Christmas is two months from today!

Why should you use the Christmas countdown? Simply, because it will make your life easier and less stressful. You will be able to achieve your goals without killing yourself. The goal of the countdown is to space out your Christmas preparations so you can enjoy the season and be finished by Christmas Eve. Just think how great you’ll feel when you wake up on December 24th and realize there is nothing to do apart from enjoying the day (and making dinner — do NOT start your turkey today)!

This week is all about the lists.

First, finalize your list of gift recipients. If you have already bought some gifts (bonus points), write down what you’ve bought. You can also jot down any ideas you might have. You may want to color-code the gifts that will have to be shipped (which may be most of them).

Second, finalize your Christmas card list and update addresses as much as possible.

Third, using your calendar, block out any existing commitments and tasks from November 1st through New Year’s: family, work, religious. This is likely to be far lighter this year given that restrictions will likely be in place.

Fourth, begin drafting your menus for the various holiday events: Thanksgiving, a Christmas party, Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas brunch, New Year’s Eve dinner, New Year’s Day brunch.

Finally, if you plan to make any gifts, make a list of the things you plan to make and the supplies you’ll need. Make sure you have all necessary supplies on hand or that you have a plan to get them and schedule in crafting time.

These lists will be the basis of our efforts over the next two months, so make these lists and check them twice!