Christmas Eve is five months from today.  While it's hard to believe that in this heat, there are things you can do to prepare.  Here's the list of tasks you should have in mind this month:

• Finalize your holiday budget and start setting money aside to cover costs.
• If possible, make holiday travel arrangements.
• As summer moves, weddings, graduations, and births take place, update your Christmas card address list.
• Begin saving up the free address labels that come in the mail.
• Take advantage of back to school sales and tax-free weeks to purchase sticking stuffers and other gifts.
• While traveling this summer, look for unique gifts you can give to your loved ones.
• For folks who love summer and the outdoors, watch end of summer sales for great deals on sporting equipment and other summer goods.
• Work on crafts. (It's a good reason to stay inside!)
• Monitor your freezer and pantry contents to make sure that you'll have room when the holidays roll around.