31-Oct

            It’s Halloween, and unless you are going to a party, this is the perfect time to finish off your Christmas Cards, or to start if you haven’t already.  I find that there is little time between answering the doorbell to accomplish much tonight, so I use the time to sign and address Christmas cards.  I’ll often include little notes, or add to my notes on those cards where I wrote notes earlier in the year.

1-Nov

            If you have little children on your Christmas list, one of the most fun gifts I have ever given was a dress-up box.  The kids loved it, and played with it for years.  The few days just after Halloween are the perfect time to purchase items for this gift.  For boys, super hero costumes are the best.  Be sure to buy costumes in sizes larger than the child so they can play with them for at least one or two years.  Usually 2 sizes too big is just right.  Girls love princess, fairy, and other filmy, frothy type dresses.  Dress up shoes, jewelry, tiaras, and boas are very popular.  Avoid masks.  All these items will be on sale, and you can usually fill a whole box with dress-up for under $20.

2-Nov

            If you are mailing Christmas packages overseas, pack them up, and mail them this week.  You can mail later, but you will pay far more, and run the risk of having them arrive in time for Valentine’s Day.

3-Nov

            Finalize Thanksgiving plans.  If you will be working on a large meal, work on the menu and make a list of everything you need to purchase.