I know that David Jones have their Christmas decorations up in late September but when it is really time to start taking Christmas seriously?  Traditionally I am a late achiever in the preparation department. In the magazine world we were working on Christmas issues in August so maybe I felt I had already done it - although virtually rather than actually – by the time Christmas eventually arrived.  While it seems to creep up on me every year, 2012 WILL be different.  I will have my presents bought by mid-November, I will have an exquisite gift wrapping scheme scoped out, complete with gift cards, the wine will be ordered (high quality but at a great price because I am so organized) as will the food. I shall become one of those people who can rustle up a series of delicious snacks when people casually drop in, I will have spare gifts for unexpected exchanges and I will NOT be in Warringah Mall on Christmas Eve doing what I do best – throwing money at the problem.



I'll be posting a Christmas Countdown of the things that matter over the next 10 weeks leading up to the big day. Take it from a reformed 'last minute' operator that life can be stress free if you can follow all (or even some) of the points I'll list.  I have grouped activities into relevant weeks – so feel free to move them around to suit your circumstances – but not too much!

W/O - 15^th October JUST THINKING
I reckon if all you do this week is think about what you need to do and write a proper list that is enough. Make sure you ask yourself all the right questions.

Where is your mother-in law going to sleep?  Are your sheets up to scrutiny? Do you have enough chairs to seat 14? Does the dog need to be booked into a kennel when you go on holiday post Christmas.? Run through the entire holiday in your mind (stop short of back to school as that is too depressing) and make lists of all the things you need to do. It will add up and should, at this stage, be slightly daunting – but you are 10 weeks out.