Here it is: Yom Kippur Checklist (free download in Word so you can adjust as you like!)
- Starting a few days BEFORE the fast, DRINK! Get as fully hydrated as possible.
- Spiritual preparation: ask forgiveness from those you have wronged, forgiving those who have wronged you, doing teshuva, and giving extra tzedaka
- Clean/prepare white or light clothing for each family member, including kittel if it’s dh’s tradition to wear it, white kippot, and tallit
- Set aside your gold jewelry (we don’t need to remember the golden calf now!), a common tradition
- Set up any babysitting you will need, or register for that at your shul (here are ideas about what to do at home)
- Find or buy machzorim for everyone who needs them, and tehillim or other reading material
- Ask about shiurim or any other shailot you have
- Yahrzeit candle (if needed)
- Set up non leather shoes or slippers for each member of the family
- Set up for kapparot if you do it, whether with chickens, money, or something else
- If you/dh has the tradition of mikveh erev Yom Kippur, find out times or set up an appointment
- Prepare three EASY, not spicy, not salty meals: two for pre-fast and one for post-fast (more ideas here)
- Ask for honey cake (lekach) if it is your tradition to do so
- Prepare food for kids on Yom Kippur in advance, preferably things they can get themselves or manage with little help from you. (I pack lunches for my kiddos.)
- Set up your own candles
- Bless your kids: Regular plus priestly blessing and the wish to be sealed in book of life
May you be signed and sealed in the Book of LIFE!