The start of November means it’s time to start thinking about the holidays. Maybe you don’t think so, but all of our shopping malls, television commercials, and major advertisers would disagree. Thanksgiving has become less of a standalone holiday and more of the feast that prepares us for Black Friday’s shopping spree. Sure, I like shopping, but this time of year makes it so easy to get carried away. So here a few tips to keep in mind as you think about starting your holiday shopping.

1. Make a list. Put on your Santa hat and decide who you will be shopping for, as well as noting any other expenses that are part of your holiday celebrations. Do you host a family dinner of 30 people? You might want to include some of that expense on the list as well (and send out a memo that everyone should bring a side!). If you’re a stickler for details like myself, you’ll actually enjoy this; you’ll feel like you’re taking control of the season before it even gets started.

2. Make a budget. I know, I know. Who wants to think about a budget with all of those sparkly decorations around? Well, you do, if you don’t want to have a serious holiday shopping hangover come January. Be honest with yourself here. I have grandkids and I’m guilty of that cliché grandma behavior of showering them with love, with candy, and occasionally, with presents. But I know what my I enjoyed most as a child, and what my own children remember most clearly from holidays growing up, and that was the big family get-togethers. So decide what your priorities are and budget accordingly.

3. Stick to the budget. Sounds easy, I know, but I’m also guilty of falling for a holiday deal or two that wasn’t on the list. If this is something that is difficult for you, then maybe pulling out and using cash for your holiday spending is the best method to avoid breaking the budget. Although a note of warning about that method: be very careful if you’re carrying around a holiday season’s worth of money on your shopping trips.

4. Make it personal. Here’s the thing, my kids always want to know what they can get me for Christmas. And guess what? I have just about everything I could possibly want, and if I don’t, it’s either because it’s too expensive, and they’d better not even consider spending that kind of money on a holiday present, or it’s something I can go out and get myself. So I always ask for something simple, but something personal. Like a photo book, a personalized mug (I have a serious collection going) or even a card reminiscing about a favorite memory. It doesn’t have to be expensive or high tech to be a worthwhile gift. If it’s from the heart, trust me, it will be appreciated.

5. Make it fun. So you have your list, you have your budget, and you’re ready to go out and wrap up all of your shopping early. Just make sure you enjoy yourself a little bit too.

So you know what this lady will be doing this week. My plan is to get a lot of the shopping out of the way, so that when Thanksgiving arrives, I’m focused on family, food, football, and all of the other blessings that I have to be thankful for.