Christmas Eve is five months from today. I don’t do this countdown to stress you out. If you follow this countdown and do a little bit at a time, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the holidays instead of running yourself ragged trying to get everything finished.

Here are the tasks for this month:

• If you haven’t developed your budget yet, this is a must. Make sure that you can realistically set aside that much money. If you can’t start cutting. No debt for Christmas!
• If at all possible, decide where you will spend the holidays, make travel reservations, and request any necessary vacation time.
• Continue updating your Christmas card list. Moves and marriages are common in the summer, so keep your records up to date.
• Use your vacation and local craft fairs to find unusual presents.
• If any of your Christmas decorations need repair or cleaning, take them outside and complete the task. You get sunshine and clean, usable decorations.
• Use a rainy day to sort through your cookie recipes to see what you want to try. I’d be willing to bet that your family and friends will happily participate in a taste test.
• If you plan to make anything, get started now. I’m working on some cross-stitched Christmas decorations.

And think cool thoughts to get you through these hot days! You’ll miss them in February!