The Holidays Marathon Begins: Moms Talk

On Halloween, the in Avon Commons already had its Christmas signs up.

Tuesday, began putting its coffee in the holiday red cups.

Wednesday, you could buy discounted Halloween candy and Christmas Ale.

There's barely time to catch your breath after Halloween before the Thanksgiving/Christmas season comes rushing at you.

Your schedule is about to become much, much fuller. Between school events, parties and all the decorating, baking, shopping and wrapping that's to come, you're going to need that triple-shot venti peppermint mocha.

The next few weeks can be the time to help you be less stressed over the holidays. You can make lists, prioritize, maybe even knock off some shopping. Check out websites like FlyLady and Organized Home for advice on planning and staying on top of things.

Today, let's talk holiday planning. Are you a master list-maker, or do you wing it?

Share tips for things that can be done now to make your life easier later, and where your overscheduling tipping point is this time of year. How do you say "no" to invitations, or your kids' request for something really time-consuming or expensive? What traditions have you let go of, and what ones are necessities? 

Talk amongst yourselves in the comments.

Joining us, as always, is our awesome Moms Council.

 is a freelance reporter with Patch. Julie, a longtime reporter and communications professional, is a first-time mom of a son born in 2010.

 works in public relations. She and husband Timothy have a daughter, Amara. Monina is also a member of the Disney Moms Panel, one of 15 moms selected nationwide, advising people online about planning Disney vacations.

 is a mom of three children ages 5 and under with her husband, Bill. They are expecting their fourth child this winter. She also works part-time.

 is a native of New Jersey. She is a marketing professional who has worked in advertising, market research, vending and equipment companies. She and her husband live in Avon with their two children.

 is a mom to a Girl Scout and lives in Avon.

 is the newest member of the  and past president of Avon Early Childhood PTA. She will also be blogging for Avon Patch. If you're a parent and want to share your experiences raising children in Avon, you, too, can .