Christmas Eve is three weeks from today. It's time to get real.  Preparations need to move into high gear. 

• Finish writing your Christmas cards. You want them in the mail no later than December 15.
• Ship any gifts that you cannot deliver personally. Shipping this week means shorter lines in the post office and less chance that you’ll have to pay expedited shipping charges.
• Complete any online shopping so that you won’t be stung by the “backorder bug.”
• If you have some time, wrap the presents you’ve already bought.
• Start your decorating. You may find it easier to do a little decorating each day. It breaks up the work and you get the joy of watching your house be filled with Christmas.
• Select outfits for the various Christmas festivities. Dry clean anything that needs it. Keep the entire outfit, including accessories, in one place so you won't be looking for that earring when you need to be on your way to the company party.
• Finalize your menus for Christmas entertaining as well as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
• Make New Year’s Eve reservations if necessary.