He's making a list, checking it twice

Thanksgiving is the best- yummy food, family and friends, football and little stress- (if you didn't cook) but then as the night approaches and the leftovers are packed up, you know what lies ahead. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, crowds, deals and long lines. Christmas seems to be coming earlier and earlier every year- we rush into the season and forget to savor the last leaves of fall. The wreath is going on the door but the pumpkin is still sitting on the front stoop- oh well, now that Thanksgiving weekend is over I guess I have to face the holiday season ahead. A few notes of Nat King Cole set the perfect mood, but with so much to do-everyone needs a plan. After reading Martha Stewart's blog I found another one of her many useful checklists- this one is for the holidays and breaks it down week by week. So if you are feeling overwhelmed already- relax, this will help you map it all out!
Week 1-Buy cards, stamps and wrapping supplies. Write out gift lists. If cards are in, begin to address and send.
Week 2- Put together gratuity gifts for service people. Plan holiday menu, if you are hosting. Set up a wrapping station. Shop online and unpack decorations, inspect for damage.
Week 3-Start house cleaning, start with infrequently used areas. Gather the family together to pick out the tree and other greenery. Make and freeze cookie dough. Get any linens or holiday outfits to cleaners. Put up interior and exterior decorations. Trim the tree!!
Week 4-Clean rest of house, finish wrapping. Buy last minute gifts, set table and make place cards. Make any dishes ahead and prepare all pieces needed for serving the holiday meal.
Week 1 has started so I bet most of you have too and of course many of us have not- no worries, Christmas should not be filled only with stress and running around; My son keeps asking me to twitch my nose, because he wants to see how Santa does his magic and makes the reindeer fly, and when his eyes grow wide and a smile appears, I forget all about my tiny lists- so don't forget about the magic!