
Whereas Thanksgiving used to be the official starting gun for year-end holidays, the deadline occurs earlier each year. Currently, Independence Day is the new Thanksgiving.
To get a handle on the winter holidays, follow these guidelines.
February: Buy supplies for handmade ornaments and wreaths. Revise Christmas card list. Order fruitcake.
April: Bake and freeze cookies. Begin buying gifts.
May: Finish last-minute shopping.
June: Make place cards for dinner table. Create gingerbread house.
July: Place holiday ham in oven. Hang stockings on mantle. Take kids to mall to see Santa.
August: Explain to kids why Santa’s not here yet.
September: (See August.)
October: (See August.)
November: (See August.)
December 1-24: (See August.)