Cozy Countdown: 75+ Little Things to Do Before Christmas -

Over 75 simple and cozy things to do before Christmas to help you slow down, savor the season, and enjoy the last days of December. Let the countdown begin!

Enjoy quiet time by the glow of your Christmas tree is a simple thing to do before the holiday season ends. — *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains other affiliate links too for your convenience. You can read my privacy policy for more details.

We’re in the final stretch before the big guy with the white beard makes his way down the chimney, which to me, is the best part of the season.

Even as a child I’ve loved the anticipation of Christmas morning more than the actual day itself.

Listening to Christmas music, watching Christmas movies with a cup of hot cocoa, and driving around to look at the Christmas lights were the things I looked forward to most.

Not the presents, not the big events…just those simple moments of slowing down and soaking in the season.

And honestly?

Nothing much has changed.

I still love the rituals, the glow, and the quiet comforts of these final days far more than anything wrapped under the tree.

There’s an easiness that settles into the house right about now, when the to-do lists feel less urgent and the decorations are finally in their place.

These are the days when the small things feel bigger, the familiar traditions feel even more nostalgic, and home feels like exactly where you’re supposed to be.

So if you’re like me and want to savor every last bit of that Christmas feeling, I put together a cozy countdown.

A collection of simple, heartwarming ideas to help you make the most of these days before Santa makes his arrival.

75+ Simple Little Things to do Before Christmas Day

Choose one or all of these activities to do before Christmas that are guaranteed to make your home (and heart) feel extra cozy.

Watch your favorite Christmas movie.
Sip hot chocolate by the glow of the Christmas tree.
Light a Christmas scented candle.
Play your favorite Christmas music.
Bake a batch of cookies with homemade or store-bought dough. These cookies are a family favorite of ours.
Take a nighttime drive to look at Christmas lights.
Sit quietly with only the tree lights on.
Put a simmer pot on the stove.
Write a heartfelt Christmas note to someone you love.
Wrap gifts by your Christmas tree.

Cozy winter stovetop potpourri recipe with oranges, cranberries, cinnamon, and rosemary.

Make a cozy dinner like soup, pasta, or breakfast for dinner (the best!).
Read a Christmas book.
Put on your coziest pajamas.
Add one last ribbon somewhere in your home.
Hang a wreath on an unexpected door.
Make a cup of tea and stir it with a candy cane.
Mr. ERH’s favorite…create a charcuterie board for an easy dinner.
Listen to an old Christmas album from your childhood.
Take a snowy (or chilly) walk.
Have a family game night.

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Create an ornament hanger using twine, ribbon, or string.

Make a simple handmade ornament.
Display your Christmas cards.
Leave a sweet treat on a neighbor’s doorstep.
Watch a Christmas episode of your favorite TV show.
Read the Christmas story or a childhood classic.
Do a puzzle with a holiday theme.
Light the fireplace or turn on a fireplace video.
Make a homemade gift for someone.
Diffuse Christmas scents.
Display your holiday kitchen towels.

Easy holiday decorating with the winter Joy Box by Joyfully Said. Red velvet Merry Christmas pillow on white couch in the living room.

Bake a gingerbread house bundt cake.
Add a festive throw pillow to your sofa.
Put candy canes in a jar for instant cheer.
Visit a local bakery for a festive treat.
Wear your favorite Christmas socks.
Make a sugar scrub to treat dry winter skin.
Donate toys to a local charity.
Drive with Christmas music on and look at decorated houses.
Sit outside for a moment and breathe the winter air.
Read old journal entries or letters from past.

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Cozy cottage Christmas decorating ideas in the kitchen with pops of red.

Watch a Christmas baking show. If you haven’t seen The Great British Baking Show, you need to!
Make a popcorn garland.
Put fresh greenery in a vase.
Take photos of your decorated home.
Add ornaments to a bowl for a simple centerpiece.
Watch the snow fall (or pretend with a YouTube video).
Write down five things you’re grateful for.
Try a new holiday recipe like Christmas Jam.
Make orange and clove pomanders.
Display a bowl of apples, pomanders, or pomegranates.

Cozy things to do for Christmastime include snuggling with your dog under a cozy throw blanket.

Bake a loaf of banana or pumpkin bread.
Make a festive mocktail or cocktail.
Snuggle under a blanket with your dog or cat.
Change your phone wallpaper to something Christmasy.
Hang mistletoe.
Display a Christmas cookbook.
Have a cozy reading night.
Visit a local small shop for last minute gifts.
Paint your nails red.
Watch a classic black and white Christmas movie. White Christmas is a holiday must IMO.

Ultimate hot chocolate bar with a homemade hot chocolate recipe.

Wear your warmest oversized sweater.
Set up a hot cocoa bar with all the fixings.
Do a random act of kindness.
Make a homemade potpourri.
Display a bowl of pinecones.
Weave potholders for your kitchen or give them as gifts.
Take a relaxing bath with holiday scents.
Read a magazine with a cup of tea.
Bake sugar cookies and decorate them.
Add twinkle lights somewhere unexpected.

Evergreen wreath with pine cones on wooden door for early Christmas decor.

Take a break from your phone for an hour.
Start a new cozy tradition.
Visit a local tree farm just to enjoy the atmosphere.
Put on fuzzy slippers.
Do a little decluttering to get you ready for the New Year.
Make Williams Sonoma’s famous peppermint bark.
Watch a Christmas parade.
Make a simple wreath.
Warm apple cider on the stove.
Look through family photo albums.

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Christmas kitchen decor ideas include a basket of apples on the kitchen island countertop.

Write down your favorite memories from this December.
Make Christmas popcorn for movie night.
Give yourself permission to take an afternoon nap.
Sit in silence and enjoy the stillness of winter.
Go to bed early with fresh sheets.
Wake up early to enjoy a quiet house.
Light a candle first thing in the morning.
Just sit…and soak it all in.

Wishing You a Very Cozy Christmas

Even if the calendar says we’re running out of time, the cozy magic of Christmas is still here in the twinkle lights, the warm mugs, the simple moments at home.

You don’t need a perfect house or a finished to-do list to enjoy these next few days.

You just need a little intention…and of course a blanket or two.

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!