"Once the clock strikes midnight on October 31, I officially enter holiday mode. In reality, I’ve been scoping out gifts and plotting my holiday decorating strategy for weeks, but once November 1 hits, that’s when the real magic starts. From now until the end of the year, you can find me baking up seasonal treats, decking everything in bows and garlands, and watching all the classic holiday movies while bundled up in my fuzziest blanket. There are so many things I love about the holiday season, but the months of November and December always seem to fly by way too fast. So this year, I put together a whole calendar of holiday activities to ensure I don’t waste a single moment this year.
+ how I did Scotland in a week without losing my mind in the planning process
No matter what the season looks like for you this year, this holiday calendar will give you something to look forward to every single day from now until New Year’s Eve—because we could all use a little more holiday cheer in our lives. Check out these 61 holiday activities, add them to your personal calendar or planner, and get ready to soak up all the magical moments this season has to offer.
November:
1. Hang a wreath—fall or holiday!
2. Treat your barista to a hefty tip
3. Do a deep clean to prepare for holiday decorating
4. Make a cozy comfort-food recipe
5. Wear your favorite cozy sweater while you go vote (Election Day is November 5!)
6. Treat yourself to a new pair of slippers
7. Research local charity organizations and pick out a toy or some winter clothing to donate
8. Watch a seasonal movie you haven’t seen before (The Holiday and Serendipity are two of my favorites to watch between fall and winter)
9. DIY a holiday-inspired drink (Coffee? Booze? Both?)
10. Make a list of intentions for how you want to make the most of the holidays this year
11. Text the group chat and find a time for a Friendsgiving gathering
12. Make a favorite family recipe
13. Find a new favorite holiday candle, then buy one for yourself and a friend
14. Watch a Nancy Meyers movie
15. Pop a bottle of bubbly to celebrate the weekend
16. DIY a holiday craft
17. Catch up with an old friend you haven’t seen in a while
18. Make a list of everyone you’re buying gifts for this year and start brainstorming ideas
19. Go ice skating
20. Pick out a photo for your holiday cards and have them printed
21. Schedule a holiday gift exchange with your friends
22. Make a favorite meal that you normally order out from scratch (truffle pasta or pad thai, anyone?)
23. Do a double feature of a holiday movie that’s been remade (Miracle on 34th Street, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Christmas Carol, etc.)
24. Cook or bake a meal with family or friends
25. Start a book with a holiday theme
26. Send a seasonal plant delivery to a long-distance friend or relative
27. Donate a coat for families in need through an organization like One Warm Coat
28. THANKSGIVING: Text or call (at least) three people to tell them how thankful you are for them
29. BLACK FRIDAY: Score an investment piece or item you’ve been wanting at a major discount
30. SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY: Do some gift shopping from your favorite small businesses (gifts for yourself count, too!)
December:
1. Get a tree (small, fake, real—whatever works for you!) and decorate it
2. CYBER MONDAY: Call a loved one and virtually shop for gifts online together
3. Hang some twinkle lights indoors or out
4. Mail your holiday cards
5. Make homemade hot chocolate
6. Watch your childhood favorite holiday movie
7. Find the perfect holiday PJs
8. Stock up on gift-wrapping supplies
9. Make a playlist of your favorite holiday songs (or listen to ours!)
10. Challenge yourself to try a new holiday recipe
11. Try a festive manicure
12. Send a family member or friend a special ornament that reminds you of them with a handwritten note
13. Head to Trader Joe’s and stock up on your favorite holiday products
14. Buy some fresh greens and DIY a holiday planter, wreath, or floral arrangement
15. Go through old photos of past holidays with your family
16. Wrap gifts while watching a holiday movie and drinking hot cocoa
17. Go on a drive or walk to look at holiday lights and decorations
18. Set out a dish of holiday candy
19. Watch a holiday episode of your favorite comfort show
20. Wear an ugly holiday sweater to work
21. Gather some friends or family and volunteer your time at a local animal shelter, food bank, or other charitable organization
22. Bake holiday cookies and share them with your neighbors
23. Have a karaoke session with friends (carols are a must)
24. CHRISTMAS EVE: Share a special meal with loved ones or romanticize a fancy dinner by yourself
25. CHRISTMAS DAY + HANUKKAH BEGINS AT SUNDOWN: Spend all day in your PJs, enjoy quality time with loved ones, and soak up all the joy of the season
26. Make handwritten thank you cards to give to friends and family for their gifts
27. Take all of your scrap wrapping paper to a recycling center
28. Go through your closet and set aside items in good condition to swap with friends or donate
29. Buy a 2024 planner and plan your year
30. Write out your New Year’s resolutions
31. NEW YEAR’S EVE: Reflect on your favorite moments from 2024, and then set goals and intentions for 2025
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She has nearly seven years of experience reviewing products, covering trends, and creating inspiring content around all things home.