The Christmas season is drawing to a close (though I keep celebrating through January 6th — Twelfth Night). 

What you do now will make a big difference in the amount of work you face next November.  Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• As you take your Christmas decorations down, check their condition before you pack them away.  Make any small repairs that might be needed, such as replacing light bulbs that have burnt out.  If a decoration can’t be repaired, it’s time to let it go.  There is no use storing your trash.
• Make a list of things that will need to be replaced next year (ornaments, garlands, lights, etc.).  Keep this list in your Christmas file (paper or electronic).   You can pick up these things when the sales start.
• List the Christmas supplies that you will need to restock, such as cards, gift tags, wrapping paper, bows, etc.  Many stores still have these items available at drastically reduced prices.
• Before you toss or store the Christmas cards you received, double check to make sure that your address list is up to date.
• Add a note to your Christmas file about the recipes you tried that were keepers and those that weren’t.  It may be hard to recall which is which when Christmas rolls around next year.
• Take a few minutes to gather together all of your Christmas bills.  Gather as many as possible — for food, gifts, decorations, postage, etc.   Total it up.  (Lie down with a cool cloth on your forehead for a few minutes if necessary.)  That’s how much you need to save for next Christmas.  Start now.

A little effort now is a big stress reducer later!