Q: Of course I will not be sending them out anytime soon. But I am already beginning to think about Christmas and New Year's just a little bit. The days are getting noticeably shorter now and in only a month the kids will be back in school and the leaves will begin to turn. We have a big New Year's Eve party each year and I am never certain when exactly to send out the invites. Send them too early and people might forget. Send them too late and people already have other plans. On what date should I send out my invites for a part on December 31?

A: You should send them right after thanksgiving. That is when people make their plans.