High Holy Days Summer Checklist for Homemakers
It’s the middle of summer and we are enjoying splash pads, summer camps, and eating our weight in watermelon on a daily basis.
While I am soaking up every ounce of sunshine with my children, I’m also looking ahead to the Fall Feasts. But that’s what gardeners and farmers do! Or else we’d have nothing to harvest when the time came. So, while I’m getting my pumpkin seeds in the ground by the end of June, I’m also doing a few things around the house to prepare our space to welcome the Fall Feasts.
I wrote down a checklist on a piece of paper and wondered if you’re doing the same thing. So, I put this checklist together for the both of us! Is there something on the list you hadn’t thought of and are grateful for the reminder? Comment below! Did you have something on YOUR list that I should consider? I’d love to hear it, too! :)
My goal this year is to make it to Elul with all of this stuff already done. This way, I can take the full 30 days to focus on preparing my heart because my home has already been taken care of.
🪴 GARDENING & OUTDOOR PREP
• Plant pumpkin seeds (June) to harvest in time for Sukkot
• Plant fall herbs like sage, thyme, or parsley for cooking
• Start cuttings or climbing vines (we’re growing carolina snap seed in abundance) to decorate your sukkah naturally
• Plan where you are going to have your Sukkah in your yard, and then grow American Beauty Berries and Turks Cap around it. By the time Fall comes and you build your sukkah in that space, it will be breathe-taking and FULL of life (and butterflies!)
• Collect and dry flowers, herbs, or citrus peels for natural decor or simmer pots
• Tend your compost so it’s healthy by sukkot (for garden blessings)
• Check outdoor lighting or string lights for Sukkah use
🧼 CLEANING & DECLUTTERING
• Deep clean bedrooms and closets — donate outgrown clothing
• Clean out the pantry and take stock of baking staples
• Wash and store summer linens, bring out fall tablecloths and throws (toward the end of summer)
• Organize school supplies, homeschool materials, or desks
• Deep clean the fridge/freezer to prep for incoming feast meals
• Wash your Sukkah supplies: curtains, linens, or decor from last year
🍲 COOKING & BAKING PREP
• Begin freezing doughs (challah, rugelach, pie crusts)
• Try a new honey cake recipe early to see what you love
• Freeze extra simmer sauces or broths for quick meals during the holidays
• Make a batch of homemade apple butter or jam for Rosh Hashanah
• Start saving glass jars for gifting neighbors or guests
• Plan out and test a few new dinner recipes for your Sukkot meal rotation
📅 PLANNING & SCHEDULING
• Add all High Holy Day dates to your calendar: Rosh Hashanah/Yom Teruah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot (and the 7 days following), Simchat Torah. Get dates here.
• Begin prepping school routines around the holidays
• Talk with your spouse or family about time off, travel, or hosting plans
• Schedule a reminder to order lulav & etrog (don’t wait until last minute!)
• Plan Sukkot camping or backyard setup — book if traveling
• Start thinking about guest lists for meals
🕯️ SPIRITUAL PREPARATION
• Teach or review the meaning of the Feasts with your children
• Choose a devotional plan or Bible reading schedule for Elul/Tishrei
• Pray about who you can forgive, reconcile with, or bless during this season
🧺 HOMEMAKER'S FALL PREP
• Make sure everyone has nice clothes or white garments for Yom Kippur
• Refresh your hospitality basket (tea, snacks, hand towels for guests)
• Make sure you’re living spaces are pulled together with all the furniture you need. If you want new furniture by Rosh Hashanah, plan for it! If you want a patio deck for Sukkot, purchase it during the Labor Day sale.
Did you see anything on this list that got your mind thinking and planning ahead? Comment below!
Now, I’m getting back to planting my marigolds and hanging my new linen curtains. Enjoy the rest of summer and we’ll look forward to the Fall Feasts together!
