December Homesteading to-do List
Winter may slow the garden down, but there is still plenty to do around a homestead. This December Homesteading to-do list will walk you through a handful of simple tasks that help you close out the year while keeping animals, gardens, and your home running smoothly.
These practical Homesteading tips will help you to focus on winter care, planning ahead, and making small improvements that set you up for a strong start in the new year.
I’ve learned over the years that December is less about big projects and more about steady care, simple routines, and preparing the homestead for the quiet months ahead.
December can be one of those tricky months on a homestead. We’re pulled in so many different directions that it can be hard to know where our energy should go. Between holidays, family events, and traveling to visit loved ones, this month can quickly become busy and overwhelming if we’re not careful.
Maybe that’s why I love having a plan so much. A simple list helps guide me toward the areas that matter most, making sure the important things get taken care of even when life gets a little hectic.
Our animals depend on us. They don’t care if Christmas is around the corner. They simply want to be fed, have a clean place to sleep, and a dry place to stay. When you shift your focus from homesteader to caretaker, it’s a good reminder of how important these everyday tasks really are.
If you love lists as much as I do, be sure to grab the free December Homesteading To Do List using the link below. It’s a simple way to keep track of the small but important jobs that help a homestead run smoothly all month long.
DECEMBER HOMESTEADING TO-DO LIST
December is a good time to stay ahead of winter weather, keep a close eye on shelters, and make sure animals have what they need as temperatures drop. It’s also a great time for a few small projects inside the home and a little planning for the year ahead.
GENERAL LIVESTOCK CARE
#1. Walk through animal shelters regularly. Cold winds and winter storms can expose weak spots quickly. Check barns, run-ins, and shelters for drafts, loose boards, or areas where snow or rain could blow in.
#2. Increase bedding in sleeping areas. A thicker bedding layer helps insulate animals from frozen ground and keeps resting areas warmer and drier during cold weather.
#3. Watch for frozen water sources. Check water buckets and tanks throughout the day to make sure animals always have access to fresh water.
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#4. Keep walkways clear of ice and snow. Paths between barns, coops, and feed areas can become slippery quickly. Clearing them regularly helps prevent injuries for both animals and people.
NUTRITION & HEALTH
#5. Adjust feed as temperatures drop. Animals burn more calories staying warm in winter. You may need to increase feed slightly depending on your animals and your climate.
#6. Keep minerals available. Loose minerals and salt blocks help support animal health year-round, especially during stressful weather conditions.
#7. Check animals for weight loss. Winter is a good time to keep a close eye on body condition so animals stay healthy through the colder months.
WINTER ANIMAL ROUTINES
#8. Keep feeding schedules consistent. Animals handle winter weather better when their feeding routines stay predictable.
#9. Check fencing after storms. Heavy snow, fallen branches, or drifting snow can damage fencing or gates.
#10. Store extra hay or feed where it stays dry. Having feed stored safely before severe weather hits makes winter chores much easier.
CHICKEN COOP
December can be a quiet month for backyard flocks. Shorter days often mean egg production slows down, but good coop care keeps your birds healthy through winter.
COOP CARE & MAINTENANCE
#11. Check the coop for cold weather. Walk the outside of the coop and look for issues with the siding, floor, and the roof. Keeping a warmer coop will help ensure your flock thrives during the winter months.
#12. Add extra bedding to the coop floor. Deep bedding helps insulate the coop and keeps things warmer for your flock.
#13. Make sure ventilation openings stay clear. Proper airflow helps prevent moisture buildup during winter.
NESTING BOXES & EGGS
#14. Refresh nesting box bedding. Clean straw or shavings help keep eggs cleaner during muddy winter months.
#15. Collect eggs regularly. In colder temperatures eggs can freeze quickly, so gathering them often helps prevent cracking.
WATER, FEED & FLOCK HEALTH
#16. Clean feeders and waterers. Cold weather can still allow bacteria or mold to grow in feeders and water containers.
#17. Watch for flock health changes. Cold stress can affect birds differently, so keep an eye on behavior and activity.
#18. Make sure birds have a dry place to roost. Dry bedding and good airflow help keep chickens comfortable during winter.
GARDEN
Most northern gardens are resting by December, but there are still a few simple tasks that can make spring much easier.
PLANNING & PREP
#19. Clean out leftover garden debris. Remove any remaining old plants to help prevent pests and disease from overwintering in your beds.
#20. Add compost to garden beds. Winter is a great time to feed the soil so it’s ready for planting in spring.
SEEDS & SUPPLIES
#21. Organize leftover seeds. Store seeds in a cool, dry place so they stay viable for next season.
#22. Take inventory of garden supplies. Check what tools, soil amendments, or seeds you may need before spring arrives.
GARDEN BEDS, TOOLS & OUTDOOR PREP
#23. Clean and store garden tools. Cleaning tools before storing them helps prevent rust and keeps them ready for spring.
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#24. Drain garden hoses if you haven’t already. Freezing water inside hoses can cause cracking or damage.
#25. Cover garden beds if needed. Mulch, straw, or cover crops help protect soil during the winter months.
BARN AND OUTBUILDINGS
Winter weather can be hard on buildings, so December is a good time for a quick inspection.
STRUCTURE & SAFETY
#26. Walk through barns and sheds. Look for damage to roofs, siding, doors, or windows that could allow snow or rain inside.
#27. Check door latches and hinges. Cold temperatures can make hardware stiff or harder to use.
#28. Block any new drafts. Sealing small gaps helps protect animals, feed, and equipment.
STORAGE & ORGANIZATION
#29. Take stock of winter supplies Check feed, bedding, and animal care supplies so you don’t run out during a storm.
#30. Store feed in sealed containers. Rodents often become more active in winter looking for food.
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#31. Keep barn walkways organized. Clear paths make daily chores easier when snow and ice arrive.
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
#32. Clean and store equipment not being used. Proper storage helps tools last longer and prevents rust.
#33. Check heaters, extension cords, or winter equipment. Make sure everything is in safe working condition for colder weather chores.
PLANNING
December often brings a much needed pause on the homestead. It’s a great time to reflect and think ahead.
REVIEW & REFLECT
#34. Look back at this year’s garden and livestock notes. Take note of what worked well and what you might want to adjust next season.
#35. Let go of unfinished projects that no longer matter. Homesteading seasons are busy, and not everything needs to be carried forward.
GARDEN, LIVESTOCK & SEASONAL PLANNING
#36. Start sketching ideas for next year’s garden. Even a rough plan now can save time and money in the spring.
#37. Review livestock needs for the coming months. Think about feed supply, shelter space, or changes you may want to make next year.
PROPERTY & PROJECT PLANNING
#38. Walk your property after storms. Look for fallen branches, drainage issues, or repairs that may be needed later.
SCHEDULING & BUDGETING
#39. Plan simple winter projects. Winter is a good time for indoor work like tool repair, organizing supplies, or planning the coming season.
#40. Write down expected winter expenses. Planning ahead for feed, bedding, and supplies helps avoid surprises.
WRAPPING UP DECEMBER ON THE HOMESTEAD
December can feel busy on the homestead, but in a different way than spring or summer. Much of what you’re doing this month is simple care. Feeding animals, checking shelters, clearing paths, and making sure everything is ready for the colder weeks ahead.
It may not always feel exciting, but these small tasks now make the rest of winter much easier to manage.
This December homesteading to-do list isn’t meant to be something you tackle all at once. Think of it more as a guide. Pick a few tasks that make sense for where you live, the animals you care for, and the time you have available.
