Christmas Countdown:
It's All In The Planning!

By Sherrie Le Masurier

Four Weeks Ahead

• Get a spiral notebook and make a master list of Christmas gifts to buy, foods to bake, events to attend and errands to run.

• Draft a schedule that includes all the tasks you have to complete, how long you think each will take and then each needs to be done. Write everything on a calendar and hang it on the refrigerator door.

• Locate your Christmas card list. Any address or name changes? Send out your cards.

• Put up the exterior lights. Be sure to test them first.

• Avoid time and transportation conflicts. Hang a wall calendar and ask family members to write down all social engagements. Be sure to schedule time for favorite seasonal activities and TV programs.

• Line up babysitters for holiday events in advance. You might also want to arrange some shopping alone time by exchanging babysitting time with another mother.

• Ask loved ones for their wish lists or at the very least, get some suggestions.

• Have your kids mail their letters to Santa. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to look for the best price on their special gift. Once your kids have sent their letter off remind them they can’t change their minds.

• Consider your shopping plan of attack and get started.

Three Weeks Ahead

• Still waiting for mail-order items to arrive? Check to make sure they’re on their way.

• Order your turkey. The best-tasting turkey is usually a fresh one but you’ll need to order it advance. Calculate about a pound per person to allow for ample servings and a reasonable quantity of leftovers.

• Keep shopping and/or working away on your handcrafted gifts.

• Don't wait until 1:30 Christmas morning to put together "Some Assembly Required" toys – do it now!

• Start decorating the house.

• Get a jumpstart on your gift wrapping. Pop a seasonal video into the VCR and make an evening of it.

• Finish baking.

Two Weeks Ahead

• Put up the Christmas tree. Don’t want to bring it in quite yet? Store it temporarily in a bucket of water in the garage or in the basement.

• Check supplies of cocktail and dinner napkins, toothpicks, disposable plates, cups, utensils etc.

• Stock up on seasonal non-perishables before the stores run out.

• Find some quiet time alone or with the family to enjoy the peace of the season.

• Write your to-do list for next week.

One Week Ahead

• Do any last minute grocery shopping.

• Freeze extra bags of ice cubes.

• Put your holiday towels in the bathroom.

• Stock up on batteries, film and other items you don't want to be caught without.

• Make sure you have cookies on hand for Santa’s snack.

• Locate the Christmas stockings.

• Finish shopping and wrap everything up.