As you do your fall pruning, pay attention to the time of the month. If the moon is waxing (growing larger each night), the Almanac says pruning will encourage new plant growth. A waning moon (growing smaller each night) encourages less new growth. Why? Traditional advice suggests the waning moon pulls more fluids out of the branches, preventing rapid regrowth.
Use one cup of water, a bit of grated lemon peel, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and some cloves. Heat in the microwave just unil it boils. Let the mixture cool and wipe down the interior of the microwave. You'll smell the difference each time you open the door.
Write individual spending limits on a chart for the upcoming holiday activities. Travel. Eating out. Parties (given and attended). Christmas presents.
If one family member chooses to go over in one area, they can reduce their allowance in another or earn extra money doing chores around the house or for a neighbor.
Maybe jogging isn't your thing, but do something that counts as exercise. Take a walk around the block. Rake leaves. Wash the windows. Go ice skating or roller skating. Play chase with your children. It all counts, even the little stuff. You will feel better physically and emotionally when you step back on the holiday merry-go-round.
Events can pile up like an early season snow during November. Stick to your normal routine as much as possible. Breakfast at 8:00? Check, every day. Kid's outing on Friday? Check, on the calendar. Hair appointment on tap? Check. Nothing gets in the way.
Your normal, everyday activities are the familiar track (even when buried beneath the blizzard of the holiday rush) that will guide you through the busy season.