When is the earliest I should process the visa if I would be travelling on Dec13?

Hi there,

I would be travelling to China with my mother and my daughter on Dec13, leaving on 25Dec13. We would visit Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu for about two weeks. My questions are:
1. When I should start to request for it? can I request it now or later in end of November13?
2. Can I apply for both my mother and daughter as well? or should they present?

Thanks,
Debby