Christmas Eve is 6 months from today.  Even if you’ve ignored my last few countdown posts, now is the time to start the Christmas Countdown:

1)  If you don't have a holiday budget, develop one now.  If you have a holiday budget in place, some of those vacation purchases can become gift purchases! While on vacation, keep an eye out for good presents. I love to visit museums while on vacation and I never leave a museum without visiting its gift shop. I have found some of my favorite gifts in the shops of small museums and, as a bonus, you are supporting the museum. Local arts festivals or craft shows are a fun stop and a great place to find unique gifts.

2)  If you need to trim your budget to make it realistic, now is the time to discuss cutting back on spending for gifts or limiting travel costs or other purchases.  If you wait until fall, some people may have started shopping or purchased tickets. You may be able to throw a party jointly with a friend and cut your entertainment costs. Thinking about budget now gives you more options. It also gives you more time to save.

3) Keep updating your card address list. Summer is a big time for moving and weddings. Updating in real time will make it much easier to send cards.

4)  If you can decide your travel now, you can buy your tickets with maximum choice of seats and at great prices. Some sites (like Orbitz) even offer price assurance, so if someone else gets the same flight cheaper, they'll refund the difference to you.  If the costs are high, consider travel insurance — just in case.

5) If you plan to make some gifts (apart from baking), start planning now. A rainy day at the beach may be the best time to knit that sweater, make the jewelry, or compile the scrapbook. Some things can only be done in the summer. Take advantage of seasonal produce to make jam and pickles or can peaches and tomatoes.  A basket filled with your home preserves makes a lovely gift and brings the summer alive in the depths of winter.

6) Now is also a good time to think about other things you might want to craft: cards, wrapping paper, decorations. There is no rule that says kids can't make Chrsitmas decorations or cards as a summer craft project.

Anything you can do now increases the time available come December!