If you’re a typical Mom your life is far from simple.  Christmas just adds to your already crazy life.  Santa Claus isn’t the only one that can make a list.  With a little bit of planning and your own to-do list you can lessen your stresses as you try to not only get everything done on time, but also to remember to do everything!  Here are a few items you might want to include on your to-do/checklist.

Budget.  Don’t guess – write down exactly how much money you can spend this year and stick to your budget.  Don’t go over this budget for any reason or anyone.  Once you have a budget in place, you can begin to plan what you need to buy.  When money is tight this can help to reduce some of your holiday stress.

Decoration day/weekend.  Pick a day (or weekend) when you’re going to decorate the inside and outside of your home and get everyone in the family to help out. 

Look for bargains.  Start shopping early – sales start right around Thanksgiving.  Don’t wait until the last minute this year.  Look in your Sunday paper for the store sales fliers.  

Plan out your menu.  Plan out your Christmas dinner and keep an eye out for sales at your supermarket.  Know exactly what you plan to serve.  If you’re asking everyone coming to dinner to bring a dish, make the calls early and be specific as to what you want them to bring.  You don’t want to be stuck with six appetizers and no desserts. 

Mail out of town gifts early.   Send your out-of-town gifts by the first week in December to ensure the gifts arrive in plenty of time for Christmas day.  Plus the sooner you go to the post office the less busy it will be.  It stinks waiting in line for 20 minutes carrying boxes that weigh 25 pounds.  

Bake early.  Many pies, cakes and cookies can be baked early and frozen, and they stay as fresh as when they were baked.  Take a weekend or two late in November or early in December to do your baking so you won’t be rushed as Christmas approaches. 

Don’t forget to include the following items on your to-do/checklist:

• Christmas gifts (including friends, bosses and teachers)
• Holiday errands
• Christmas card list
• Guest list for Christmas dinner

With a little preparation and planning you can accomplish what you need to do for Christmas with a minimal amount of stress and maximum amount of time to enjoy the holiday with friends and family!