Wrap Presents! And 6 More Ways to Make the Most of This Weekend
Light up the night, add a special touch to gifts, plan your holiday table and more
With Christmas coming on Monday, Dec. 25, and Kwanzaa starting the next day, this weekend is a good time to deck the halls, wrap those last gifts and set the table for a holiday feast. And if you’ll be away from home for the holidays, remember to button down your house to prevent frozen pipes and other potential snafus.
2. Light up the night on the solstice. The winter solstice, which is the shortest day (and longest night) of the year, falls on Thursday, December 21.
Ward off the dark and celebrate the turn toward longer days with candles or a blazing fire in the fireplace.
Browse scented and unscented candles
Ward off the dark and celebrate the turn toward longer days with candles or a blazing fire in the fireplace.
Browse scented and unscented candles
3. Wrap and deliver gifts. Stock up on tape (there never seems to be enough) and gift tags before you settle in for that final wrapping session. Make a list of gifts you intend to deliver in person (and check it twice) to be sure you don’t forget anyone.
Inspiring ways to wrap your presents | How to make this wrapping station
Inspiring ways to wrap your presents | How to make this wrapping station
4. Set your holiday table. If you’ll be hosting a meal over the holidays, take one stressor off your plate and set the table early. Fresh greenery down the center of the table, candles or personalized place cards will make your table feel extra special.
3 Holiday Tablescape Designs to Try
3 Holiday Tablescape Designs to Try
5. Get ready for Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa begins the day after Christmas and continues through January 1. If you’re going to be celebrating, use this weekend to get ready by setting up a kinara, which holds seven candles, on a console table in the entryway or on the dining table.
Celebrating Kwanzaa: Honor African Heritage All Over the Home
Celebrating Kwanzaa: Honor African Heritage All Over the Home
6. Finish decking the halls. If you prefer to wait until Christmas approaches to decorate the tree, the time has finally arrived! Put up ornaments, lights and garlands, then sit back and enjoy the twinkly glow.
Quick and Easy Christmas Decor With Greens, Wreaths and Pine Cones
Quick and Easy Christmas Decor With Greens, Wreaths and Pine Cones
7. Give back. Embrace the spirit of giving this season in a way that works for you. This could look like donating money, volunteering your time in a soup kitchen, helping out on a community cleanup of a natural area or contacting local aid organizations to find out what items they need right now.
Tell us: What are you looking forward to this weekend? Let us know in the Comments.
More
How to Stay Sane When Hosting Christmas
Inspiring holiday decorating ideas and DIYs
Find holiday decor
Tell us: What are you looking forward to this weekend? Let us know in the Comments.
More
How to Stay Sane When Hosting Christmas
Inspiring holiday decorating ideas and DIYs
Find holiday decor
5 Things to Do Before Going on Vacation This Winter