Holiday Planning: 10 Things to Do (Before You Do Anything Else)

Before putting up holiday decorations on shelves or fireplace mantels... put away everyday items like vases or picture frames to make room for seasonal accents and avoid a crowded look. You'll be amazed at how much easier it will be to string a garland on a mantel when you start with an uncluttered canvas.

Before making your wish lists... involve your family in a whole-house clean out to determine what you no longer need and what you can donate to take advantage of end-of-the-year tax write-offs.

Before you start buying gifts... designate an out-of-the-way spot to stash them, like on a closet shelf or under a guest room bed. Be stealthy—make sure the kids don't discover your hidden storage location while you're concealing the presents.

Before the holiday cards begin to arrive... plan a spot to display them, whether on the mantel or in a decorative holder. Check the return addresses on incoming cards against those in your address book to be certain you're up to date, then recycle the envelopes.

Before you stow mail-order gifts that have arrived, open the boxes to be sure you received the correct items in good condition with all necessary accessories, then recycle the bulky packaging. Those boxes and containers could have a second—and third—life if repurposed.

Before you send holiday cards or gifts... set up a free online account at usps.com, where you can order stamps and shipping supplies. Not only will you avoid long lines at the post office, you'll be able to order the exact size box you need instead of having to hoard old boxes and trying to make do with whatever sizes you happen to have lying around.

Before you commit to holiday activities... decide which events are most important to you and your family and put them on your calendar first. Then you can schedule everything else around them. After noting the date and time, address, directions, and any other important details on your calendar, recycle invitations.

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