I know it's hard to believe, but Christmas Eve is 3 months from today. It seems like summer was starting just yesterday.

It’s time to kick the Christmas countdown into high gear.   Remember, the goal of this countdown is to help you do a little at a time so that you are never overstressed and you can enjoy the season.  Who wants to skip a great party because you have to finish cleaning before the houseguests arrive?  Why pass up a walk to look at the lights followed by cocoa because those gifts HAVE to be shipped tomorrow?

Within the next month, you need to complete the following tasks: 

•Make your holiday travel plans, purchasing tickets if necessary.

•If you are throwing a party, let folks know to save the date.  Calendars get so full in December.

•Finalize your Christmas card address list. Make sure names and addresses are up to date after summer weddings and moves.

•Write down your Christmas gift list.  You don't have to start shopping yet, but you should at least decide who you'll be shopping for.  If you've already bought things, make sure you note it.

•Start or continue work on your Christmas crafting.

•Look over your notes from last Christmas so that you remember what you did and didn't want to try this year.

•Finalize your holiday budget and make sure you know where the money is coming from.  If you don't have enough saved, you need to reduce the budget— buy fewer or less expensive gifts, don’t host a party, wear something you own instead of buying a new Christmas outfit, coo and decorate less lavishly. It’s easier to make these choices now than in the height of the season. 

•Start saving the address labels that come in the mail.

Follow these pointers and by the time the holidays roll around, you’ll be well-prepared and filled with Christmas spirit.