through one shelf per day rather than do a tiresome deep clean the day before the holiday. You can start, for example, with kitchen cabinets.

Update your textiles – a few pillows with bright New Year prints will create the right mood.

Two Weeks Before New Year

Do a cleanup in the refrigerator – you might find products that have been past their expiration date for a long time. Check what you already have for the holiday table and what’s missing.

Plan your New Year's table: seating, dishes, and serving. Buy the necessary ingredients that last long, drinks, foil for baking – just before New Year, you’ll only need to buy the remaining ingredients.

If you haven’t started gradually tidying up your apartment yet, take the plunge and do a deep clean. To make it faster, involve all household members.

One Week Before New Year

If you’re setting up a live tree, buy it now, just don’t forget to regularly add water. Decorate the tree and decorate your apartment – let the kids participate for sure. For the New Year feast, buy a beautiful tablecloth.

Go through your wardrobes or closet. Check if your outfits are ready for the holiday. If you haven’t worn some clothes in over a year, it’s worth donating them. Clothes that your children have grown out of can be given to children's homes or low-income families. If you find that you’re missing a warm sweater, it’s a good idea to ask for one as a gift.

Three Days Before New Year

Purchase any necessary ingredients for the holiday dinner. It’s time to prepare your home for guests: check that there are enough slippers and towels, and that there are enough seats. Final touches: do a quick tidy-up, dust off surfaces, vacuum.

One Day Before New Year

Prepare in advance all dishes that don’t have to be served hot – for example, salads. Chill the drinks and get ready to set the table.

To create the right atmosphere, light all the garlands and play music – your favorite New Year melodies. Place a vase with mandarins on the table – their scent is associated with New Year, let that aroma spread throughout your apartment and set the festive mood.

There’s only one thing left to do – decide what wish you’ll make when the clocks strike midnight!

Also read:

• 12 Interesting Facts About New Year
  
• Photo Collection: 65 Inspiring New Year Interiors
  
• 7 Alternatives to a Real Christmas Tree