Christmas Eve is nine weeks from today.  That time will pass far faster than you expect, so it’s time to kick your preparations into high gear.

This week it’s time to inventory what you have so you’ll know what you have and what you’ll need to get for your holiday preparations.

• 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 and flour, baking soda and powder. Make sure you have sprinkles and colored sugar. Check to make sure your spices are still good. (If they can legally vote next month, they aren’t good.)
• Finally, inventory your time. Make a big calendar stretching from the week before Thanksgiving through the beginning of the new year. Write down everything you plan to do. Schedule time for decorations, baking, shopping, and resting.

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