How do you prepare for the holidays? If you're like me, you are usually done shopping well before black friday rolled around (at least for the kiddos). If you're like my mother, you may be running out on Christmas Eve to try and grab whatever you can in whatever store is still open. Maybe you went out late thanksgiving night or early Black Friday morning to get the best deals? Maybe you hang out in your PJs and shop on Cyber Monday? Either way, there is no way out of the gift prep, but what about the other things?

This year my son is going to be three & a half and it's time to start dealing with Santa (like, for real this time). Previously, I have had a few gifts set aside from the man, and we have pictures done . . . this year we have to make a list and talk about him. I like to encourage the belief in Santa, but now I have to figure out how far I want to go. Should I do the same as I have been doing but add specific gifts to the man pile, or should I introduce mailing letters and/or phone calls? I'm on the fence.

I don't do the Elf on the Shelf thing, but I did steal the tradition of wrapping books to open before christmas and read that was floating around social media a couple years back and makes a reappearance every once in a while. We always set up our tree as a family and listen to a Christmas playlist, but I think it is also important to interact with the community. Whether you want to carol, donate time or gifts for a good cause, or just want to bring your neighbor some fruit cake that you were given and don't want - get out there!

With all the good deals that rolled around for Black Friday, what is coming for Cyber Monday, and whatever else goes on between now and then - you are sure to waste away any money you had been saving. Stores will be crazy, people on the road will be crazier. Family and friends will be trying to make plans with you as you juggle preparing and whatever else is on your plate. Don't forget you also have to decorate!

No matter how you handle it, just remember that you can always kick back with a nice bottle of wine or two and treat yourself when it's all over! There is still time, don't wait until the last minute!