When you look at how crazy your schedule becomes during the months of November and December, you’ll realize that October isn’t all that chaotic and a great month to get a jump start on your holiday “to do” list!

Here are just a few of the things you can tackle in advance:

Address Database

Most of us aren’t disciplined enough to keep up with our address database throughout the year.  Last years returned holiday cards are, for most of us, shoved in a Ziploc bag waiting for us to update.  ”Change of Address” cards received throughout the year have been gathering dust in a corner of our desk waiting the same – update in our database.   Updating your database isn’t difficult, it just requires you to find a small amount of time to get it done.   Find that time in October and get this one task knocked out in advance!  You will feel so much better knowing it is done.

Holiday Stamps

Buying your holiday stamps in October is a great idea because you have a far better selection, you don’t have to worry about them being sold out (which happens much earlier than you would think)  and the lines at the post office aren’t nearly as crazy as they are in November and December.

You can also purchase your holiday stamps on-line which can also save you a lot of time and frustration!

Holiday Cards

Start shopping around now for your holiday card.  This isn’t always as easy as it seems as we all want to find that perfect card!  So start the shopping process early and get your selection narrowed down.  Finding these in advance will assure you they will have the stock level you need and you won’t have to use expediting shipping in order to get them to you on time.

ONLY ORDER WHAT YOU NEED!  Every year I see hundreds and hundreds of extra holiday cards getting trashed because people order way more than they need.  Since you have already updated your database (smile) you will know exactly how many you need.  You want to buy a few extras, but not 50 or 100 extra!

If you choose a card that requires a photograph you will definitely want to start working on this early.  It would be great if you already had some great photos that you took during the year that you can use.  If so this will save you a lot of time and money, but if you  need to get a family photo for your card you will want to call your photographer early in the season and get your appointment scheduled.

Personal / Grooming Appointments

If you don’t already have a “standing” appointment with your hair dresser or your manicurist, call and get your appointments lined up for October, November, December and January.  It will be one less thing you have to think about and you won’t have to worry about them being booked when you call at the last minute to schedule.  If you know in advance when you have holiday parties, have those dates in front of you when you schedule your appointments, it might affect how you schedule.

Gifts

It’s always a great idea to have a few “generic” gifts around for that last minute party you are invited to or the neighbor who stops by unexpectedly with a gift for you.   A great bottle of wine, an oil diffuser, holiday cookies are just a few great “generic” gifts that you can have around for the unexpected need.

Get a jump on your holiday list today and look forward to a fabulous holiday season!  Cheers!