The last few weeks before Christmas can feel like a whirlwind ~ end-of-year deadlines, family visits, last-minute gifting and the rising hum of summer adventures calling from just outside the window. Whether you’re preparing for a coastal road trip, a quiet stay-at-home holiday, or simply trying to get through December with a little more calm, a simple checklist can make everything feel suddenly manageable.
This week, I’m sharing a gentle, practical pre-holiday checklist designed for both travel and gifting, infused with a little slow-living energy to help you glide into the season rather than tumble into it.
Your Summer Travel Prep Checklist
Whether you’re exploring Victoria’s coast, heading up to see family, or planning a weekend escape, these essentials keep things stress-free:
✔️ Gear & Packing
- Reusable water bottle
- Hat, sunscreen, lightweight layers
- Sturdy shoes for walks or last-minute lookouts
- Beach towel / quick-dry towel
- Chargers, power bank, adaptor
- Small first-aid kit
- Reusable bags for markets, farm-gate finds and impromptu picnics
✔️ Road Trip Ready
- Check tyre pressure + oil
- Clean windscreen (inside AND out ~ a game changer)
- Offline maps downloaded
- Snacks that survive the heat
- A playlist or podcast to ease you into holiday mode
✔️ Creative Travel Tools
For readers, sketchers and photographers:
- Notebook or travel diary
- Single favourite pen or drawing tool
- Phone storage cleared for photo-taking
- A simple “shot list” in your head: flora, markets, coastline, colour palettes, local signage, textures
Your Gifting & Hosting Checklist
A calm Christmas is all about preparing early and choosing thoughtfully.
✔️ Gifts Sorted
- Check your list: partner, kids, nieces/nephews, parents, colleagues
- Two backup “host gifts” (local jam, small-batch chocolates, a good bottle of something festive)
- A few emergency “I forgot someone” items ~ these save your sanity
✔️ Wrapping Station Ready
- Paper
- Twine or ribbon
- Gift tags
- Sticky tape (you WILL run out if not checked in advance)
- Scissors
- A dedicated bag or box to hold it all so you’re not hunting for things at midnight
✔️ Cards & Post
- Christmas cards written
- Postage deadlines checked (especially interstate and international!)
- Stamps ready
- Add addresses to your phone contacts so you never lose them again
Your “Stay Calm” Checklist
This part tends to get forgotten ~ but it’s the one that makes December feel actually enjoyable.
✔️ A bit of calm every day
- A slow morning coffee or tea
- A short walk to clear your head (bonus points if it’s near trees)
- 10 minutes of stretching, journalling, or reading
- A moment to appreciate the season — lights, long evenings, warm air, festive energy
✔️ Protect your weekends
Leave one day free (even if it’s just half a day) for:
- Wandering through a market
- Driving to a new town
- Exploring a local café or gallery
- Taking photos or sketching
- Doing nothing at all
Creative Gifting Ideas That Feel Personal
These don’t require huge amounts of time or money ~ they just feel thoughtful:
- A small bundle of local market or op-shop finds
- A hand-written note or memory
- Framed art from a local maker
- A creative travel-themed gift for a friend dreaming of their next adventure
If you’re gifting locally made, artistic, or place-based pieces this year, your present already tells a story ~ and often that’s the most memorable part.
A Few Overproof Press Ideas (if you need them!)
Just in case you’re hunting for something thoughtful and handmade this season:
(If you’re in Melbourne, I’ll be at a few festive markets in December ~ and Etsy orders are now open if you’re shopping from afar!)
Final Thoughts: Slow Into the Season
December doesn’t have to feel frantic. With a little preparation and a few intentional choices, the holidays can become a season of small adventures, thoughtful moments and gentle joy.
Whether you’re packing for a road trip, wrapping gifts, or simply trying to stay organised before the year winds down, I hope this checklist adds a sense of ease to your week.
If you’d like more seasonal tips and travel-inspired ideas, this Saturday’s newsletter dives deeper into summer adventures and how to make the most of this time before Christmas.
|
|
For more creative travel, folklore and slow adventures through Victoria and beyond.
|