Christmas Eve is seven weeks from today. If you follow this countdown faithfully, by the time you get to Christmas Eve, you will be ready to sit back and enjoy the season with your loved ones.

Here are this week’s tasks:

• It’s not too early to start writing your cards. I write out a few each day. that way, it never becomes an overwhelming task.
• You can also start your shopping. Give priority to gifts that need to be shipped. If you buy them now, you can ship them later in the month and not pay express rates.
• If you are hosting a holiday gathering, get out a save the date notice. Peoples’ calendars fill in quickly in December, so stake your claim.
• If you are making gifts, now is a great time to start. that way, you won’t be pulling all-nighters as Christmas approaches.
• Start thinking about your menus for the season: Christmas party, Christmas baking, Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas breakfast, Christmas dinner, New Year’s Eve and Day. If you start now, you’ll have time to go through those recipes you’ve collected over the years.
• Finalize any travel arrangements and reservations for the season.