1.   Plan:  Make a list of the things you need to do.  Keep this list with you so that you can refer to it while you’re out and about.
2.   Calendar:  Schedule some time on your calendar when you can and will actually do these things.
3.   If you’re overwhelmed with the amount of things on your list, break it down into smaller, more do-able pieces.   You don’t have to do it all in one day (which is why you’re making this plan-See #1 above)
4.   Consolidate:  When planning and calendaring, group items in the same area together.  For example, if you’re going to the mall, perhaps you can make a bunch of stops while you’re there.
5.   Delegate:   Your husband, your children, your significant other or another family member who will be involved in the festivities can and hopefully will be happy to help.  LET THEM! Afterall, the holidays are for everyone.
6.    Get help:  You don’t have to do it all.  Free up some time by hiring someone to do something that you just don’t want to do.  One thing that comes to mind is to hire a cleaning crew instead of doing it yourself.
7.   Re-think it.  Maybe you don’t have to do something that was on your list.  Just because you did it last year or the last several years doesn’t mean you have to do it every year.  If there was something that didn’t work out or wasn’t necessary, cross it off your list.
8.   Get started.  The earlier you start, the less stressful it will be.   Sh-t happens so give yourself ample time.
9.   Make it fun.   Some suggestions: listen to great music while you’re doing whatever it is that’s on your list, ask a friend to meet you for lunch when you’re in between your errands, treat yourself to something nice when you’ve completed something on your list.
10.   Keep this list so that you can refer to it when the holidays are over.  Same rules apply!