Christmas Eve is five months from today. I don’t do this countdown to stress you out. If you follow this countdown and do a little bit at a time, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the holidays instead of running yourself ragged trying to get everything finished.

Here are the tasks for this month:

If you haven’t developed your budget yet, this is a must. Make sure that you can realistically set aside that much money. If you can’t start cutting. No debt for Christmas!

If at all possible, decide where you will spend the holidays, make travel reservations, and request any necessary vacation time.

Update your Christmas card list. Moves and marriages are common in the summer, so keep your records up to date.

Start your Christmas shopping, especially if you travel this summer. Keep your eyes open for locally-owned shops, museum gift stores, and craft shops for unique presents that help the local economy.

If any of your Christmas decorations need repair or cleaning, take them outside and complete the task. You get to enjoy the sunshine and you’ll have clean, usable decorations.

Use a rainy day to sort through your cookie recipes to see what you want to try. I’d be willing to bet that your family and friends will happily participate in a taste test.

If you plan to make anything, get started now.

And think cool thoughts to get you through these hot days! You’ll miss them in February!