Christmas Eve is only three weeks away.  That means it’s time to kick it into high gear.

• You want your cards in the mail no later than December 12th.  That means you need to finish them up this week.
• All gifts that need to be shipped must be purchased this week.  They should be shipped next week.
• By the end of this week, you should have bought at least one third of the gifts you plan to send and you should know what other gifts you need to buy.  I make notes of gifts and stores next to names in my Christmas notebook.
• Begin decorating your house. (At least get your decorations out of storage so you know if you have to replace anything.)  You can decorate a little at a time.  I decorate my mantel one day and the bedrooms another.  I may decorate the tree over several days.
• Begin shopping for baking supplies and for any food for entertaining. 
• Preparations for a party will depend on when the party is.  The Elf Party is Saturday, so this week will be intense preparation for me.
• Begin wrapping the gifts you’ve bought.
• If you cleaned your house last week, now is the time to practice keeping it clean.  Put things away after you’ve used them. Make the bed every morning.  Take 5 minutes before going to bed and 5 minutes in the morning to tidy clutter. 
• Folks may start dropping by, even if you aren’t having a formal party.  Make sure that you have beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and some snacks to share with visitors.  You can pick up bagged snacks, nuts, cheese, or bakery cookies at the grocery store.  Keep a few nice plates or bowls, glasses, and some napkins on hand and you’ll be prepared for visitors.

The season is moving into full swing.  Don’t forget to stop for a moment and enjoy it.