The order of the articles in this year's Holiday Guide doesn't necessarily reflect the order in which you should heed them. For example: You might want to start with Frank De Blase's guide to new, souped-up Christmas CDs just to set the soundtrack and get the eggnog pumping through your veins. Then you could pick up our writers' wishlists and get the shopping out of the way early (especially for those chronically hard-to-buy-fors).
Next, plan some activities for the downtime (as if!) using Linda Kostin's fun-and-cheap family activities guide and the calendar of holiday-themed events. Only then should you turn to Jennifer Loviglio's thoughts on the All-Powerful Sawzall as the antidote to holiday cheer --- because that, if you choose it, is a bell you're going to have a hard time unringing.
Enjoy, friends. The holiday madness comes but once a year.
Check out the Holiday Guide here.
