Forgot to check your list?

To choose time is to save time.

- Francis Bacon

It's Christmas Eve, and time is winding down.

For some of us, the rush is almost over.

For others, panic has shown up at the front door and is caroling an a cappella chorus of desperation.

Do what I do.

Invite it in for fruitcake and eggnog.

Don't worry. You have my last-minute checklist, which reminds you to:

1. GET BATTERIES. Two packs of AAs and one each of Cs, Ds and AAAs. If you don't need them now, you will eventually.

2. GET GIFT CERTIFICATES. I'd recommend at least two. One to a popular discount department store, another to a local restaurant. This should accommodate the unexpected Christmas Day gift from the uncle you didn't think was coming.

3. GAS UP. You never know. You might need to go somewhere, and when you do, most places will be closed.

4. GET CHRISTMAS NOTE PAPER. There are few things more frustrating than trying to assemble a complicated toy past midnight. Don't. Take out the note paper and write the child an explanation as St. Nick would give it. Say the elves got behind because of his little sister's list. Tell him Dad will help him put it together ... soon.

5. GOT MILK? Do.

6. FINALLY, STAY AHEAD. Set your watch and the major clocks on the wall ahead 25 minutes. (Think Dec. 25.) I call it Christmas saving time. Sure, you're only fooling yourself, but you'll be amazed at how much time pressure you're lifting. Enough to enjoy another cup of coffee and your newspaper, I'll bet.

REQUIESCAT: The only person I ever asked for an autograph passed away last week. Ted Abernathy, a lanky relief pitcher for a number of teams, including the Braves, died in Gastonia, N.C.

Almost 40 years ago, I leaned over a rail at the old Atlanta Stadium trying to get the attention of all-time hit leader Pete Rose. Mr. Rose would not look up, but Ted Abernathy did. "Ted, can I have your autograph?" I asked.

He looked at me like a man not used to such requests, but he quietly walked over and signed a piece of paper I had intended for his more famous counterpart. I have it still, framed with his baseball card of that year.

TODAY'S JOKE: Cassandra Middleton, who celebrated a birthday Tuesday, shared this one.

You know what would have happened if it hadn't been Three Wise Men, but Three Wise Women?

Well, they would have asked directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole and brought practical gifts.