Christmas is six months from today! Yes I know that summer has just begun, but there are some things you can be doing now that will relieve some of the stress of the holiday season (without adding more stress now).

First, there are some things you can continue doing:

• Keep saving to fully fund your holiday budget. You should never go in debt to celebrate the holidays.
• Keep updating your Christmas card list. Summer is a time or weddings and moves. Make sure you update your list when people changes addresses or names

Also, if at all possible, decide where you’ll be celebrating each holiday. Making travel arrangements now gives you the best options and prices.

You might want to start your shopping. As you travel for vacation, stop in to small local stores or museum gift shops to looks for unique gifts. I’ve purchased some of my favorite presents that way. Also, summer is a big time for arts and crafts festivals and fairs. Handmade gifts are always special.

You can use a rainy day to sort through your holiday file of recipes and craft ideas that you’ve collected. Choose  few to try and consider “auditioning” them. Rainy days can be good crafting time too.

Finally, use some of the dream time that comes with summer — waiting in line at a theme park or lying on the beach or beside a pool — to think about what you’d like to do for the holiday. Discussing holiday plans is a great thing to do on a long car ride. Each family member can suggest one thing and you can build from there. Remember, if no one is committed to a tradition, you aren’t required to keep it. Start building the holiday you want.