Here are some items to start taking care of within the next few days:

• Make your guest list to determine how many people you will be serving.
• Use that number to calculate how large of a turkey you will need to purchase. A rough estimate is about 2 pounds of turkey per adult. That will ensure enough for children and leftovers. You can purchase the turkey now and keep it frozen, or wait until later and buy a fresh turkey.
• Plan the rest of your menu. Some good starting points are mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, rolls, pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake. The possibilities are limitless, but these are the items that I typically prepare for our family meal. Compile all of your recipes.
• Start making a grocery list, separating the perishable items from the non-perishable items.
• Go ahead and pick up the items on the non-perishable list now. Don’t forget to include things like foil, disposable plastic containers for leftovers, plastic wrap and cooking spray.
• Decide how you are going to decorate your table and make a list of items you need to pick up. Don’t forget a tablecloth, placemats, dinner plates, desert plates, glasses, mugs for coffee, silverware, napkins, napkin rings, a table runner, a centerpiece, candles or flowers. Again, alter this list according to your needs.
• Make sure your roasting pan is up to par. It’s probably been hiding in the back of the cupboard for a year, so dig it out and inspect it. If necessary, purchase a new one now while the selection is good.

Above all, just relax and enjoy the time of year.