It’s hard to believe, but the Christmas season is just around the corner. First, the air takes on a crispness that I’ve always associated with going back to school. Ok. So, it’s been a few years since I started a school year. This change of season makes me start thinking of the Holidays.

For many people, Halloween kicks off the holiday season. After the excitement of Beggar’s Night is over, we begin thinking about decorations, gifts, family dinners, holiday parties, and holiday baking. There are so many details to remember. Not only throughout the holiday season but in gearing up for it too!

Here are a few tips on getting ready for the Holidays:

Christmas Lights

Perhaps you aren’t planning to decorate your home until the day after Thanksgiving. However, it is always a good idea to take your Christmas lights out and determine what types of lights you already have and which ones you’ll want to purchase. Make a list of mini lights, C7 lights or other Christmas lights you’ll want to add to your holiday decorating collection. Once it is time to put up the decorations, use Christmas lights both on the inside and the outside of your home to make everything festive and inviting.

Make a plan of your Christmas light display. Whether you draw a picture of your home on a plain piece of paper with a pencil, upgrade your plan to graph paper and a ruler or use the coolest and latest lighting automation software – come up with a plan of how many lights you’ll need, what style and what color theme will suit your taste and impress your neighbors.

If you use artificial wreaths and garland, be sure to unearth them early to make sure they are in good shape for another season.

Gifts for Loved Ones

Create a list of people for whom you’ll be purchasing gifts this year and then list possible ideas next to each one. As you are out shopping, keep the list with you so you can refer to it and be able to get that one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone. Stocking stuffers can be everything from small toys, gag gifts, food items, candies, or other small trinkets, so keep your eyes open for those while out shopping too.

Holiday Baking

Do you have those recipes for special baked goods that only make an appearance during the holidays? Whether you’re baking special goodies with the intent of giving them as gifts or using them for entertaining, now is the time to begin planning which goodies you want to bake for the holidays. Create your grocery list and then go shopping. Some people like to bake a few items over time leading up to the holidays. Others set aside one entire day and dedicate it to baking goodies for the holidays. Planning ahead means you’ll have a beautiful plate of cookies or fudge to set before guests at a moment’s notice.

Dinner Parties

The holidays are the perfect time for entertaining. We tend to pull out the linen tablecloths and napkins, the decorative napkin rings, crystal candle holders, and ornate serving dishes that never see the light of day the rest of the year. When planning for a dinner party, begin with the guest list and then send the invitations in plenty of time so your guests will get your date on the calendar before anyone else’s. Plan your menu, shop for the food, cook, bake, and then enjoy the company of your friends and family with great food and a fantastic atmosphere. Take the time this year to add white mini lights to your dining room to add a bit of Christmas warmth and cheer. Mini lights are perfect used with candles to create an inviting dining room. Your dinner party will be one that is remembered for years to come.

Stores and online retailers are already prepared for consumers who are planning now for the holidays. Get a start on your holiday shopping for Christmas lights, gifts, cards, food, and decorations now and you’ll be ready when the holiday season actually arrives.