Christmas Eve is 6 weeks from today. From this point on, our preparations will intensify (with a bit of a break for Thanksgiving preparations and celebration.)

So here’s your task list for this week:

• If you are making gifts or decorations, keep working. Ideally, you will be finished by the end of
  November.
• On your master calendar for the season, schedule your major preparation tasks: decorating, baking, wrapping, etc. Also, take the opportunity now to block out a few days to just relax at home with your loved ones, drinking cocoa and watching movies.
• If you haven’t already done so, start working on your cards. By the end of this month, you’ll at least want your cards to be purchased (duh) and addressed.
• Begin (or continue) shopping. Any gift that needs to be shipped should be purchased by the end of the month if at all possible. You do not want to pay shipping fees greater in value than the gift. Also, the earlier you buy, the less likely you will face the dreaded backorder!
• Finalize any plans for entertaining during the holiday season – through New Year’s. If you are
  hosting, decide what the event will be, when it will be, who you will invite, and what you’ll need to prepare. If you want to go somewhere on New Year’s Eve, make reservations now. Don’t be shut out by a lack of planning.
• Finalize travel plans for Christmas. (If you don’t have tickets for Thanksgiving yet, good luck!)
• If you need to get your hair done for a party or other event, book a time now.