Halloween is two months from today!  You don't have to start preparing yet, but here are some things to keep in mind:

• Halloween candy displays are already up in the stores I am all about planning in advance, but that's just crazy. The likelihood that any candy bought now will survive until the end of October is less than zero. Do not (I repeat, DO NOT) buy your candy yet.
• If you decide to host a party this year, you'll want to start deciding on your guest list, menu, and decorations.
• If you decorate for Halloween , decide what you'll need to craft and start gathering supplies.
• Start thinking costumes for you and for your kids. If you will be making a costume, you need a decision by the end of September. You do not want to be painting Wonder Woman bracelets (and drying them with a hair dryer) at midnight the night before Halloween.
• If all you plan to do is hand out treats or go to a party, stock up on some nice pumpkin ale or crisp cider when it hits the stores and kick back. You're golden.