Christmas Eve is 8 months from today! Remember, by following this countdown, when Christmas Eve rolls around, you’ll be relaxed and ready to celebrate!

Since we’ve been focused on finances this month, our Christmas countdown tasks will focus on finances as well:

• If you don’t already have a holiday budget, make it now. My holiday budget runs from Halloween through New Year’s Day and includes everything from tick-or-treat candy to postage for cards to gifts to travel to holiday food. By saving a bit at a time over the course of the year, you can do the holiday things that give you joy without facing debt in January.
• If you already have a holiday budget, make sure that your saving is on track.
• If you know where you are spending the holidays, making travel plans early can give you access to the best choice at the best prices.
• If you need a fancy dress for the holidays (say, a New Year’s Eve party), keep your eyes open as prom and wedding seasons end. Stores will put formals on clearance and the thrift stores will get an influx.
• To reduce the cost of gifts, take advantage of season-changing clearance sales and any bargains you might find as you travel this summer.
• If you need to replace or upgrade decorations, summer yard sales and estate sales can be a great option. The decorations that other people don’t need may be just what you are looking for.
• If your holiday celebrations have gotten beyond you, eight months is enough time to talk to folks about scaling things back.

It’s an easy month on the countdown, so enjoy it!