Planning a wedding while juggling the holidays is a little like trying to play the trumpet while driving a bus. Overall - an extremely bad idea. So unless you're marrying on New Year's Eve or something, I'd suggest you postpone any hardcore planning over the holidays. You'll only end up making your family mad and yourself, mental.

That's not to say you can't do some 'market research' this month. Having the family all gathered is a perfect time to poll them on preferences, get their schedules, and plant some save-the-dates along the way. Other ways to subtly sneak in some wedding planning...

** Test drive your gown on Christmas morning. You will need to know how comfortable it is to open gifts wearing your dress. So ignore any protests from your family, or as I call them - that 'bunch of jealous flannel-wearers.'

** Start memorizing your vows by singing them to every Christmas song that comes on the radio. Loudly. In the car, too.

** Stuff everyone's stocking with cans of Slim-Fast. Mustn't pork up before the wedding photos. You have to look at that album for the rest of your life!