With 9 weeks until Christmas Eve, it's time to inventory what you have so you'll know what you need to get for your holiday preparations. Plus, this leaves you maximum amounts of time to look for good deals on things you need to purchase.

• Inventory your wrapping supplies. Do you have tape, batteries, wrapping paper, tissue, ribbon, gift tags, and a variety of gift boxes and bags?
• Inventory your decorations. Do you need a few extra strings of lights? Some new tinsel? More tree ornaments?
• Inventory your card supplies. Make sure you have cards, address labels, stickers, and stamps. (Christmas stamps are now available.)
• Inventory your craft supplies so that you have everything you need for your forthcoming projects.
• Inventory your baking supplies. You can freeze butter, so get some if you see it on sale. Check your stocks of sugar (white, powdered, and brown) and flour, baking soda, and powder. Make sure you have sprinkles and colored sugar. Check to make sure your spices are still good. (If your spices have seen more than 2 Christmases, buy new.)
• Inventory house projects and repairs that you need to tackle before the holidays. You don't want to be repainting the guest bathroom while the Thanksgiving turkey is cooking.

Doing these inventories may seem tedious now, but you'll be happy come December!