Whether we'd like to admit it or not, for most of us, December centers around the holidays for homemakers. It is the Maximum Opus for the year for all of us Domestic Goddesses out there. We spend our days juggling family recipes, picky eaters, the Perfect Gift and holiday cards. Normal day-to-day living such as laundry or organizing can fall by the wayside as we travel to other states or pull out rarely used trundle beds for wayward cousins. December is also the time of the year when winter can fool us; one day a bitter wind and the next covered in rain or snow.

     With all of the commercials and movie specials out there it might seem like December is a bit of a lost month when it come to general homekeeping. However, when a quiet moment comes (when babies are napping, or relatives entertained by decorating gingerbread houses) December can be a great time to plan, prepare and reorganize for the approaching new year.

Start planning summer vacations: With summer six months away now is a good time to start preparing both mentally and financially for the upcoming hotter months. Want to send the kids to a day camp? Hoping to snag good hotel reservations for the reunion? December is far enough in advance to beat many vacation planners. Now's also a good time to set aside the family change jar to save up for those summer souvenirs and day trips.

Prepare for the Garden: Many crops need to be in the ground by March/April, have you ordered your seeds yet? Thinking about changing your flower garden, or experimenting with raised beds? December is a good time to think about what you want to grow this spring and catch good deals as many home improvement stores are in a transition period this time of year.

Clean out Closets: In addition to toy drives, winter is a time for great need when it comes to gently used clothing. Now is an excellent time to go through kids' and grown-ups' closets for unwanted or ill-fitting items. If you have children in public or private schools December is a time of many days off from school. Have children spend 10 minutes a day trying on clothes and put discarded items away for your local Goodwill or shelter.

Check out your journey: December is the final month of the year. Steal a night away with your husband and talk about how the year has gone for you, and where you want your family to be by next December. It's a good time to bring up big projects from building that new deck to someone going back to school. A strong family unit is based on the closeness of husband and wife, and the winter evenings can be a great time for you to build new dreams with your spouse.