Checklist for preparing for the new year - a list of 50 main things to do for December

The main holiday of the year implies a cozy atmosphere, spectacular outfits, unforgettable gifts and leisure. We should say goodbye to 2020 on a special scale! And so that the New Year 2021 does not take you by surprise, prepare for it with this checklist. We've grouped 50 things into a handy 4-step list so that on the 31st you'll be rested and not exhausted from running around the shops.

December 1-7: planning and buying

Some things are best planned well before the new year:

1. Make an appointment at a beauty salon for a manicure or hair coloring. At the beginning of the month there is still a chance to choose a convenient time and specialist; at the end you will have to restore beauty with your own hands.
2. New Year's sales are starting, which means it's time to go shopping for a new dress for yourself and a suit for your child.
3. A good alternative for those who don’t know how or don’t like to cook is ordering food. Arrange delivery with your favorite restaurant and save yourself a lot of hassle.
4. Book a table in a restaurant, a spa, or a professional photo shoot in a studio in advance.

About gifts

Unobtrusively ask about the preferences of your spouse, relatives, friends and colleagues throughout the year. If you start hinting about gifts just before the holiday, the surprise will be ruined.

A few ideas on what to give for the New Year:

1. Look through the person’s social media feed and subscriptions – you will find many clues.
2. Sweets and flowers are always in fashion.Order a designer set of chocolates or a sweet bouquet of chocolate-covered berries.
3. Children will be delighted if the real Santa Claus comes to them.
4. Gifts with humor are remembered better than banal socks.
5. Certificates to your favorite stores will save you from choosing a bad gift.

When you decide on gifts, go explore the shopping center. At the end of the year there are huge sales, but you shouldn’t chase profits. The main thing is to have time to buy a good gift rather than buy nonsense, but at a discount. While the New Year's assortment is pleasing, buy everything you need and get rid of the headache.

Advice
Some products can be ordered through online stores at a good discount, but consider the time for their delivery.

December 8-15: Cinderella mode

Preparing your apartment for the New Year begins with general cleaning. Don't be lazy, piles of garbage do not contribute to a festive atmosphere. It is better to declutter in the first half of the month, so that after that you can switch to more pleasant things.

In Italy there is a tradition: on New Year's Eve, throw old things right out of the windows. This is how people say goodbye to the failures of the past year and want to bring prosperity and success into the house with new things. Look around the closets; there are probably tired and shabby sweaters and trousers taking up space there. Items do not have to be thrown into the trash; they can be donated to those in need.

Important cleaning points:

• wash the floor in inaccessible areas;
• wash the curtains;
• wash off any grease from kitchen appliances;
• do not forget about the cleanliness of the plumbing;
• reach every dusty corner.

When the house is clean, decorating it is much more pleasant. The sooner you do this, the longer the New Year's mood will last.

How to decorate an apartment:

1. The Christmas tree is the queen of New Year's Eve. It can be both natural and artificial. Buy simple Christmas tree decorations. Get rid of the old-fashioned rain immediately and don't overdo it with tinsel! A set of minimalistic balls will be enough.
2. It is impossible to imagine a winter holiday without a garland. Place lights on the tree or along the window. The garland will be accompanied by twisted scented candles.
3. Don't forget about beautiful dishes for the holiday table. Disposable forks and glasses are only appropriate for a summer picnic. Take out gilded glasses, crystal bowls and vases. So what if you have to wash a lot of dishes? Such a holiday happens once a year!
4. Children especially love New Year. Involve them in decorating your home. Remember how you yourself cut out snowflakes from white napkins, glued multi-colored garlands, and wove wreaths from fir branches. Decorating your home with your own hands is one of the most enjoyable moments of preparing for the New Year.

December 16-23: planning leisure time

First, imagine your ideal holiday. Where do you celebrate the New Year - at home with your family or in a restaurant with friends? Maybe you have long dreamed of going to a camp site and skiing? Now assess your strengths and budget, and start planning your leisure time. When, if not on New Year's Eve, can you fulfill your cherished desire, even if it does not fit into the traditional ideas about this holiday?

It will be a shame if memories of the holidays are limited to overeating, hangovers and lying on the couch in front of the TV. New Year's days are the time to go for a walk, arrange a snowy photo shoot, and try your hand at winter sports. All these are ideas for both relaxation and gifts for loved ones.A certificate for dog sledding or snowmobiling is a great gift that will easily fit into your vacation plan.

December 24-30: creating a menu, stocking up on remedies for overeating and hangovers

It is not always wise to buy products in advance due to the limited shelf life. Don't worry, there are enough cans of corn and peas for everyone. In general, it is better to buy meat fresh and immediately before cooking.

Product purchasing plan:

1. Before going to the store, decide on the dishes that you and your guests want to see on the holiday table. Divide them into groups: salads, meat and fish dishes, snacks, desserts.
2. Consider whether guests are allergic to any ingredients, or whether there are vegetarians among their loved ones.
3. Use the menu as a starting point when making your list, so you won’t miss anything or buy too much.
4. Don't forget about champagne and tangerines.

And to help your body on January 1, stop by the pharmacy. “No-Spa”, “Alka-Seltzer” and sorbents should be at hand on such a day.

Important little things

What else should you take care of in December:

1. Pay for the Internet and top up your mobile phone to stay connected on New Year's Eve.
2. If you plan to visit those who live far away, buy train or bus tickets in advance.
3. Make a list of movies to get you in the New Year's mood. In the last month of the year, many public pages on social networks delight with such content.
4. Don't forget about the playlist of New Year's songs. Music by Frank Sinatra, ABBA and other performers will help create a festive mood.
5. Finish all the work so that nothing distracts you from your long-awaited vacation.

Proper planning always accompanies success.With the checklist, New Year's Eve will be unforgettable, you won't miss a single day of the holidays and will be charged with positive emotions for the whole next year!