Christmas Eve is 15 weeks from today. (Is it just me or is time moving extra fast?)

In the past weeks we have looked at travel planning and budgeting.  Today, we start looking at list-making.  I love lists.  They make my life seem tidy and well-ordered.  They also compensate for my ever-failing memory.

This week, it's good to begin the development of your lists.  There are three basic lists that most folks will need. 

First is a Christmas card list.  I keep mine in the computer as a spreadsheet.  Adding and subtracting names and updating addresses is time-consuming.  Trying to do it in December is a recipe for stress.  Take a rainy evening to go through your list and make necessary adjustments.  This is especially important after the summer wedding season.  Once your list is complete, you'll know how many cards and stamps you'll need (assuming you didn't buy them at 90% off last January).

Second is a gift list.  Write down all the gifts you need to give — even the easy ones like gift cards.  I keep this list in a notebook in my purse.  When I have an idea about what I might give someone, I can just jot it down.  When I pick up a gift, I can make a note of it.

The third list is really a schedule of all the events/activities you will need to attend (church services, work parties, social events, school programs, etc.).  Use this list to start filling in your calendar.  The time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day fills up fast, making it even more important to keep control of your schedule.

Depending on how you celebrate the holidays, you may need other lists as well: craft supplies to buy and crafts to make; party guest lists; holiday menus; recipes to try; trees to decorate; things to get out of storage; clothes to buy; online orders to place, etc. 

Make whatever lists you need and make it a practice to review the lists at least every week or 10 days, just to refresh your memory and keep preparation in the front of your mind.