It’s Columbus Day. For those of you who have the day off, today is a perfect time to get ahead of all of the occasions that fall and winter will bring. With Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas all looming on the horizon –  this is a great time of year to have an extra day to get organized and get ahead of the holidays.

– Stock up on candy

– Find a great bowl to use to hand it out

– Brainstorm costumes, pick up any supplies you will need

– Pick up some pumpkins and mums to quickly fall-ify your front porch

– Make a preliminary meal plan / figure out who you’ll need to bring what and let them know

– Browse your cookbooks and the web for any recipes you need – at this point you even have time to test them out first

– Do an inventory of table settings and serve-wear – order anything you’re missing now

– Sign up for CheckedTwice and invite your family

– Begin populating wishlists with gifts they’ll love

– Find a photo to use for your Christmas card (or schedule a photographer to take one)

– Order gift wrapping supplies so they’re on-hand when you need them

Many of these to-do’s can be accomplished online – so settle in with a pumpkin-y coffee and get to work (even if you’re at work)! You’ll thank yourself later as you approach Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas in the next few weeks and months.