Dress Rehearsal

Welcome back to Holiday 911. Later today we can dissect our Thanksgivings (I can go on for quite some time about what I will do better next year). But I think Thanksgiving is a dress rehearsal for what's to come. So let's get to the task at hand: the next four weeks.

For starters, don't shop today. The malls will be jammed, the traffic a nightmare. A better way to spend your time is to simply get organized. Do you know who you are buying presents for? What you will get them? Make a list.

Also think about what else you will be doing this month. Even me, the homebody with two kids and a husband who works all the time, has two nice dinners and three holiday parties coming up. I may even host a small party or two of my own. I need to hire babysitters and buy myself a pair of velvet pants.

For more guidance, check out our holiday guide. It's being put together by reporters and editors at The Washington Post and washingtonpost.com and it's got advice on fashion, food and staying organized. Let me know what you think.

By Liz Seymour |  November 24, 2006; 8:30 AM ET  | Category:  Shopping
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