Make A List, Check It Many Times
This is not the same as planning ahead, but the two do coincide. You should make a list in order to plan ahead. Lists are things you should be checking off as you complete them; planning is what you do when you put all of your lists together. Making a list of the gifts you need to get, things you want to do when you get there, people you should see, etc., is a good way to keep those people who thrive off of organization sane during the holidays.