Yesterday was 6 months until Christmas. If you haven't done anything yet, now is the time to start the Christmas Countdown:

1) If you don't have a holiday budget, develop one now. Keep in mind that if you have a holiday budget in place, some of those vacation purchases can become gift purchases!

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. You may be able to throw a party jointly with a friend and cut your entertainment costs. Thinking about it now gives you more options.

3) Keep updating your card address list.

  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. The lazy days of summer 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.

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